Opting for cheaper chairs to cut costs may sound like a solid plan initially. However, a year from now you may have casters falling off, seats becoming unstable and adjustments no longer functioning.
Low-cost chairs often come with poor quality, leading to more frequent repairs or replacements, especially in demanding environments like laboratories and industrial settings.
A well-made chair is more than just a piece of furniture. It’s a tool that directly affects employee well-being, safety and performance. In environments where workers spend hours seated, ergonomic, durable chairs are crucial to maintain productivity and reduce the risk of injury.
Cutting corners by purchasing low-quality chairs will only increase long-term costs.
Buying furniture for your workspace is a major investment, so ensuring you make the right choice from the start is important. Chairs should not only meet the ergonomic needs of your employees but also provide long-term value. Here are some lab chair commercial must-haves to consider when selecting chairs for your lab or industrial facility:
- Material selection
- Comfort and ergnomics
- Warrant coverage
- Service and maintenance
- Quality assurance
- Total cost of ownership
Material Selection
The choice of material plays a significant role in determining how well your chairs will perform in a lab or industrial setting.
Typically, you’ll have three material options to consider:
- Fabric offers softness and comfort, but it may not stand up to harsh chemicals or constant use as well as other materials.
- Vinyl is a more durable choice that resists stains and is easy to clean, making it an ideal option in environments where spills are common.
- Polyurethane is another tough material, specifically designed for harsher environments, offering long-lasting durability in rugged work conditions.
If your workspace has a risk of static electricity buildup, consider ESD chairs made from anti-static materials. The material choice should be made with both your facility’s environment and your employees’ comfort in mind.
Comfort And Ergonomics
Prolonged sitting without proper support can cause long-term health problems, from chronic back pain to repetitive
strain injuries. Ensuring your chairs offer proper ergonomic support can make a huge difference in employee health and productivity.
Features to look for in ergonomic chairs include:
- Adjustable height to suit various workstations
- Sturdy, well-padded seats and backrests
- Customizable options that allow each employee to adjust the chair to their specific needs
With employees of different heights, weights and body types, ergonomics is essential.
Warranty Coverage
A solid warranty is an indicator of the manufacturer’s confidence in the product’s quality. A good warranty can save you the hassle of dealing with repairs or replacements on your own if issues arise.
When assessing the warranty, ask:
- When does it officially start: On purchase or delivery?
- Do you need to register the chairs to activate the warranty?
- What are the conditions that void the warranty?
- Who handles claims: The seller or manufacturer?
- Will the warranty cover a full replacement, or just repairs?
Understanding the terms of the warranty will help protect your investment and ensure you don’t end up spending more than necessary on repairs.
Service And Maintenance
Routine servicing may be necessary depending on how heavily the chairs are used. Make sure to verify whether the
manufacturer offers maintenance services or if you’ll need to handle it internally.
Note that some warranties are voided if unapproved personnel handle repairs, so it's critical to know in advance who will service the chairs.
For industrial furniture chairs used in high-demand environments with multiple shifts, durability and performance are even more important. Plan for regular maintenance if needed, and factor that into your decision-making process.
Quality Assurance
Ensuring the chair’s quality and durability can be tricky without independent testing. Third-party certification by organizations like BIFMA (Business Institutional Furniture Manufacturer’s Association) or ANSI (American National Standards Institute) is an excellent indicator that the chairs meet stringent performance and safety standards.
When a chair is ANSI or BIFMA certified, you can trust that it has been thoroughly tested for:
- Durability of its backrest, arms and base
- Stability when used and moved
- Swivel and tilt mechanisms
- Strength and longevity of casters
Only consider certified chairs for demanding work environments where performance and reliability are non-negotiable.
Total Cost Of Ownership
The initial price of a chair is just one part of its total cost. Over time, factors like service fees, repair costs and assembly will add to the overall cost of ownership. Even more importantly, the chair’s impact on user productivity and employee well-being can influence your long-term expenses.
For example, chairs that need frequent repairs or replacements, or that cause employee discomfort, can lead to higher indirect costs. Investing in higher-quality chairs now can save you money over the lifetime of the product by reducing downtime and boosting employee satisfaction.
Selecting the right chairs for your lab or industrial facility is crucial to ensuring both productivity and safety. Partnering with a reputable supplier can make the selection process easier by providing expert guidance and support throughout your purchase.
With these considerations in mind, you’ll be well-equipped to make an informed decision and secure a high return on your investment.
