Nowadays office chairs are essential for most people who work in an office and spend 7 to 8 hours daily. However, each office chair has its features but not all are suitable for everybody. One of the main problems that comes out while using an office chair is its height. Some people may feel that their computer office chair is not tall enough for them and this can lead to discomfort and even pain.
This is the time when most people think Should we replace the chair because of the height? well, you can depending on the current chair’s condition such as inspecting the different components for damages, and your budget also. Firstly, it is important to follow and apply the methods. After this article, If your chair still feels short, then you can decide to get a taller one.
There are different types and also several ways to make these office chairs taller, some are free DIYs that you can do yourself while others need some additional accessories that you can purchase. So In this article, we will discuss 9 different methods to make your office chair higher and also guide you step by step each method for easy understanding.
Understand Different Types of Chairs
Before we start any method, it is important to understand that there are different types of office chairs traditional, ergonomic, kneeling, swivel, Aeron, etc. Understanding these types and their features can help you choose the best option for your body.
For example, there are chairs with levers for adjusting height, while others may not have levers but have other methods of adjustment without levers such as tilt tension control or seat height adjustments.
So if you have inspected and tried out all the different mechanisms of your office chair, or your chair does not have any mechanism at all, or whatever the reason and you can’t find the perfect height, then you might need to consider other methods, that we will guide you. So let’s get started!
7 Methods to Make an Office Chair Higher
Free DIYs Methods:
- Use Pillow or Cushions
- Stuff Some Paper Towels Down the Gas Cylinder
- Add Aluminum Foil to the Base
Other Methods:
- Replace Your Office Chair’s Gas Lift Cylinder
- Replace the Casters or Glides
- Add a Drafting Stool Under
- Footrest
- Wooden Block Platform
- Using Adjustable Chair Mats
Once you have learned these methods, now we are going to explain these ways in detail so you can easily understand and follow them.
Practical Guide to Making an Office Chair Higher
1. Use Pillow or Cushions
One of the easiest and most common methods is to use a pillow or cushion on the seat of your office chair. You can use any of your old ones, that are not in use, This will add height and also provide extra comfort just make sure while choosing:
- The color of the pillow or cushion matches your chair
- Its size does not take up too much space on the seat of your chair.
- It is recommended not to use a cushion that is too soft or flat, as this will not provide proper support and can cause more discomfort.
To add the cushion, simply place it on the chair seat and adjust it to your desired height. You can also use multiple cushions if needed.
2. Stuff Some Paper Towels Down the Gas Cylinder
The second DIY is you can use stuff paper towel in the gas cylinder to make the chair taller. This is the most common method, but be careful while doing this as the paper towels can compress over time and you may need to replace them.
First, you need to turn your chair upside-down and take a look at the gas cylinder. If you see a black plastic cap, then take a pliers and remove it by twisting it counter-clockwise, but make sure you don’t overdo it.
Once removed, then slowly start stuffing the paper towels into the cylinder, making sure they are tightly packed and not loose. Keep stuffing the paper towels until you reach your desired height you need to fill the space between the seat plate and the top of the gas cylinder.
Once you have stuffed all the paper towels, replace the plastic cap as well you remove this. And now you can flip your chair back and test it.
3. Add Aluminum Foil to the Base
The next way is you can also add aluminum foil to the base of your office chair. Because this is a lightweight and cheap material, you can easily add layers to increase the height of your chair.
Detach the Base from the Gas Cylinder:
First, you need to remove the base (typically equipped with the casters) from the gas cylinder. This may require a bit of muscle, so make sure to secure the chair properly before attempting to detach it. You can also use any rubber mallet that makes the process easier
Adding the Aluminum Foil:
Once you have successfully detached the base, put a layer of aluminum foil into the base and then reattach the cylinder. Make sure to secure it tightly, as the not properly secured chair can make it wobbly and instability problems.
4. Replace Your Office Chair’s Gas Lift Cylinder
In this list, one of the most popular ways is to replace your office chair’s gas lift cylinder with a longer one. This can be expensive, depending on the type of chair you have, but it is a more permanent solution to make your office chair higher.
To do this, you need to purchase a longer gas lift cylinder and carefully replace it with the old one. Here is, how you can purchase the best ones according to your needs:
- You can purchase a longer gas lift cylinder from your chair manufacturer/ seller, or any hardware store selling office furniture parts.
- Make sure to measure and check the size of your old gas lift cylinder and purchase one with the same measurements, or longer.
- You can also opt for an adjustable gas lift cylinder, which allows you to adjust the height as needed.
Also Read Full Guide: Gas Cylinder Replacement
How to Replace?
After purchasing the gas cylinder, and are ready for replacement. Start by turning your chair upside down and removing the wheels. First, you need to disassemble the chair by removing the base. Well, most of the bases can be removed by applying upward force or using a rubber mallet to gently tap the base until it loosens, through this, if the base is not getting off then you can also use a vice instead of a mallet.
Once the base is removed, use an adjustable wrench to unscrew the old cylinder from the seat plate. After that, simply put the new cylinder in its place by screwing it tightly with the wrench. This will secure your new gas lift cylinder, raising your chair height.
5. Replace the Casters or Glides
Another option to make your office chair higher is by replacing the casters (wheels) with longer ones or using glides instead of wheels. Note that this method may not provide you with significant additional height, as you know the casters are not too big which can raise the height.
Here is, how to purchase the best replacement casters.
- If you are purchasing from any online store, first look at the measurements of the caster, and make sure to choose ones with a longer stem than your current casters, you should get at least an extra inch on the stem. You can see your current caster measurement through a ruler as well.
- If you are purchasing from an offline store, take one of your casters with you and choose the length accordingly.
- Make sure the casters you are purchasing have a weight capacity that is suitable for your chair and body weight.
You can also choose to replace the casters with glides, which are stationary and do not have a wheel. This can be a good option, but you won’t be able to move your chair around, as easily. The Replacement of glides is the same as the process of replacing casters, you can follow the same steps as mentioned above to replace them.
6. Add a Drafting Stool (for non-movable chairs)
Well, all of the methods mentioned above needed some effort, but this is easy to do, well if you already have an extra drafting stool at home, then it can be free. These stools are taller, which is perfect for making your chair higher while still providing comfort and support, but this method is only for non-movable chairs. You just need to put this stool under your desk and your feet on it, and you will get the extra height you need.
7. Footrest (for non-movable chairs)
If yoor feet are not touching the ground, then this is one of the easiest methods, as like the drafting stool, it is also for non-movable chairs. You just need to add a footrest under your feet, that have a better length and you can get the height you need.
8. Wooden Block Platform (for non-movable chairs)
Another simple solution, if you don’t want to spend extra money, is using wooden blocks as a platform under the base of your chair. This is also a common way, as most people use wooden blocks under the feet of their furniture to protect the floor.
You can simply stack up wooden blocks until you reach your desired height and then place your chair on top. Just make sure the blocks are stable and secure so that your chair doesn’t wobble or tip over. And it is also for non-movable chairs as well.
9. Using Adjustable Chair Mats
Last, but not least is using an adjustable chair mat. Well, simple mats are needed in every home and office but we are talking about an adjustable chair mat that allows you to increase your chair height up to 1-2 inches.
These mats are usually made of plastic or vinyl and have adjustable pegs that can be removed or added according to your desired height. They also provide a smooth surface for easy movement of the chair. But make sure, you have purchased a good quality chair mat as a cheap one can crack or deform easily, and also cause the chair to unstable and many more problems.
How to Purchase a Best Adjustable Chair Mat?
While purchasing, you need to ensure some common things like the mat should be made of durable and sturdy material. It should also have a weight capacity that can support your chair and body weight.
The surface should be smooth for easy movement, the mat size should be large enough to cover the area under your desk and the pegs should be adjustable in height according to your needs. You can also purchase a transparent mat, as it will also make your carpeted floor visible, giving a cleaner look to your office space.
FAQs:
What Things to Consider, If I need to Replace my Office chair?
If you are considering replacing your office chair, You need to check the chair height, weight capacity, backrest support, and overall comfort. And if you are confuse about choosing the right one, that can fulfill your needs, then here we have written a guide on “How to Choose the Best Office Chairs“.
What are the best casters for increasing chair height?
When searching for casters to increase your chair’s height, look for ones that have a longer stem than your current casters, you can measure it with a ruler. Make sure to choose casters with a weight capacity suitable for your chair and body weight.
Where can I purchase replacement parts for my office chair?
You can purchase replacement parts like gas lift cylinders, casters, or glides from online retailers, furniture stores, or even hardware stores or if you want to buy online then you can buy from amazone.com.
