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How to Read an Office Chair Parts Table

Admin October 08, 2026

The parts table of an office chair can be interpreted by understanding the names, functions, and materials of each core component. Here are the key components and their explanations:

  1. Casters Casters come in two types: regular casters and PU wheels. PU wheels are made of soft materials and are suitable for smooth floors such as wooden floors or computer rooms, preventing scratches on the floor. Regular casters are suitable for carpets or other surfaces with high friction. Choose the appropriate type based on the usage environment.

  2. Chair Base The thickness of the iron frame of the chair base directly affects its load-bearing capacity and lifespan; generally, the thicker the frame, the more stable it is. Surface treatments include polishing, painting, baking paint, and electroplating, with electroplating offering the best rust resistance, suitable for humid environments; baking paint and painting focus more on aesthetic appeal.

  3. Gas Lift (Pneumatic Rod) The gas lift is the core component for adjusting the chair's height and rotation. It is filled with high-pressure nitrogen and achieves lifting through piston movement. Safety is the primary consideration. Regular products must pass international safety certifications such as SGS and BIFMA to avoid the risk of explosion from the gas lift.

  4. Seat Plate The seat plate connects the seat, gas lift, and five-star base, acting as the "control center" of the office chair. It supports functions such as seat height adjustment, backrest recline, recline angle locking, and recline tension adjustment. High-quality seat plates are usually made of thickened steel plates to ensure structural stability.

  5. Seat The seat consists of a wooden board, foam, and fabric. The wooden board, as the base layer, is not easily noticeable but must be free of insect damage or deformation. The density and thickness of the foam directly affect comfort, with high-density foam offering better resilience. Fabric options include linen (breathable and durable), mesh (highly breathable), or leather (easy to clean but less breathable).

  6. Armrests The thickness of the armrests is related to durability; thicker armrests can withstand greater pressure and reduce the risk of deformation. Some high-end models support height or angle adjustments to accommodate different usage scenarios.

  7. Seat-Back Connection (Corner Bracket) The seat and backrest are connected by steel pipes or plates, with plate thickness typically being 6mm or 8mm. If the plate width is less than 6cm, an 8mm thickness should be used to ensure connection strength and prevent loosening after long-term use.

  8. Backrest The backrest frame is mostly made of steel or plastic, combined with mesh design to enhance breathability. Steel frames offer stronger load-bearing capacity, suitable for heavier users; plastic frames are lighter and more suitable for portable office chairs.

  9. Lumbar Pillow and Headrest The design of the lumbar pillow and headrest directly affects comfort during prolonged sitting. The lumbar pillow should fit the curve of the lower back to disperse pressure; the headrest should support the neck to reduce cervical fatigue. Some models support height or angle adjustments to accommodate users of different heights.

  10. Five-Star Base The five-star base is the core component for load-bearing, and its material determines stability. Nylon is lightweight but has lower load-bearing capacity, suitable for daily office use; steel and aluminum alloy offer strong load-bearing capacity, suitable for heavier users or high-frequency usage scenarios. Choose the appropriate material based on usage needs.