Steelcase Series 1 was designed to bring adjustable, supportive seating to a wider range of budgets. It is a common pick for open offices, call centers, training rooms and home office setups, and it turns up regularly on the pre-owned market when companies downsize or refresh.
This page explains what to look for in a used Series 1 chair, how we grade them and what the warranty situation honestly looks like when you buy from an independent reseller.
Why Series 1 makes sense used
Series 1 sits in a practical spot: more adjustment than a basic task chair, less cost than Steelcase's higher-end models. Buying pre-owned brings the price down again, which makes it easier to seat an entire team in a consistent, adjustable chair instead of mixing whatever is cheapest.
The chair's lighter, more compact build is also a plus for smaller workstations and shared spaces where bulky executive chairs crowd the aisle.
Typical adjustments on Series 1 include seat height, seat depth, arm adjustment and recline controls. Exact features vary by the options the original buyer selected, so a used chair may have more or fewer adjustments than another one that looks the same. Always confirm the options on the specific units you are buying.
Our condition grades for Series 1
| Grade | Appearance | Function | Good fit for |
|---|---|---|---|
| A, like new | Minimal or no visible wear on seat, back or arms | All adjustments work as designed | Client areas, executive teams, anyone who wants a near-new look |
| B, very good | Light wear such as slight arm pad or base scuffs | All adjustments work as designed | Most office rows and team spaces |
| C, good | Visible wear on upholstery, arm pads or base | Fully usable | Training rooms, back office, high-turnover seats |
Grades describe the chair as a whole. If the seat fabric is clean but the arm pads are worn, say so when you ask for photos, and we can tell you which grade that unit falls under.
Checklist for a used Series 1 chair
Use this whether you are sitting in the chair or reviewing it remotely.
- Confirm the model. Look at the label under the seat. Series 1 and Series 2 look alike from a distance.
- Height lift. Raise the seat, sit down and wait a minute. A seat that slowly sinks means the gas cylinder needs replacement.
- Seat depth. Slide the seat forward and back. It should move freely and lock in place.
- Arms. Test every direction the arms adjust. Check pads for cracks or peeling.
- Recline and lock. Lean back through the full range and try each lock position.
- Back and frame. Look for cracks in the plastic back and frame, especially at stress points where the back meets the seat.
- Casters and base. Roll the chair across the floor. Casters should turn smoothly and suit your flooring type.
- Upholstery. Check for stains, tears and odor. Fabric can be cleaned, but deep damage affects the grade.
- Matching. For a group purchase, confirm colors, arm types and options are consistent across the order.
Ask about Series 1 availability
The honest warranty picture
New chairs bought through a manufacturer's authorized channels typically come with warranty coverage. That coverage is tied to the original purchase through the manufacturer's channels. When a chair moves into the pre-owned market, you should assume that coverage does not come with it.
What that means in practice:
- Your protection is the inspection and grade on the chair, plus whatever terms are stated on your Office Station quote.
- Common wear parts on task chairs, such as cylinders, casters and arm pads, are typically replaceable. Factor that into how you think about long-term cost.
- If a manufacturer warranty is a hard requirement for your company, a new chair through an authorized dealer is the right route, and you should weigh that against the pre-owned savings.
Lead times and delivery
In-stock liquidation-grade chairs can be ready in as little as 72 hours. Remanufactured furniture usually takes 7 to 14 days. Greater Phoenix delivery is $195 central or $295 metro, and freight elsewhere in the country is quoted per project. Delivery and installation are always listed separately from the furniture price.
Choosing a grade by how the chair is used
The right grade depends less on budget and more on who sits in the chair and for how long. A few rules of thumb:
- Full-time desk staff. Grade A or B. People in the same seat for eight hours notice worn cushions and sticky adjustments quickly.
- Shared or hoteling seats. Grade B. Several people adjust these chairs every week, so reliable controls matter more than a flawless finish.
- Training rooms and overflow. Grade C. Short sessions and frequent rearranging make cosmetic wear a non-issue.
Mixing grades in a single order is common and keeps money in the budget for the seats that need it most.
Compare other chairs
If you want a slightly different feel or feature set, compare the used Steelcase Series 2 page, or browse all pre-owned office chairs. Outfitting full workstations at the same time? Start with our used cubicles options, and see the guides for planning help.
Average market rate Prices subject to availability and project pricing.
Frequently asked questions
Is Office Station an authorized Steelcase dealer?
No. Office Station is an independent reseller of pre-owned furniture, including Steelcase. We are not an authorized dealer and are not affiliated with the manufacturer.
Does the Steelcase warranty transfer on a used Series 1 chair?
Manufacturer warranties generally do not transfer to pre-owned furniture. Plan your purchase assuming the original warranty does not apply, and ask us what support comes with the chairs in your quote.
What condition grades do you use?
We use three grades: A is like new, B is very good with light wear, and C is good with visible wear but full function. Every chair is graded so you know what to expect before delivery.
How do I tell a Series 1 from a Series 2?
Both are Steelcase task chairs with a similar profile, so it is easy to mix them up in listings. Check the manufacturer label under the seat, which typically identifies the model. If you are buying in quantity, confirm the model and options on the quote so every chair matches.
Can I buy Series 1 chairs in bulk for a whole office?
Yes, subject to stock. Matching large quantities in the same color and options depends on what is available, so tell us your count early. Volume pricing applies at 20, 50 and 100 or more stations when chairs are part of a workstation order.
