A task chair is the piece of furniture people touch for eight hours a day, and it is also where commercial brands put most of their engineering. That combination makes used task chairs one of the best-value purchases in pre-owned furniture. A well-built commercial chair is designed to outlast many years of office use, so a second owner often gets most of its working life at a fraction of the new price.
Office Station resells pre-owned task chairs from brands including Herman Miller, Steelcase, Knoll, Haworth, Humanscale, Teknion, Allsteel, Kimball, AIS and Friant. Inventory changes with each project we take in, so tell us what you need and we will tell you what is realistic.
What buying from an independent reseller means
We want to be direct about this because it shapes what you should expect.
- We are not an authorized dealer for any manufacturer. Brand names identify the chairs we resell.
- Manufacturer warranties generally do not transfer to pre-owned chairs.
- Condition grades do the work a warranty would. Every chair is graded A, B or C so you know what you are buying.
Condition grades at a glance
| Grade | Description | Typical wear | Good fit for |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Like new | Minimal to none | Executive offices, client-facing areas |
| B | Very good | Light cosmetic wear, small scuffs on base or arms | Most staff workstations |
| C | Good | Visible wear, fully functional | Call centers, warehouse offices, high-turnover seats |
A simple strategy many buyers use: Grade A for the few seats visitors see, Grade B for everyone else, and Grade C for spare and shift seating.
The adjustments that matter
A task chair only helps if it fits the person in it. When you compare pre-owned chairs, look past the logo to the controls.
Seat height
The cylinder range should let feet rest flat with thighs roughly level. Very short or very tall users may need a different cylinder.
Seat depth
A sliding seat pan lets users leave a few fingers of space behind the knee. It is one of the most useful and most often missing adjustments.
Arms
Height-adjustable arms are the minimum for keyboard work. Width and pivot adjustments help people with narrower or broader frames.
Lumbar support
Some chairs have adjustable lumbar pads, some have fixed shaping, and some rely on the back design. Test it rather than assuming.
Tilt and tension
Look for tilt tension that can be tuned to body weight and a tilt lock that holds an upright position for focused work.
Ask about task chair availability
Used task chair inspection checklist
Use this list when you review a chair in person or evaluate photos and notes.
- Cylinder: holds height under weight, no slow sinking.
- Tilt mechanism: no grinding, clunking or loose play when reclining.
- Controls: every lever and knob engages and releases.
- Mesh: no sagging, fraying at the frame edge or snagged strands.
- Upholstery and foam: no tears, stains or collapsed front edge.
- Arm pads: cracked or peeling pads are common and worth noting.
- Base and casters: no cracks in base arms, casters roll freely and suit your floor.
- Back attachment: no flex or looseness where the back meets the seat.
Buying task chairs for a whole team
Ordering one chair is about fit. Ordering fifty is about consistency and sensible trade-offs. A few habits make team purchases go smoothly.
- Standardize on one or two models. Matching chairs look intentional and make it easy to swap parts or seats between desks later.
- Prioritize adjustability over prestige. A mid-range chair with seat depth and adjustable arms often serves a varied team better than a famous model missing those controls.
- Plan for outliers. Very tall, petite or larger users may need a different cylinder, seat size or weight rating. Identify them before you order.
- Order a few spares. New hires and the occasional broken caster are easier to handle with two or three extra chairs in storage.
- Match the grade to the room. Mixing grades across different areas is fine; mixing grades inside one visible row usually is not.
Share your headcount and any special requirements up front and we can tell you which models and grades are available in the quantity you need.
Pairing chairs with workstations
Most task chair orders arrive alongside desks or cubicles. For reference, a 6'x6' workstation, furniture only, runs $615 liquidation-grade, $1,245 remanufactured or $1,920 new. Those prices exclude seating, electrical, delivery and professional installation, so budget chairs separately.
Build a combined request with the used cubicle quote builder, browse other seating on pre-owned office chairs, or see desks, storage and tables on pre-owned office furniture. Space planning is free.
In Greater Phoenix, delivery is $195 central or $295 metro. Elsewhere nationwide, freight is quoted per project.
Replacing your chairs? Your old ones have value
Commercial task chairs from major brands are often the most resalable items in an office. If you are moving, downsizing or upgrading, we can include them in a liquidation. You receive a written net offer equal to the resale value minus removal cost, and a positive number means you get paid. Offers come within 5 business days of the walkthrough.
Estimate what your furniture is worth
Questions about a brand, configuration or quantity? Email hello@officestation.com.
Average market rate Prices subject to availability and project pricing.
Frequently asked questions
Is Office Station an authorized dealer for these brands?
No. Office Station is an independent reseller of pre-owned furniture and is not an authorized dealer for Herman Miller, Steelcase, Knoll, Haworth or any other manufacturer. Brand names describe the products we resell, not a dealer relationship.
Do manufacturer warranties transfer on used task chairs?
Generally, no. Manufacturer warranties are typically tied to the original purchaser and an authorized sale, so they usually do not follow a chair to a second owner. That is why we grade each chair and why you should review the grade and any noted wear before ordering.
What do the A, B and C grades mean?
Grade A is like new, with minimal visible wear. Grade B is very good, with light cosmetic wear from normal office use. Grade C is good, with visible wear but full function. All three grades are working chairs; the grade reflects appearance.
How do I choose between a mesh and an upholstered task chair?
Mesh backs breathe well and are popular in warm offices and for people who sit long hours. Upholstered backs feel softer, are quieter visually and are often easier to match to finishes. Mesh should be checked for sagging or fraying, and upholstery for stains and foam breakdown.
Can I order task chairs with workstations?
Yes. Task chairs are commonly added to used cubicle and benching orders. Note that the 6'x6' workstation prices on our cubicle pages are furniture-only and do not include seating, so add chairs to your quote builder request.
