Different Types of Office Chair Material
What type of quality and how many benefits an office chair offer, largely depends on what’s inside it. So, when you think of buying an office chair it becomes highly relevant to research office chair material
As we all know, there are different types of office chair materials such as leather, mesh, plastic, fabric, vinyl, and wood. Each office chair material comes with its pros and cons and your choice is determined by what you are looking for in your office chair.
To facilitate you in making the right choice for your office chair, we have tried to list the nuts and bolts of common office chair materials. We have also added some tips for protecting your office chair materials that can add to the life of your chair. So, without wasting a second, let’s dive straight into the real discussion.
Different Types of Office Chair Material
Ergonomic office chairs are manufactured out of different materials. We have compiled a list of the best office chair materials that are used in the most common types of office chairs.
Leather Office Chairs
Leather is the most common material used in manufacturing office chairs. Leather chairs give an elegant look and provide high-level comfort. Leather chairs are made from different types of leather such as bonded leather, genuine leather, or faux leather.
The leather grade used in making a leather office chair dictates its properties and price. Genuine leather chairs are the most high-quality chairs of all.
Pros
- Leather chairs look elegant and are a luxury addition to the overall look and feel of your office.
- Leather office chairs are comfortable to sit on. So, if you prefer comfort over everything, go for leather chairs.
Cons
- You need constant maintenance and care to protect the leather. If starts wearing out, there is no going back.
- Leather office chairs don’t provide ventilation and trap the heat inside. This is a huge drawback for offices without air conditioning and people who sweat a lot.
How to protect? – Tips
- Avoid exposing your leather office chair to sun or heat directly. Leather gets dull in sunlight and wears out early.
- Do weekly clean-up of your leather chair with leather cleansers or ingredients available at homes such as oil and vinegar solution.
Mesh Chairs
The second most common type of office chair is the mesh office chair. Mesh chairs are a revolutionary addition to the family of chairs. Synthetic mesh material is used in making a mesh chair. These chairs are mostly used in a conference room or office setting with space issues. Most ergonomic chairs use mesh material in the back of the chair whereas the chair seats are made using some other material such as fabric.
Pros
- One of the best things about mesh office chairs is their breathability feature. The mesh used in mesh chairs allows airflow between your back and the chair. So, unlike a leather chair, you stay cool for long sitting hours on a mesh chair.
- Unlike traditional office chairs, the mesh material is easy to clean and washable unlike leather or fabric office chairs
- These chairs are light in weight so are quite handy to move in different parts of the office
- Most mesh chairs can easily be assembled just by reading the instruction manual or watching a youtube video.
Cons
- If mesh starts fraying, there is no going back because the synthetic material used in the mesh cannot be fixed once damaged
- Don’t give a luxury feel like conventional office chairs made of leather
How to protect? – Tips
- While cleaning mesh office chairs, don’t use harsh hands. Be gentle, otherwise, the mesh will fray.
- As mesh chairs are light in weight so do your calculations beforehand about the range of weights these chairs can support.
Plastic Office Chairs
A lot of chairs are made out of plastic. Plastic chairs are an affordable alternative to all the other office chair materials. Plastic isn’t a high-maintenance material so a lot of offices go for plastic chairs.
Pros
- They are durable and don’t wear away if exposed to water or heat
- Are perfect for industries and warehouses where chairs are exposed to harsh environments
- Needs no maintenance except a quick wash for stain removal
Cons
- Aren’t suitable for executive office settings
- Don’t offer a lot of ergonomics for a better sitting experience
How to protect? – Tips
- Make sure to dust plastic chairs regularly with a dry cloth
- Don’t use abrasive brushes on plastic as they’ll leave scratches on
Fabric office chairs
Fabric is another popular material that is used to make office chairs. A lot of offices use fabric office chairs because they look good, are easy to maintain, and can fit in almost all interiors.
Pros
- These chairs come in a variety of designs and colors so are more diverse
- If any tiny damage occurs, a fabric office chair can be easily fixed with a needle and thread. Even in the case of large damages, a fabric office chair can simply be reupholstered.
Cons
- Don’t allow ventilation as much as mesh chairs do, so heat and odor remain in for long
- Fabric chairs are difficult to clean as fabric tends to absorb anything spilled on it
- Unlike leather which gets better with time, fabric frays away
How to protect? – Tips
- Regularly vacuum fabric chairs to remove all the dust absorbed in the fabric
- Keep liquids away from your fabric chair
Vinyl Office Chairs
Another material used in manufacturing office chairs is vinyl. Vinyl is also a type of plastic but with a different base material. Vinyl furniture is mostly used in laboratories, hospitals, vehicles interiors, etc.
Pros
- These chairs can be easily cleaned with anything, unlike leather chairs that require proper cleansers.
- They are affordable so small businesses can have them
Cons
- They aren’t durable and longlasting
- Need care while using because a little tear will make the entire chair useless
How to protect? – Tips
- Avoid using harsh chemicals to clean vinyl office chairs
- Use a soft damp cloth to clean these chairs
Wooden office chairs
Wooden office furniture has long been trending in various professional settings and is still a great option for making office desks and chairs. The legs of most kneeling chairs are made from wood while their seat uses foam-padded material.
Pros
- Hardwood chairs sustain longer because of their strength
- They are attractive because of their modern look
- Used in making a kneeling chair, which offers several ergonomic benefits
Cons
- Cannot be used in damp office spaces
- Sharp objects cause scratches on wood so wooden office chairs need extra care
How to protect? – Tips
- Wooden furniture is vulnerable to water so keep water away from wooden office chairs
- Protect wooden chairs from heat and fire
Which Office Chair Material is the Best?
Now that you’ve had a fair idea about different office chair materials, it’s time to get one. So, your choice of an office chair really depends on your requirements from an office chair.
You need to see your body size and shape, budget, office space, and the overall interior of your office before picking an office chair.
So, it’s always better to do your research before actually buying anything be it office chairs. Consider all the above-mentioned factors and decide which office chair suits you.
Conclusion – Final Verdict!
In sum, ergonomic office chairs come in various materials, and each material is distinct in its features. Different office chair materials include leather, mesh, plastic, fabric, vinyl, and wood.
Whichever material you pick for your office chair, you’ll have to do some extra effort to add to its life and appearance in the longer run. Has the above information helped you in finding the right office chair material for you? Do let us know!
