Ever have an office chair break under your weight?
Ever have it happen in front of your coworkers?
You may be a little fat, but the chair giving way under you may not be entirely your fault. Most office chairs are only designed to support up to about 250 lbs. Many of us do exceed that capacity, especially when we have jobs that require sitting all day (snacking is optional).
If you have ever had a chair break under you, then you know exactly how important sturdy seating can be. Heavy-duty chairs for overweight people or for extended use are designed and built to provide the support necessary to keep the larger person comfortable without wearing out prematurely.
If you weigh over the 250 lbs that most office chairs are rated for, you may need to start shopping for a sturdy office chair that will last. There are several things to consider :
- Firm Padding in the Seat. Heavier people compress the cushion more, so is the seat going to remain?
- With Armrests or Without? Is the chair wide enough to allow you to sit comfortably?
- Back Support. Does the back feel comfortable and sturdy or is it loose and shaky?
- Wheels. Are the wheels well made and roll easily, even under your full weight?
- Materials. Plastic tends to crack easily. You may want to look for a chair that uses more metal than plastic, though some composite materials are just as reliable.
- Adjustability. You should be able to adjust height, tilt, and back position to suit your needs.
Recommended Heavy Duty Office Chairs:
The Avenger Series 500lb Big Man’s Chair by OFM
This very comfortable chair from OFM is made to last with double stitched bonded synthetic leather, which is thicker and more durable than cowhide leather as well as softer, more comfortable and less grainy. With a 5″ thick and 23.75″ wide seat, it’s wider than the most other big and tall chairs; providing extra room where you need it. This classy looking chair has a pneumatic gas lift seat height adjustment, 360-degree swivel, tilt and tilt tension adjustment, 28″ chrome base, and 1″ thick padded arms.
AirGrid Mesh Big & Tall Chair by Office Star
Office Star is known for stylish ergonomic chairs, and they make them for big people, too. This big and tall chair features an Air Grid® screen mesh backrest that allows for maximum ventilation and support. Built-in adjustable lumbar support, thick foam padded seat upholstered in black mesh fabric, one-touch pneumatic height adjustment, mid pivot knee tilt control for easy reclining, tilt lock with adjustable tilt tension, adjustable padded headrest, height and width adjustable urethane armrests, 360-degree swivel and a heavy-duty base with oversized dual wheel carpet casters and a rating of up to 400lbs make this a great choice for features and good looks.
Big & Tall Leather Office Chair by Harwick
Real, top-grain leather gives this office chair a luxurious feel at a price that won’t break the bank! It features an extra-thick, extra wide foam seat and heavy-duty construction throughout.
This chair is one of our personal favorites. The leather is absolutely beautiful. It’s super soft, has a very smooth surface as opposed to “football leather” and feels great. The back supports you in all the right places which helps make this one of the most comfortable heavy duty office chairs.
Does Being Fat Cost More?
Chairs made for heavy people are generally going to be more expensive because they are better made with stronger (and more) material. It is a worthy investment since you will save on buying cheaper fast-breaking chairs several times. Shop our entire line of big and tall chairs, and heavy-duty office chairs, here.
President at Office Chairs Unlimited – I have been in the furniture industry for over 20 years, and I’m an expert (just ask me) on all things furniture. I know a thing or two because I’ve seen a thing or two.
