The Knoll Life chair was designed around a simple idea: a task chair should be light, uncluttered and comfortable without a wall of levers. That makes a used Knoll Life chair appealing for offices that want recognizable design and real ergonomics without new-chair pricing. It also means you should buy with clear eyes, because a pre-owned chair is only as good as its condition and the honesty of the seller.
Office Station is an independent reseller of pre-owned furniture. We are not an authorized Knoll dealer. What we can give you is a clear grade, straight answers on warranty and fast availability on chairs that are already in stock.
The honest truth about warranty
This is the question most buyers ask first, so we will answer it up front.
That may sound like a reason to hesitate. In practice, a well-built commercial chair that has already survived years of office use, and still passes inspection, has proven itself. The parts most likely to wear, such as gas cylinders, casters and arm pads, are also the parts easiest to spot when you check a chair carefully.
So the smart approach is not to avoid used chairs. It is to know what to look for and to buy from a source that grades honestly.
How we grade Life chairs
Grades describe cosmetic condition. Any chair we list should work as intended.
- Grade A, like new. Minimal to no visible wear. Ideal for executive offices and client-facing areas.
- Grade B, very good. Light, normal signs of use like minor base scuffs or slight pad wear. The everyday value choice.
- Grade C, good. More visible cosmetic wear with working mechanisms. A practical pick for training rooms and budget-driven rollouts.
Ten-minute inspection checklist
Use this list when you see the chair in person or review photos with us. It is tuned to the things that actually fail on a used task chair.
| Check | What good looks like | Red flag |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | Rises and lowers smoothly, holds position under weight | Seat slowly sinks during use |
| Recline and tension | Noticeable change as you adjust tension | No change, or a clunk when leaning back |
| Back surface | Taut, even, no tears or sagging | Loose spots, frayed edges, broken attachment points |
| Arms | Adjustments lock in each position, pads intact | Arms drift, pads cracked or peeling |
| Seat cushion | Even support, clean fabric | Flattened foam, deep stains, split seams |
| Base and casters | Rolls freely, no cracks in base legs | Stuck or wobbly casters, visible cracks |
| Noise | Quiet when sitting, turning and reclining | Squeaks or grinding from the mechanism |
If a chair passes these checks, you are looking at a sound used chair. If you are unsure about something in a photo, ask. We would rather answer a question than ship the wrong chair.
Fast availability, and what drives it
Speed is one of the biggest advantages of pre-owned seating. New commercial furniture often takes 4 to 6 weeks. In-stock pre-owned items can be ready in as little as 72 hours. If a remanufactured item is involved, plan on about 7 to 14 days.
What you should know about supply:
- Inventory comes from real projects. Our chairs come out of corporate office liquidations and decommissioning work, so availability changes as projects complete.
- Small quantities move fastest. A few matching chairs are usually easier to fill than a large matched set.
- Flexibility helps. If you can accept a couple of colors or mix Grade A and B, your order can often be filled sooner.
Delivery costs
In Greater Phoenix, delivery is $195 in the central zone and $295 across the metro. Anywhere else in the country, freight is quoted per project. If chairs are part of a larger furnishing job, we can bundle them with workstations and include free space planning.
Is the Life chair right for you?
The Life chair is a good fit when:
- Users want a lighter, visually simple task chair.
- Most people work at a desk for part of the day, not locked in for ten hours straight.
- You value clean design in shared spaces and meeting rooms.
Consider something else when users want heavy-duty, highly adjustable support or a back that flexes as they move. Knoll's Generation chair is built for that style of sitting; see our used Knoll Generation chairs page. You can also compare Herman Miller, Steelcase, Haworth and Humanscale options in our pre-owned office chairs collection, or browse the wider range of pre-owned office furniture.
Closing an office with Life chairs inside?
Quality chairs hold value on the secondary market. Our office furniture liquidation service gives you a written net offer, which is the resale value of your furniture minus removal cost. If the number is positive, you get paid. Walkthroughs typically happen within 48 hours in Greater Phoenix and 2 to 3 business days elsewhere, with offers within 5 business days.
See what your furniture is worth
Have a question about a specific chair? Email hello@officestation.com.
Average market rate Prices subject to availability and project pricing.
Frequently asked questions
Do used Knoll Life chairs come with a manufacturer warranty?
Generally, no. Manufacturer warranties typically do not transfer to pre-owned furniture, and Office Station is an independent reseller, not an authorized Knoll dealer. Buy based on the condition grade and your own inspection, and ask us any questions before you order.
How quickly can I get a used Life chair?
In-stock pre-owned items can be ready in as little as 72 hours. Greater Phoenix delivery is $195 central and $295 metro. Freight to other locations is quoted per project.
What is the difference between Grade A, B and C?
Grade A is like new with minimal visible wear. Grade B is very good with light, normal signs of use. Grade C is good, with more visible cosmetic wear but working mechanisms.
Is a Life chair or a Generation chair better for my team?
It depends on how people sit. Life suits users who like a lighter, more minimal task chair with straightforward adjustments. Generation suits users who move and shift a lot and want a back that flexes with them.
Can you tell me the exact configuration before I buy?
Yes. Ask about the specific chairs you are considering and we will share what we know about adjustments, upholstery and condition. If a detail is unknown, we will say so rather than guess.
Average market rate Prices subject to availability and project pricing.
