Steelcase Series 2 Office Chair Review
When it comes to reputable office chair brands, Steelcase is top-of-mind for many. That could be the case for you too, as you’re considering a Steelcase chair for your next office chair.
One of their chairs that caught your eye is the esteemed Series 2. The chair is within your budget, but you’re still undecided if you should buy the Series 2 or try another Steelcase chair.
This guide will help you decide with confidence. Ahead, I’ll talk about the Steelcase Series 2 in immense detail, delving into its specs, features, pricing, build quality, comfort, and so much more.
Let’s get started!
About Steelcase Office Chairs
Steelcase is arguably the top office chair brand in the world next to Herman Miller. They produce modern, best-in-class ergonomic chairs that are comfortable and built to last.
Steelcase is an office furniture brand that specializes in seating solutions for the whole office. That includes outdoor seating, sofas, dining chairs, stools, ottomans, benches, conference chairs, lounge chairs, and office chairs.
Their other categories of office furniture include storage solutions, tables, and desks.
In Steelcase’s line of esteemed office chairs are such models as the Karman, the Gesture, the Leap, the Amia, the original Series 1, and the chair I’ll discuss today, the Series 2.
Steelcase Series 2 Review Highlights:
The Steelcase Series 2 is an office chair with polyester upholstery, carpet-ready casters, a series of ergonomic adjustments (including Air LiveBack technology), and a plush seat cushion filled with air pockets for your comfort.
What We Liked
- The LiveBack technology is already a staple, and now the Series 2 has Air LiveBack technology for more spinal support.
- The range of adjustments, from the tension to the armrests and everything in between, is quite impressive.
- The seat cushion has air pockets throughout to alleviate pressure as you sit.
- The mesh seatback is great for breathability.
- The casters are ready for carpeting.
What We Didn’t Like:
- Mesh seating can be very cold in some environments.
- Polyester fabric can be quite cheap.
- The armrests aren’t the most comfortable thing, according to some users.
Steelcase Series 2 Review: Specifications and Features
Next, let’s talk about the specs of the Steelcase Series 2, then I’ll provide an overview of the chair’s many great features.
| Dimensions | Width: 27 inches Depth: 19.25 inches to 22 inches Height: 38 inches to 42.5 inches Seat depth: 14 inches to 17.75 inches Seat height from the floor: 16.5 inches to 21.5 inches Back height from the seat: 22.5 inches Back width: 18.88 inchesArm height from the floor: 23.75 inches to 32.75 inches Seat width: 19 inches |
| Product Weight | 36 pounds |
| Material | Polyester, PVC, metal, mesh |
| Weight Capacity | 400 pounds |
Air LiveBack Technology
If you’re familiar with other Steelcase chairs, then you know they include LiveBack technology, Steelcase’s own brand of ergonomics in their office chairs. Since the Series 2 is an upgrade of the OG Series 1, it makes sense that its ergonomics would have evolved as well.
The Air LiveBack technology is patent-pending. This ergonomics feature has flexible geometrics throughout that allows it to move in several directions for personalized spinal support.
Tension and Recline That Move with You
Augmenting the Air LiveBack technology is the Series 2’s responsive tension and recline settings. Once you sit in the chair and go about your average workday, the Series 2 will respond by automatically creating resistance during recline. You can then increase the recline resistance as you wish.
Incredible Adjustments
The above ergonomic adjustments are far from the only way you can adjust the Steelcase Series 2 chair. You can lock the tilt tension so you sit more upright.
There’s also a synchronized tilt mechanism that keeps your back and seat aligned so you can sit comfortably but not feel unbalanced. Set your seat depth, adjust the height of your chair with whisper-quiet pneumatics, and use the weight-activated recline tension adjustment as well.
The armrests can move from side to side, back and forward, in and out, and up and down. That’s right, the arms are 4D!
A Seat Made for Comfort
The polyester upholstered seat of the Series 2 is for more than just looks, but comfort as well. The seat edge is flexible, so it bends naturally. That feature is built to reduce the pressure that can accumulate under your legs as you sit all day.
The the seat cushion, which is another Steelcase proprietary design, has air pockets throughout. Each air pocket is for further lessening pressure. The air pockets can also move with your body so the seat feels customized to you.
Five-Star Base
The Steelcase Series 2 has a reliable five-star base that’s a combination of metal and PVC plastic. You can sit with confidence when you choose the Series 2.
Carpet Caster Wheels
Attached to each point of the five-star base is a caster wheel that’s reinforced with PVC. Sometimes, a chair brand leaves it ambiguous whether its casters are designed for carpeting, but there’s no doubt here. The Series 2 casters can handle rugs, so roll around in your office!
Upholstery + Mesh
Usually, when buying an office chair, you have to choose between upholstery and mesh, but not with the Series 2. The polyester seat is plush and cozy while the mesh seatback adds modernity to this chair.
Steelcase Series 2 Review: Our Insights
What kind of chair is the Steelcase Series 2 really? That’s what I’ll tell you in this section. Let’s shine a spotlight on the quality, comfort, and value of this office chair.
Build Quality
I have no complaints about the build quality of the Series 2. Steelcase doesn’t talk a lot about the five-star base, but I’m sure it’s lightweight and flexible where it counts. The carpet casters are a nice touch, as is the mesh seatback.
Polyester maybe isn’t the softest and most luxurious seat material, and the armrests have been accused of being a bit rigid according to some users. Even still, this chair is solid through and through.
Ergonomics
Ergonomics is one of the areas where the Series 2 excels the most. The chair features Steelcase’s beloved LiveBack technology, a proprietary cushion with air pockets for less pressure on your thighs, automatic tension adjustments, and a seat edge that moves with you.
Adjustability
The range of adjustments the Series 2 offers is also part of what sets this chair apart. Here’s an overview.
- Height Adjustment: You can raise the height of the Series 2 chair by almost five inches, which is standard for office chairs.
- Backrest Adjustment: Air LiveBack technology supports the entire spine in a way that prior Steelcase chairs have not.
- Armrests: The Series 2’s armrests are 4D for a full range of flexible adjustments.
- Seat Pan Depth Adjustment: The seat depth of the Series 2 is adjustable by almost four inches.
- Lumbar Adjustment: Steelcase utilizes height-adjustable lumbar support so the Series 2 chair feels like it was made just for you!
Comfort (Seat, Back, and Arms)
Is sitting in the Steelcase Series 2 a comfortable experience? Certainly, as Steelcase designed it for hours of consecutive use.
The mesh backrest allows sweat and warm air to exit and keeps cool air passing through to prevent overheating. The patent-pending seat with air cushions for comfort will prevent leg tingling, pain, and discomfort.
Plus, with the lumbar support and the Air LiveBack technology, the Series 2 offers tremendous comfort from the neck down.
The armrests are the only point of contention I have. Users have complained that the arms feel a bit stiff and rigid due to their PU padding. I agree the arms could have been more comfortable. However, you can always move them out of the way completely since they’re 4D adjustable.
Value
The Steelcase Series 2 is available for under $500 on Amazon. You can add a 3-Year Indoor Furniture Accident Protection Plan for $53 or a 5-Year Indoor Furniture Accident Protection Plan for $75, but these extra fees are optional.
Steelcase Series 2 Review: Policies and Additional Info
Let’s dig into the nitty-gritty details of the Steelcase Series 2 so you can make an informed purchasing decision.
Shipping
Steelcase has a Quick Ship program according to its website that promises to ship within three to 16 business days.
Assembly
If you buy the Series 2 on Amazon and you’re willing to spend $50 more, you can access Amazon’s expert assembly services to save you hours finagling with hammers and nails.
Of course, if you’d rather, you can always assemble the chair yourself. That would be your only option when buying through Steelcase’s website.
Warranty
The Series 2 is protected under Steelcase’s warranty, but what does that entail? Steelcase’s website explains its warranty terms in more detail.
Their Americas warranty covers seating for three, five, or 12 years. All glides, casters, foam, arm caps, pneumatic cylinders, headrests, lumbar mechanisms, and other mechanisms are protected for 12 years.
Steelcase does have exceptions regarding the warranty, of course. Those are as follows:
- If your product was “manufactured utilizing a non-standard product platform or material”
- If your chair has custom fabrics or surfaces
- Surface material variations
- Modifications or alterations to the chair
- Accidents, misuse, or abuse of the chair
- Lack of maintenance
- Wear and tear
Return Policy
What if you get the Series 2 office chair (or another Steelcase product) and decide it’s not for you? You have two weeks to return the chair from the date you bought it. The chair should be in new condition, so no wear and tear. You also need to hold onto the original packaging and send it back.
You should be able to get a full refund.
Steelcase Series 2 Review: Is it Worth It?
By this point, you’re closer than ever in making up your mind about whether your next office chair will be the Steelcase Series 2. This section is designed to help you solidify your decision in one direction or the other.
I’ll recap all the information to this point, talking about what’s good and not as good about the Steelcase Series 2.
Let’s begin with the bad, shall we? There admittedly isn’t a lot, but a few glaring issues do deserve mention.
The armrests, despite being 4D, don’t really look 4D. They have a convex shape that’s supposed to support your wrists and elbows, but the lack of padding and the PVC cover doesn’t do the armrests any favor.
As I said before, since the arms are 4D, you can easily slide or pivot them out of your way so you don’t have to rest on them. Then again, that won’t be the most comfortable thing ever, so it’s almost a lose-lose situation.
I also have to mention the issue with mesh office chairs, which is universal and not exclusive to the Steelcase Series 2. The thing with mesh is that it’s only beneficial if you live or work in a warm environment (or your job is high-intensity). In colder weather, all that extra airflow from the mesh is to your detriment.
That said, the Series 2 does have a benefit that most mesh office chairs don’t: a plush polyester seat. The upholstered seat might negate the coldness you feel from the mesh, but then again, it might not.
I’m not a huge fan of the polyester upholstery. Polyester is one of the lowest-cost upholstery materials. I realize the Series 2 is only about $500, so some cost-cutting had to occur. At least the upholstery is only used in one area of the chair.
Now let’s talk about what’s phenomenal about the Series 2. I have to start with the ergonomics. Usually, if you want an office chair with excellent ergonomics, you have to be willing to pay upwards of $700 for one, sometimes even $1,000 and up in the case of a Herman Miller.
The Series 2 and its adjustable lumbar support and Air LiveBack technology are affordable and supportive for your spine. That’s a tough combination to find in other office chairs unless you happen to nab a refurb Herman Miller (or maybe there’s a sale).
The carpet casters are office-appropriate so you can easily scoot over to your coworkers and have a chat or go over the details for that big meeting coming up. The armrests, although not the comfiest, are 4D adjustable, which is not something you see in enough office chairs.
The air-pocketed proprietary seat can prevent that uncomfortable buildup of pressure under your thighs so you can concentrate all afternoon. The flexible seat edge also takes care of your lower half.
Plus, the Series 2 offers so many adjustments, everything from raising or lowering your seat to setting the degree of lumbar support to tilt locking, tension levers, and more. At only $500, it’s certainly worth the money.
Steelcase Series 2 Alternatives
To wrap up, I want to compare the Series 2 against three other Steelcase chairs: the Series 1, the Leap, and the Amia. If you want to stick within the Steelcase family for your next office chair, you’ll be able to narrow down your options easily!
Steelcase Series 2 vs. Steelcase Series 1
The Steelcase Series 1 gives you the build quality and comfort that you would expect from a Steelcase office chair at a fraction of the price.
Read our Steelcase Series 1 Review
The Series 2 owes a lot to the Series 1, as it’s the office chair that started it all.
The integrated LiveBack technology isn’t quite Air LiveBack, but the interdependent lower back flexors do still offer the spinal support you need. The mesh back and upholstered seat should look mighty familiar, even if the Series 1 has a curvier shape compared to the Series 2.
The Series 1’s armrests are certainly more comfortable thanks to their equally curvy shape and caps on the ends. The arms are 4D much like the Series 2’s arms.
If you want more adjustments, those are included as well. You can set the chair’s depth, height, and more. Plus, if you care about the looks of your office chair, the Series 1’s mesh and upholstery come in matching colors.
The Series 1 is barely less expensive than the Series 2, so that’s not comparable.
Between the two, which is the better office chair? I’d have to give it to the Series 2. The Series 1 does have a lot of great features, but why choose the old version when there’s a better new one out there?
Steelcase Series 2 vs. Steelcase Leap
The Steelcase Leap V2 is one of the top-rated ergonomic chairs on the market featuring excellent build quality, adjustability options, and comfort.
Read our full Steelcase Leap Review
The Leap is among the most popular Steelcase chairs, so this is going to be some tough competition.
A full fabric chair, the Leap features pure Buzz2 polyester. Its caster wheels are designed for traveling on carpeting like the Series 2.
The contoured LiveBack backrest is one such ergonomics feature of the Leap, and the lumbar support feature, which is adjustable to your height, is another. You can also control your lower back firmness so your entire back is cradled.
The armrests are again 4D. To adjust the Leap, the chair features a Natural Glide adjustment system that ensures smooth gliding without the need to get up or shift in your seat. That’s a feature the Series 2 does not have.
The seat of the Leap has air pockets throughout. You can also adjust the chair with recline lock in five positions or use recline tension adjustments, seat height adjustments, height adjustments, and seat depth adjustments.
The Leap costs over $1,000, which is a lot of money to spend on an office chair! The Series 2 has many of the same features for about half the price, including LiveBack technology, polyester upholstery, the proprietary seat, 4D arms, and nearly as many adjustments.
Steelcase Series 2 vs. Steelcase Amia
The Steelcase Amia is one of the best value office high-end office chairs on the market offering stellar build quality, ergonomics, comfort, and adjustability.
The third Steelcase chair I want to look at is the Amia.
This is another polyester office chair. It includes LiveLumbar, which no, is not LiveBack. LiveLumbar technology includes flexors in the lumbar cushion that shift as your back does all day. You can slide the handles on either side of the backrest to control the LiveLumbar settings.
The 4D arms are just as flexible, and you’re free to adjust the seat height, seat depth, and more. The hard casters and flexible seat are other standouts.
The Amia costs $700, and that’s a good deal more than the Series 2 for a chair that–besides upholstery–isn’t super-duper different. If you’d rather have LiveLumbar than LiveBack, then I’d say the Amia is worth it. Otherwise, the Series 2 is a great chair.
The Bottom Line
The Steelcase Series 2 is an office chair with 4D armrests, a mesh back, polyester upholstery, and the brand’s patented Air LiveBack technology. All this comes in a very reasonable package, as the Series 2 costs just under $500.
Of course, if you decide the Series 2 is not for you, Steelcase has a huge collection of other wonderful office chairs to explore!
