The Steelcase Think has been a mainstay in offices for a long time because it gets the basics right. It is comfortable without much fiddling, it looks clean in almost any room, and it was designed with durability and recyclability in mind. For a pre-owned buyer, that combination makes it one of the safer choices on the market. The question is not whether the Think is a good chair. It is whether the specific unit in front of you is a good value.
Why the Think holds its value
A few traits make the Think a strong candidate for buying used:
- Fewer controls. The Think is known for a recline that responds to the sitter's weight, so there is less to set up and fewer mechanisms to wear out or get misadjusted.
- Commercial build. It was made for full workdays in busy offices, not occasional use.
- Timeless look. Its design does not feel dated, so a pre-owned chair still fits a modern space.
- Easy to match. Its popularity means you are more likely to find several in the same configuration for a team.
Think chairs have been produced in more than one generation and in different back materials and arm options. When you compare units, compare like for like.
What you pay for at each grade
Grading is how Office Station keeps pre-owned buying transparent. The grade describes cosmetic condition. Every graded chair should function properly: recline, height and arm adjustments working as intended.
| Grade | Label | Cosmetic condition | Where it makes sense | Value takeaway |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | Like new | Little or no visible wear | Reception, leadership offices, client meeting rooms | Pay for appearance where people will see it |
| B | Very good | Light marks on base, arms or seat edge | Open office rows, everyday task seating | Usually the best balance of look and cost |
| C | Good | More noticeable wear, still sound | Training rooms, warehouse offices, overflow seating | Maximum savings where looks matter least |
Ask what specific wear a unit has. "Light marks on the base" and "fading on the seat" are very different things if the chair will sit in front of clients.
How to judge a pre-owned Think
Use this quick checklist when you sit in a chair or review photos and video.
- Recline. Lean back slowly, then quickly. The chair should respond smoothly to your weight and return upright without a clunk.
- Height cylinder. Sit fully and set the height. It should hold with no gradual sinking over a few minutes.
- Arms. If the arms adjust, move them through their range and confirm they lock. Look for cracked or loose arm pads.
- Back surface. Check the back material for snags, tears or sagging, and look where it attaches to the frame.
- Seat. Inspect the front edge of the cushion for wear, and confirm seat depth adjusts if the chair has that option.
- Lumbar. If lumbar support is included, move it and confirm it stays where you set it.
- Base and casters. Look for cracks in the base and confirm all casters roll freely.
- Noise. Shift your weight side to side. Squeaks and creaks are worth a question.
Think or Gesture?
Buyers comparing Steelcase chairs often land on these two. The short version:
- Choose the Think if your team wants a comfortable chair that works well with minimal adjustment, or if chairs are shared and reset often.
- Choose the Gesture if people spend long days switching between keyboard, phone and tablet and want arms that follow them. Our used Steelcase Gesture chair guide covers what to inspect on that model.
Plenty of offices use both: Think chairs in shared and hoteling seats, Gesture chairs for heads-down roles.
Red flags that erase the value
A low price is not a good deal if the chair needs work the day it arrives. Pass on, or ask hard questions about, any unit that shows:
- A seat that slowly sinks after you set the height.
- A recline that feels stuck, loose or noisy under your weight.
- Torn or sagging back material, since that is the surface you lean on all day.
- Cracks in the base or arm pads.
- Missing options you assumed were included, such as adjustable arms or lumbar support.
Buying Think chairs for a team
When you buy in quantity, the value math changes a little. A matched set in one grade and configuration looks intentional, so ask for the count available in a single match before you commit. If you need more seats than one match can cover, consider putting Grade A or B chairs in visible areas and Grade C in back rooms.
Setting up a full floor? Seating can be coordinated with used cubicles and other pre-owned office furniture, with free space planning. If your company is clearing out chairs instead, office furniture liquidation starts with a written net offer.
Request Think chair availability
Frequently asked questions
Why buy a used Steelcase Think chair instead of a cheaper new chair?
A pre-owned Think is a commercial-grade chair built for daily office use, often for less than a budget new chair that is not designed for full workdays. You get sound ergonomics with fewer controls to learn. Check condition grade and function to make sure you are getting that value.
How is the Think different from the Gesture?
The Think is simpler. It is known for a recline that responds to your body weight, so there is less to adjust, and it suits people who want to sit down and work. The Gesture offers more adjustment, especially in the arms, which suits long device-heavy days.
Which condition grade gives the best value?
For most offices, Grade B (very good) is the sweet spot because the wear is light and cosmetic. Grade A (like new) makes sense for visible spaces, and Grade C (good) fits budget-first rooms where appearance matters less. Every grade should function properly.
Is there a manufacturer warranty on a pre-owned Think?
Generally no. Office Station is an independent reseller, not an authorized Steelcase dealer, and manufacturer warranties generally do not transfer to pre-owned furniture. Inspect the recline, cylinder, arms and back mesh or fabric before you buy.
