Office chairs are one of the vital parts of any workspace. If you work in an office and sit for long hours, you need a chair that’s comfortable and helps you stay productive. If someone isn’t comfortable, they’re going to be focused entirely on how uncomfortable they are, which will affect their morale, focus, and mood. No employer would want that.
One of the most important aspects of a chair is the material. Chair backrests are constructed from a large variety of materials, including leather, faux leather, mesh, vinyl, wood, fabric, and plastic. Depending on the budget, type of work and general office environment, a certain type of office chair material may be more or less suited to you.
It’s recommended to choose materials that can withstand ongoing use, and last for a long period of time. That’s why we are taking a closer look at the pros and cons of the most popular types of materials for office chairs and the various attributes to look out for.
The touch and feel
Different types of materials will feel different on your skin. Materials such as mesh and fabric are more likely to feel rougher compared to leather and plastic. Whereas, leather and faux leather are more likely to feel stickier with long periods of sitting. Taking some time to research particular types of computer chairs or to try them in person, is a good way to clear the doubts.
Support and Comfort
Support for your back is the most important benefit of any chair. Wooden and plastic backrests may not be the softest options in the world. Mesh type of backrest is known to form to your body, providing support exactly where you need it the most. Fabric with foam or fluff will be softer but may flatten out over time meaning you will have to get a new chair.
Durability
Of all the material types listed above, the wood type is the one that will last the longest but it is not suitable for an office task chair. Leather, faux leather, and vinyl are all known to wear and crack over time. Fabric will last but stains are difficult to remove. A lower quality mesh will stretch itself out much quicker than higher quality mesh. So, it’s better to choose a higher quality mesh chair.
