The majority of office chairs on the market have a weight capacity of 250-300 lbs. These regular desk chairs may not work for heavy people, and looking for one that suits their needs can be a challenging experience. To make things easier, our team of experts compiled a list of the best office chairs for heavy people. We made sure our recommended options can handle at least 400 lbs or more, meaning they are suitable even for higher weight folks.
Apart from making sure our picks can handle the weight, we only chose options with seats at least 27 inches wide, which is much wider than standard office chairs. After selecting a long list of chairs that match our weight capacity and width criteria, we compared them on price, warranty, durability, and reviews.
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Best Ergonomic Office Chairs for Heavy People
- Flash Furniture Hercules Series Office Chair – Top Pick
- Kasorix Big & Tall Executive Office Chair – Best Value
- Steelcase Leap Series Office Chair – Premium Pick
- Gates Genuine Leather Executive Office Chair – Most Stylish
- Best Massage Extra Wide Mesh Office Chair – Most Affordable
- XUER Ergonomic Office Chair – Best for Short Heavy People
Above you can see a list of our recommended office chairs for heavy people. Keep scrolling down for a detailed description of each chair, including its key features, specifications, and pros & cons
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Compare Our Top Picks
Chair Name | Weight Capacity | Chair Width | Chair Height | Warranty |
500 lbs | 27.5” | 47” | 2-Year | |
400 lbs | 28.4” | 48.4” | N/A | |
400 lbs | 27” | 43.5” | 12-Year | |
400 lbs | 28.75” | 53” | 1-Year | |
500 lbs | 27.4” | 45” | 90-Day |
Our top pick is the Flash Furniture Hercules Series. This chair offers a heavy-duty structure, a comfortable seat, a decent warranty, and an affordable price tag all in one.
Let’s start with the chair’s look and material. It has an elegant executive design highly sought after nowadays. The chair’s seat and backrest are made from a leather-look ultra-soft upholstery which is easy to clean. Additionally, thick six-inch foam padding makes the seat ultra-comfortable.
What makes it good for a heavy person is its size and weight capacity. The chair is 27.5 inches wide, and the seat alone is 22 inches wide. That’s about six inches wider than regular office chairs. Most importantly, the chair has a heavy-duty chrome wheelbase, allowing an outstanding 500 lb maximum weight capacity. Furthermore, Flash Furniture offers a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty covering all parts.
The chair also has many adjustable features, including; an adjustable headrest, pneumatic height adjustment, 360-degree swivel, and a 3-setting recline function. Another ergonomic feature is the built-in lumbar support which is vital to maintaining a healthy posture and providing back support.
It’s also important to point out that the chair’s backrest is very high, ideal for taller people. If you are interested in other options with a high backrest, feel free to check out our best high back office chairs guide.
However, this desk chair does have some downsides. For instance, the chair’s armrests and lumbar support are not adjustable, unlike some other ergonomic options on the market. Secondly, the 2-year warranty is decent but not as long as what premium brands offer, such as Steelcase and Herman Miller.
All things considered, the Flash Furniture Hercules Series can be the best office chair for overweight person, especially if they cannot spend a fortune on the premium brands but want a reliable and comfortable chair with a decent warranty.
KEY FEATURES:
- Executive High Back Design
- 2 Years Manufacturers Warranty
- Strong Chrome Wheelbase
- Pneumatic Height Adjustment Lever
- 6” Thick Foam Padding
- Height Adjustable Headrest
- 360-Degree Swivel
- 22” Wide Seat
- Dual Wheel Casters
- Padded Chrome Arms
- Built-In Lumbar Support
- Curved Waterfall Seat
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Dimensions: 32″D x 27.5″W x 47″H
- Chair Width: 27.5 inches
- Weight Capacity: 500 lbs
- Material: PU Bonded Leather, Foam, Metal
- Weight: 61 lbs
- Manufacturer: Flash Furniture
PROS:
- Heavy-Duty Weight Capacity
- Good Reviews
- Extra-Wide Seat
- Decent Warranty
- Ultra-Comfy
- Fairly Affordable
CONS:
- Lumbar Support and Armrests are Not Adjustable
Next on our list is our best value choice, the Kasorix Big and Tall Office Chair. It offers a comfortable, extra-wide seat able to handle heavy-duty weights for a super-affordable price. All of that makes it a great choice for a heavy person.
First and foremost, this is another chair with executive leather looks. It’s made from PU leather and has a high backrest and 4-inch thick high-density padding for comfortability. To add even more comfort, this model has a built-in footrest, and if you combine that with its 90-155 degrees recline function, you have a chair suitable for working, relaxing, and even sleeping.
The chair is built especially for heavy people with wider hips, measuring 28 inches wide. Additionally, it can also handle heavy weights up to 400 lbs, thanks to a strong aluminum wheelbase.
Adjustable features include pneumatic height adjustment, a tilt tension regulator, recline function, adjustable footrest, 360-degree swivel, and adjustable armrests. These features allow users to regulate the chair’s shape to their liking.
At such a low price point, you can expect some disadvantages. Firstly the chair lacks lumbar support, which is vital for some users. Secondly, the chair has a short warranty compared to more expensive options. It’s also made of bonded leather which can be a negative if you’re someone who gets hot easily.
In summary, this Kasorix desk chair is an ideal option if you are on a limited budget and desperately want a comfortable executive office chair suitable for overweight people. If you are interested in more options with footrests, check out our best reclining office chairs with footrests guide.
KEY FEATURES:
- Elegant Executive Design
- High Backrest
- Built-In Footrest
- Pneumatic Height Adjustment
- PU Textured Leather Material
- 360-Degree Swivel
- Adjustable Armrests
- Tilt-Tension Knob
- Sturdy Aluminum Wheelbase
- 4” Thick Foam Padding
- BIFMA Certified
- 90-155 Degrees Recline
- Five Noiseless Casters
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Dimensions: 27″D x 28″W x 48.4″H
- Chair Width: 28 inches
- Weight Capacity: 400 lbs
- Material: PU Leather, Foam, Aluminum
- Weight: 52 lbs
- Manufacturer: Kasorix
PROS:
- Super-Affordable Price Tag
- High Weight Capacity
- Suitable for Tall Users
- Comfortable Padding
- Excellent Reviews
- Easy to Maintain
CONS:
- Lacks Lumbar Support
- Short Warranty
Our premium pick, the Steelcase Leap Series, is third on our list and is an excellent ergonomic option. This office chair brand is one of the most highly rated of all. Their products are built to last, fully ergonomic with innovative features, and covered by the most extended warranties.
First and foremost, the Steelcase Leap Series has an ergonomic design that includes an S-shaped backrest for ultimate posture support. It’s excellent for people with back pain.
The chair is available in 16 colors and is made from fabric and durable nylon.
The Leap Series is specially made for heavy people. Its heavy-duty wheelbase allows for an excellent 400 lbs weights capacity, while the chair is ultra-wide, measuring 27 inches. It’s about six inches wider than regular office chairs.
Another clear advantage is the brand’s warranty. They offer a 12-year-long warranty that is one of the longest, if not the longest, out of all the office chair brands. The only brand that can potentially compete is Herman Miller, another premium brand.
What makes Steelcase popular is how ergonomic its chairs are. They are built with an all-out focus on posture maintenance and comfortability. For example, they use LiveBack technology to enable the chair to adapt to your body’s shape by allowing you to regulate multiple tension points.
Other ergonomic features include adjustable lumbar support, 4D armrests, adjustable seat height & depth, an optional adjustable headrest, 4-setting adjustable recline, and adjustable recline tension. These features make the chair a perfect choice for those seeking to improve their posture when working for prolonged periods.
All things considered, the Steelcase Leap Series is one of the best, if not the best office chair for a heavy person. The warranty is unbeatable, while the reviews are simply fantastic. The only downside is the premium price, but we always recommend spending more on a high-quality chair as it pays off in the long run.
KEY FEATURES:
- Ergonomic S-Shape Design
- 12-Year Manufacturers Warranty
- Adjustable Lumbar Support
- LiveBack Technology
- Optional Additional Headrest
- Heavy-Duty Nylon Wheelbase
- 4-Setting Recline Function
- Adjustable Seat Height and Depth
- Adjustable Recline Tension
- 19.25” Wide Seat
- 4D Armrests
- BIFMA Certified
- Made from 94% Sustainable Materials
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Dimensions: 25″D x 27″W x 43.5″H
- Chair Width: 27 inches
- Weight Capacity: 400 lbs
- Material: Fabric, Foam, Nylon
- Weight: 48 lbs
- Manufacturer: Steelcase
PROS:
- Outstanding Warranty
- Ultra-High Weight Capacity
- Highly Rated by Offices Worldwide
- Fully Ergonomic
- Excellent Reviews
- Built to Last
- Ideal Back and Neck Pain Eliminator
CONS:
- Premium Price
Next up on our list is our most stylish pick, the Gates Genuine Leather Executive Office Chair. This option offers impeccable style, real leather material, a heavy-duty structure, and an ultra-wide & tall seat.
First and foremost, this chair is incredibly stylish, perfect for any home office. The s-shape backrest and trendy color make it look like a high-end office chair. It’s actually made from real genuine leather, which makes it stand out from other executive office chairs, most commonly made from synthetic PU leather. The material is durable and very easy to maintain.
Secondly, the chair is perfect for heavy people. Thanks to a strong polished aluminum wheelbase, it has a weight limit of 400 lbs. Gates offers a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty covering all chair parts.
Additionally, its size is perfect for plus size people. It is 28.75 inches wide and 53 inches tall, making it one of the highest and widest options on the market. Read our best big and tall office chairs guide if you are interested in more similarly sized options.
For comfortability, the chair is double padded with high-density foam. Users also have the option of a 120 degrees recline, which is a good position for relaxing and sleeping. The only downside to this chair is that it’s not fully ergonomic like Steelcase office chairs. For example, it doesn’t have adjustable armrests, and it lacks lumbar support.
In summary, if you’re looking for a heavy-duty office chair that is super-stylish and suitable for heavy users, look no further. This chair’s looks will make your co-workers jealous.
Read more: Best office chair for pregnancy
KEY FEATURES:
- High-End Executive Design
- Genuine Brazilian Leather Material
- High Backrest
- 1-Year Manufacturers Warranty
- Ultra-Wide Seat
- Polished Aluminum Wheelbase
- 3-Setting Recline
- Pneumatic Height Adjustment Lever
- Leather Armrests
- High-Density Foam Padding
- Five Easy-Rolling Casters
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Dimensions: 26″D x 28.75″W x 53″H
- Chair Width: 28.75 inches
- 400 lbs Weight Capacity
- Material: Genuine Leather, Foam, Metal
- Weight: 55 lbs
- Manufacturer: Gates
PROS:
- Very Stylish Design
- Heavy-Duty Weight Capacity
- Ultra-Wide Seat
- Suitable for Tall Users
- Easy to Maintain
CONS:
- Lacks Lumbar Support
- Armrests are Not Adjustable
Last on our list is our most affordable option, the Best Massage Ergonomic Mesh Office Chair. This chair is priced super-low but still suitable for heavy users with its robust metal structure.
First of all, the chair has a strong aluminum wheelbase, and its seat is reinforced by an iron seat plate. Thanks to this, the chair has a respectable maximum weight capacity of 500 lbs, making it perfect for heavy users. Additionally, this task chair measures 27.4 inches wide, making it one of the widest options on the market and allowing plus-size users to fit comfortably between the armrests.
Because this office chair has a mesh back, it has excellent ventilation, which prevents excess sweating, a common problem after working for long periods. Users can customize the chair in accordance with their body shape thanks to many adjustable features. These include adjustable pneumatic seat height, adjustable lumbar support, 90-135 degree recline, and 360-degree swivel.
One of the main reasons this office chair is so popular is its price. It’s one of the most affordable office chairs that can handle weights up to 500 lbs. If you are interested in more similarly priced options, feel free to check out our best office chairs under $300 guide. Of course, with such a low price, there are some downsides. For instance, the task chair lacks a headrest, and the 90-day manufacturers’ warranty is relatively short compared to other brands.
In summary, the Best Massage Extra Wide Mesh Office Chair could be ideal for people in need of a mesh office chair that can handle heavy weights but isn’t expensive. Definitely, worth considering if you can’t invest in premium options such as Herman Miller.
Read more: Best office chair for plus-sized people
KEY FEATURES:
- Modern Black Design
- Strong Metal Wheelbase
- Thick Foam Seat Padding
- Pneumatic Height Adjustment Lever
- Built-In Lumbar Support
- Robust Iron Seat Frame
- Breathable mesh back
- 90-135 Degree Recline
- Five Silent Wheels
- 90 Day Warranty
- BIFMA Certified
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Dimensions: 24.4″D x 27.4″W x 45″H
- Chair Width: 27.4 inches
- Weight Capacity: 500 lbs
- Material: Mesh, Fabric, Foam, Metal
- Weight: 47.7 lbs
- Manufacturer: BestMassage Store
PROS:
- Heavy-Duty Weight Capacity
- Easy to Clean
- Very Affordable
- Breathable Mesh Backrest
- Good Review
- Seat Wide Enough for Plus Size
CONS:
- Short Warranty
- Lacks a Headrest
I’ve gone with the XUER ergonomic office chair as a top pick for shorter heavy people. It offers an excellent price and a whopping 330 pounds of weight capacity; this chair will support you with no problem. Depending on your size, you may need to detach the headrest if it gets in your way.
The XUER features an S-shaped backrest that fits your lumbar spine. It’ll protect your back and shoulders from pain and fatigue from prolonged sitting. I have found that the W-shaped sponge cushion reduces the pressure on my legs. This chair has many health beneficiaries and is designed for long-term sedentary work for up to 8 hours daily.
The seat has a length of 53 cm and a depth of 45 cm, offering a spacious seat area for your bottom. The armrests can be removed if the space is insufficient, which is very handy for large people. On top of that, the chair offers a whopping 330 lbs of weight capacity. While I’m more average-sized, the chair does seem to be very comfortable, even after long use. These unique features make this our best office chair for a short heavy person on the market.
It’s also worth mentioning that if the backrest is too high for you, It’s recommended to remove it entirely as it’ll cause more problems than benefits. If you decide to keep it, its height can be adjusted by 2.75″ and rotated 30°. A lumbar support is also present for your comfort and spine health that can have its height adjusted by 1.97″ and depth by 1.18″.
Overall, this chair has quite a load of features for a competitive price. It has an excellent black design that will fit most lifestyles and breathable material to keep sweat away. It’s also backed by a 3-year warranty if anything happens to the chair.
KEY FEATURES:
- Adjustable Headrest
- High Density Foam
- Breathable Mesh
- Tear Resistant Sponge
- Removable Headrest
- Adjustable Armrests
- Adjustable Lumbar Support
- Quieter Casters
- Recline Options
- Tension Control
- Ergonomic
- High Back
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Chair Size: D: 28.3” x W: 26.9” x H: 51”
- Chair Color: Black
- Weight Capacity: 330 lbs
- Seat Length: 53 cm
- Seat Depth: 45 cm
- Adjustable Headrest: Height: 2.75”, Rotation: 30°
- Adjustable Armrests: Height: 2.7”
- Adjustable Lumbar Support: Height: 1.97”, Depth: 1.18”
- Tilt: 109 – 126°
- Warranty Length: 3-Years
- Chair Weight: 45.7 lbs
PROS:
- Great Adjustability
- High Weight Capacity
- Breathable Mesh Material
- Ergonomic Design
- High Quality
- Comfortable
- Long Warranty
- Rollerblade Wheels
- Modern Design
- Spacious Seat
CONS:
- Short people may need to remove the headrest
How We Decided
If you’re a particularly heavy person, it’s certainly a wise idea to invest in an office chair that can handle your weight. However, unfortunately, there’s only a limited number of heavy-duty office chairs on the market. To choose our pick and create our list of the best office chairs for heavy people, our specialists focused on four key aspects; weight capacity, chair dimensions, ergonomic support, and brand reputation.
Weight capacity is definitely the most important factor we considered when making our guide. If you consider yourself to be heavy, you probably weigh between 300 and 500 pounds. The issue is that most office chairs have a maximum capacity of around 275 lbs, which is unsuitable. Only office chairs that have a maximum weight capacity of at least 400 lbs, which is considered heavy-duty, were considered by our experts.
Chair dimensions are another essential factor we considered as heavy people are typically wider than your average folk. Most seats are just too small for these large people to fit their hips comfortably between the armrests. Our experts made certain that only chairs developed specifically for those with broad hips and a width of at least 27 inches were suggested.
Another important consideration in determining the best office chairs for heavy people is ergonomic support. Features like an S-shaped backrest, a headrest, adjustable lumbar support, adjustable armrests, adjustable seat height, and adjustable seat angle allow you to tailor your chair to your body type. Therefore, the more of these features there are, the better.
The last of our most important considerations was brand reputation. With so many brands marketed, it’s no wonder that some are better than others. We always try to offer office chairs created by reliable companies, such as Steelcase, which has outstanding online reviews. Reputable brands provide exceptionally long warranties, showing their confidence in the quality of their products.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Heavy-Person Office Chair
To ensure that you choose a reliable, well-built office chair that fully meets your needs and expectations, there are numerous things you have to consider. See below for the main questions you should ask yourself.
How much weight can the chair handle?
The maximum weight capacity is the most important factor. Regular office chairs usually can only handle between 250-350 lbs. Choosing the ideal chair greatly depends on your weight. Generally speaking, heavy-duty office chairs have a weight capacity of at least 400 lbs, while some options can handle 500 lbs. We ensured that all the recommended office chairs in our guide are explicitly made for heavy or fat users.
What are the chair’s dimensions?
Most heavypeople are plus size; they have wide hips, are very tall, or both. To ensure that an office chair is suitable for your body size, you have to look at the chair’s dimensions. The widest office chairs on the market are anywhere from 27 inches to 29 inches wide, that’s about 6 inches wider than regular office chairs. If you are exceptionally tall, then options that are higher than 50 inches are an ideal choice.
How long is the warranty?
One aspect that many shoppers often forget about is the manufacturers’ warranty. The warranty covers you in the event of chair failure. Most brands will provide you with a replacement, repair service, or a full refund. Office chairs for heavy people generally come with shorter warranties than those for regular people. We recommend choosing chairs with a warranty of at least 2-year but if you want peace of mind, consider brands like Steelcase or Herman Miller that offer warranties over 10-years.
Is the chair easy to maintain?
The maintenance of office chairs depends on which material they are made out of. Leather office chairs are known for being super easy to clean. On the other hand, fabric office chairs can absorb deep stains when spillages occur, and it can be challenging to remove them. Mesh office chairs are in the middle; they are not as easy to clean as leather office chairs but easier than fabric options.
What adjustable features does the chair have?
As many of us seek to improve our office health, many office chair brands are going fully ergonomic. Ergonomic features help users maintain a healthy posture, which eliminates back and neck pain problems and have other health benefits. The most important ergonomic feature is adjustable lumbar support. Other features you should look for are adjustable headrests, adjustable armrests, adjustable seat depth, and tilt tension regulators.
Does the chair have good reviews?
Analyzing the online reviews of an office chair is another vital aspect of choosing a good office chair for heavy people. We only recommend choosing chairs with a positive review rating and at least 100 unique reviews. However, bear in mind that many negative reviews are written by employees of competing brands and may not be accurate.
The Benefits of Heavy-Duty Office Chairs
Heavy-Duty office chairs or, in other words, office chairs for heavy users are different from regular office chairs. Below are some of the main benefits of office chairs built for heavy people.
- They are Suitable for Heavy Users – Heavy-duty office chairs can handle weights over 400 lbs. They can handle around a hundred to two hundred pounds more than standard computer chairs. This makes them safe to use for heavy people.
- They are Extra Large – Most heavy-duty office chairs are also suitable for plus-size users. These chairs are usually around 6 inches wider than regular office chairs allowing people with wide hips to sit comfortably without squeezing too tight.
- They can be Affordable – Although premium brands such as Steelcase come with a high-end price tag, there are plenty of options for heavy users priced below $300, which is relatively affordable.
- They have Ergonomic Features – Most office chairs built for heavy people come with numerous adjustable features that help maintain a healthy posture. These include adjustable lumbar support, adjustable headrests, adjustable seat depth, adjustable armrests, etc.
- They are often Easy to Maintain – The majority of heavy-duty office chairs are made from synthetic or genuine leather. Leather office chairs are known for being very easy to clean.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, if you are a heavy person, choosing an office chair specifically built to handle your weight is a must. However, finding the best office chair for a heavy person can be a challenging task so we hope our guide has helped you find one. Before making your final choice, make sure to check the weight capacity, which is perhaps the most crucial factor.
If we had to pick one out of all our recommend options, it would have to be the Steelcase Leap Series. The main reason for this is the brands’ outstanding warranty. Here at Overheard On Conference Calls, we always recommend choosing a premium brand rather than a cheap knock-off. Premium types last longer and it pays off in the long run.
On that note, thanks for reading. We hope our guide has helped you find a suitable office chair for heavy people. If you have any comments, please reach out to us anytime.
FAQs
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How We Review: Our Office Chair Ratings Methodology
At Overheard on Conference Calls, we take pride in how we review office chairs. Our team of office chair experts spend hours researching and reviewing dozens of products before they even start writing their review or article. Our goal is to bring you honest and unbiased information to help you make an informed choice that will be the best for you. Our recommendations are not for sale and they are not influenced by any of the manufacturers we review.
When reviewing an office chair, there are numerous factors we analyze to determine our recommendations. Here are our four most important:
- Comfort: Comfort is key to a good office chair. It’s likely you’ll be sitting in it for hours so you’ll want something that won’t cause you aches and pains after hours of use. We gauge comfort by testing for 4+ hours as well as looking at the thickness of the seat cushion and its material.
- Durability: Not all office chairs are built the same. Our durability factor looks at the quality of the materials and how sturdy the chair is after assembly. Because we have a limited tested period, we also conduct customer research of longtime users.
- Lumbar Support: While this is an ergonomic feature, we made this its own separate rating factor because of how important it is to your overall posture, health, and comfort. We analyze each chair for its lumbar support or lack thereof.
- Ergonomic Features: In addition to lumbar support, we also look at other ergonomic features such as the armrests, height adjustment, reclining, seat ergonomics, and more. The better it is for your ergonomics and the more features/adjustability, the better.
Why isn’t price included on that list? Fair question! We do consider price in the order of our recommendations but because everyone has their own budget in mind, we won’t rule a chair in or out just because it has premium or budget price.
Our team has researched and reviewed hundreds of chairs and we’re confident in our recommendations. We strive to only recommend the best products and we periodically refresh our reviews and rankings.
