What are you looking for in an office task chair? Are you searching for a lighter, simple office chair with minimal adjustments at a more affordable choice? Or maybe you're searching for a comfortable, ergonomic chair with an extensive range of adjustments?
Here's the thing: choosing an office chair can be overwhelming (especially since there are so many different types of office seating out there). As an example, Steelcase offers six popular office task chairs, including Steelcase Series 1 and Steelcase Series 2.
Here at Egyptian Workspace Partners, we know it's not easy to find office seating that works for every single employee. That's why we help you find seating that supports how your people move so everyone can be comfortable at work.
Trying to choose between Steelcase Series 1 and Steelcase Series 2 task chairs? Well, you're in luck. This article compares Series 1 and Series 2 in categories like price, ergonomic adjustments and design options. By the end of this blog, you'll be ready to choose between Series 1 and Series 2 for your new office chair.
Steelcase Series 2 vs. Steelcase Series 1: At a Glance
Steelcase Series 1
Steelcase Series 1 offers best-in-class ergonomic essentials at an excellent value. It delivers on what's important (performance, style and choice). It retains everything that's valued in a chair, making it attainable for everyone.
Steelcase Series 2
Steelcase Series 2 is the attainable, high-performing task chair you can personalize with extensive style choices. The backrest signals comfort and sophisticated support, while the slim profile and light-scale look help optimize your space.
Series 2 was designed by the Steelcase team to offer even more performance and choice. Compared to Steelcase Series 1, the Series 2 chair offers more upholstery options, different backrest styles, even more colors and materials and the ability to dial the performance up or down.
Steelcase Series 2 vs. Steelcase Series 1: An In-Depth Office Chair Comparison
1. Ergonomic Adjustments
All Steelcase office task chairs have intuitive controls, extensive back recline range, seat height adjustment, seat depth adjustment, height-adjustable arm options, back tension adjustment, upright back lock, and adjustable lumbar options.
Steelcase Series 1
Steelcase Series 1 has a LiveBack Flexor System that allows the chair back to change shape and mimic the user's spine as it moves throughout the day. It contours to fix a user's spine through a system of flexors tucked neatly inside the backrest, offering continuous lower back support as you move in your chair.
Also, Series 1's Weight-Activated Synchro Tilt Mechanism with tension boost allows for quick, intuitive seat adjustments. The Back Recline has a full recline of 100° to 124° with automatic adjustments, plus two recline controls. Series 1 comes standard with adjustable lumbar support, which is found in the backrest.
To adjust the Seat Depth Adjustment, you can slide the seat pan forward or backward, but it isn't easy to move. Series 1 has 4D Adjustable Arms, Adaptive Bolstering, a Passive Seat Edge and an Optional Headrest. H owever, its headrest is height-adjustable only.
Steelcase Series 2
Steelcase Series 2 features LiveBack® Technology that works through an innovative, geometric design. With a breathable mesh back, the specially engineered wave pattern provides additional support for each part of your spine. It flexes in two dimensions as you move for personalized comfort and fit.
The Weight-Activated Synchro Tilt Mechanism responds automatically as you sit for appropriate ergonomic support. Unlike Series 1, the Series 2 chair has three recline settings (regular, tension boost and upright back lock).
Series 2's Back Recline has a standard recline of 99.5° to 119°. Also, Series 2 offers 4D Adjustable Arms. Series 2 also has a smaller, rounder seat cushion. The Seat Depth Adjustment is not easy to adjust, but it is easier to move than the Seat Depth Adjustment on the Series 1 chair.
Like Series 1, Series 2 offers Adaptive Bolstering, a Passive Seat Edge and an Optional Height-Adjustable Lumbar Support (although the lumbar support can be difficult to find). Series 2 also has an Optional Headrest, but it is height-adjustable only.
2. Size Considerations
Steelcase Series 1
Series 1 has a standard weight capacity of 400 pounds to support users of all different shapes and sizes. Also, Series 1 offers Adaptive Bolstering, a Seat Depth Adjustment and an Advanced Weight-Activated Mechanism, but its recline settings are more limited.
Steelcase Series 2
Similar to Series 1, Series 2 has a weight capacity of 400 pounds to fit a variety of users. Additionally, Series 2 provides Adaptive Bolstering, a Seat Depth Adjustment and an Advanced Weight-Activated Mechanism. Like the Series 1 chair, the Weight-Activated Mechanism's recline settings are limited.
3. Design Options
All Steelcase office chairs come in a wide range of chair material options, including vinyl, upholstery, mesh and leather. Steelcase Series 1 is only available in mesh, while Steelcase Series 2 comes in upholstery, leather and mesh options. Both are available as standard task chairs or stools.
Steelcase Series 1
Steelcase Series 1 is available as a task chair or stool. Also, you can choose to add an optional headrest, coat hanger or both. Series 1 offers two frame finish options (Black and Seagull), as well as a polished aluminum base option, and wheels for either carpet or hard floors.
Series 1 has 11 mix-and-match knit, flexor and lumbar colors (and a wide range of shell and finish options). It is only available in mesh upholstery. The 4D Adjustable Arms are standard to Series 1, but you can also choose from height-adjustable only arms or an armless Series 1 chair.
Steelcase Series 2
Steelcase Series 2 is available as a standard-height task chair or a higher stool. Its accessories include an optional headrest or coat rack for additional comfort and convenience. The optional headrest matches the mesh back and flexors.
Series 2 is available with standard or quilted upholstery. You can celebrate Series 2's attractive geometric design without upholstery or warm it up with 3D MicroKnit. The back finish options include leather, mesh and upholstery. As for casters, you can choose from wheels for carpet or wheels for hard floors.
On top of that, Series 2 comes in 19 mix-and-match 3D MicroKnit and Plastic AirBack options, plus two frame finishes (Black and Seagull) or a polished aluminum base. For armrests, you can choose from an armless chair, 4D adjustable arms or height-adjustable only arms.
4. Pricing
Office seating can be quite expensive, and Steelcase office chairs are no exception. Some factors that influence the final cost of an office task chair include adjustability, customization options, build quality, and warranty.
It's important to keep in mind you can buy a similar-looking office chair for less money. However, you'll miss out on quality materials and ergonomic features. Most Steelcase task chairs have a lifespan of about twenty years, so you're investing in a high-quality office chair you will likely never have to replace.
Steelcase Series 1
The standard version of Steelcase Series 1 (with 4D Adjustable Arms, carpet casters and no headrest) starts at $529.78. Without the adjustable lumbar support or arms, the Series 1 task chair costs around $483. Both of these options are priced to include standard features, which we'll dive into below.
Standard features of Series 1 include the task chair version, 4D Adjustable Arms, wheels for carpet and no headrest. Also, Series 1 has a list of optional upgrades such as the stool version, height-adjustable only arms, wheels for hard floors and a headrest.
Steelcase Series 2
Steelcase Series 2 costs more than Series 1. Series 2 with a Plastic AirBack and no upholstery starts at $610.29. Series 2 with a Plastic AirBack and 3D MicroKnit begins at $628.01. Series 2 with an upholstered back costs $663.97. All of these chairs offer standard height-adjustable arms and lumbar support.
Series 2's standard features include the task chair, AirBack style, 4D Adjustable Arms, no headrest, no lumbar support and carpet wheels. Optional upgrades are a stool version, AirBack style with 3D MicroKnit, a headrest (that matches the mesh back and flexor color), lumbar support and hard floor wheels.
5. Warranty
Series 1 and Series 2 are both covered by Steelcase's limited lifetime warranty. The frame of each chair is warranted for the lifetime of the original owner. Chair mechanisms, lumbar mechanisms, headrests, pneumatic cylinders, foam, arm caps, casters and glides are covered for 12 years.
This warranty is valid from the date of delivery, regardless of shift usage (so it is rated for 24-7 usage). Steelcase will repair or replace your chair with a comparable product, at its option and free of charge. If repair or replacement is not commercially practicable, Steelcase will provide a refund or credit.
Steelcase Series 1 vs. Steelcase Series 2: Which is the Best Office Task Chair for You?
Steelcase Series 1 and Steelcase Series 2 offer comfort with simple, easy adjustments. You'll be happy with either option if you prefer a lighter chair in looks and size (and you want the twelve-year warranty). Your choice of an office chair depends on your desired ergonomic adjustments, material options and budget.
Series 1 provides a simple design with long-term comfort. Series 1 is slightly less expensive than Series 2, but it has fewer ergonomic features and customization options. If you have a limited budget, Series 1 has quite a few benefits at a more affordable price point.
Series 2 offers the broadest range of material and finish choices in the budget-friendly category. Series 2 costs more than Series 1, but it has more ergonomic adjustments (including more advanced LiveBack Technology® and a Weight-Activated Synchro Tilt Mechanism with three settings over two).
Not sure if you should buy Steelcase Series 1 or Steelcase Series 2? If you're still searching for an office chair, check out our guide to the best office task chairs. If you've made a decision (or you want to try out these chairs for yourself), sign up for the Chair Test Drive Program today1