Office Chairs for Heavy People: Is Your Chair Built for You?

With more and more people being classified as overweight in the US, it’s not surprising that some of our furniture can’t hold us anymore. Office chairs for heavy people are designed to withstand more than the usual 150-200 lbs. and can prevent a lot of humiliation from breaking computer chairs.

If you have ever been victim of an office chair that cracked and dumped you onto the floor, you know just how embarrassing it can be to use a chair not designed for your weight. In fact, even if you don’t totally fall over, and just end up with a cracked leg or a broken wheel, it can be humiliating and frustrating. Not to mention expensive. After all, if you go through a computer chair every 2-3 months, you’re spending a good chunk of cash on office chairs each year! Is that even included in your budget?

Opting for office chairs for heavy people means you can make an investment and use your chair for a long time to come. Here are a few things to look for in a heavyweight chair.

Rating. What is the chair rated for? Most ordinary desk chairs will hold 150-200 lbs. nothing more. However, there are chairs that are rated for 400 or even 500 lbs. These will stand up to considerably more use and heavier users.

Metal construction. While the entire chair doesn’t have to be metal, at the very least the feet should be. The base of the chair is what supports the main weight and it is also the part that most often cracks, leaving the seat worthless. Check that the post and the feet are all built out of metal for best durability.

Width. Even some office chairs for heavy people are too narrow. If you are looking for a chair that is rated for 500 lbs, make sure it is also large enough to accommodate you. There’s nothing more uncomfortable than being squashed into a chair. The other option is to choose a chair that has no arms so you will be more comfortable.

Support. Equally important to finding a chair that holds your weight is finding one that supports your body correctly. It’s easy to end up with back problems when you sit in a chair all day at a desk, so look for ergonomically supportive chairs, as well.

Office chairs for heavy people are becoming easier to find these days, but they still might not be stocked at your local office supply store. Fortunately, you can order online and get your chair delivered in just a couple of days. With the right chair, you’ll be able to sit comfortably without worrying about shifting your weight and cracking something. It’s worth the peace of mind to get a chair that will work for you.