How to Make Office Chair Taller

A low office chair can cause you discomfort and health problems. You don’t need a new chair or desk to fix this. You can learn how to make office chair taller and more comfortable by using some simple DIY methods. In this article, we will show you eight methods/ways to do this, such as using the lever, the post, the cylinder, the wood, the wheels, the kits, the cushions, or the chair raisers. We will also tell you the pros and cons of each method, give you some examples and tips, and help you choose the best option for you. Let’s get started!

8 Effective Methods for How to Make Office Chair Taller

Here are eight effective methods for how to make office chair taller/higher:

1. Utilizing the Height Adjustment Lever

The first and easiest method to make your office chair higher is to utilize the height adjustment lever. This is a common feature on most office chairs that allows you to raise or lower the seat height by using compressed gas in a cylinder.

To use this method, follow these 4 steps:

1. Sit on your office chair and locate the lever under the seat. It is usually on the right side of the seat.
2. Pull the lever up or down to release or lock the gas pressure in the cylinder. This will allow the seat to move up or down freely.
3. Adjust the seat height until you find a comfortable position. You should be able to sit with your feet flat on the floor, your thighs parallel to the ground, your spine in a natural curve, your arms at a 90-degree angle, and your back supported by the backrest.
4. Release the lever to lock the seat height in place.

This method is simple and quick, but it has some limitations. The height range of the lever may not be enough for some people, especially if they are very tall or short. The gas pressure in the cylinder may also wear out over time, making the seat unstable or unresponsive. If you want a more permanent and durable solution, you can try the second method: making use of the threaded post.

2. Making Use of the Threaded Post (for Chairs with Threaded Base)

The second method to make your office chair higher is to use the threaded post. This is a feature on some chairs that have a threaded base instead of a gas cylinder. The threaded post is a metal rod that connects the seat to the base and can be rotated to adjust the seat height.

To use this method, follow these 6 steps:

1. Turn your chair on its side or place it on a tabletop so you can access the base.
2. Use WD40 or a similar lubricant to spray the threads of the post where it enters into the base. This will make it easier to rotate.
3. Wipe away any excess lubricant or dirt with an old cloth.
4. Fixate the base so it does not move in any direction.
5. Rotate the seat clockwise or counterclockwise to raise or lower it. You may need to use some force or a wrench to do this.
6. Reposition your chair upright and sit on it to check if it is at a comfortable height. If not, repeat steps 1-5 until you find your optimal position.

This method is more permanent and durable than using the lever, but it requires more effort and skill. You may need some tools and instructions to do it correctly and safely. You may also damage or scratch your floor or table if you are not careful.

3. Replacing or Upgrading the Gas Lift Cylinder

The third method to make your office chair higher is to replace or upgrade the gas lift cylinder. This is a device that controls the height adjustment of your chair by using compressed gas in a cylinder with a different length and stroke. The length is the distance from the bottom of the cylinder to the top of the stem, and the stroke is the distance that the stem can extend or retract.

To use this method, follow these 7 steps:

1. Raise your chair to its maximum height and flip it upside down or place it sideways on a tabletop.
2. Detach the cylinder from the base by using a hammer or rubber mallet to strike at the end of the cylinder where it protrudes from the base. Hold onto the base while doing this. You may need to use some force or a screwdriver to pry it out.
3. Detach the cylinder from the seat plate by using a pipe wrench to fasten it to the metal portion of the cylinder. Twist it until it comes off. You may need to use some force or a rubber mallet to loosen it.
4. Replace or upgrade the old cylinder with a new one that has a different length and stroke. Make sure it has the same diameter and stem size as the old one. You can find these online or in local stores. The standard length of an office chair gas cylinder is about 5 inches, but you can find ones that range from 4 to 10 inches. The standard stroke is about 4 inches, but you can find ones that range from 2 to 8 inches. Thus, you can always replace your current cylinder with an ultra-tall one to raise your office chair, or with a shorter one to lower it.
5. Attach the new cylinder to the seat plate by aligning the stem with the hole and pushing it in. You may need to use some force or a rubber mallet to do this.
6. Attach the new cylinder to the base by aligning the hole with the stem and pushing it in. You may need to use some force or a rubber mallet to do this.
7. Reposition your chair upright and sit on it to check if it is at a comfortable height. You can use the lever to adjust it further if needed.

This method is more effective and flexible than using the lever or the threaded post, but it is also more expensive and harder to find. You may need to spend more money and time to find a suitable cylinder for your chair. You may also need some tools and instructions to do it correctly and safely.

4. Incorporating Wood Pieces or Blocks

The fourth method to make your office chair higher is to incorporate wood pieces or blocks. This is a DIY method that involves using some wooden pieces or blocks to elevate the seat of your chair. You will also need some longer screws that can hold the seat and the wood pieces together.

To use this method, follow these 6 steps:

1. Remove the seat from your chair by unscrewing the screws that attach it to the base or seat plate.
2. Cut some wood pieces or blocks that are about 2 inches thick and have the same width and length as your seat.
3. Place one or more wood pieces or blocks on top of the base or seat plate where the seat was attached.
4. Place the seat on top of the wood pieces or blocks and align them with the holes.
5. Use longer screws that can go through the seat, the wood pieces or blocks, and the base or seat plate. Screw them tightly to secure them together.
6. Sit on your chair to check if it is at a comfortable height. You can add or remove wood pieces or blocks if needed.

This method is cheap and creative, but it is also unstable and risky. Using this method, you may not have a sturdy or even chair. You may also damage or injure yourself or your chair if you use poor-quality materials or tools.

5. Upgrading to Larger Casters or Wheels

The fifth method to make your office chair higher is to upgrade to larger casters or wheels. These are the devices that are attached to the bottom of your chair base and allow it to move around. They come in different sizes, shapes, and styles.

To use this method, follow these 5 steps:

1. Turn your chair upside down or place it on a tabletop so you can access the casters or wheels.
2. Remove the old casters or wheels by pulling them out of their sockets. You may need to use some force or a screwdriver to do this.
3. Replace them with new casters or wheels that have a larger diameter and width. Make sure they fit into the sockets and can support your chair’s weight.
4. Push them into their sockets until they click into place.
5. Reposition your chair upright and sit on it to check if it is at a comfortable height.

This method is quick and easy, but it also has some drawbacks. You may increase your chair’s noise and vibration if you use larger casters or wheels. You may also damage/scratch your floor/carpet if you do not use proper protection.

6. Considering Height Extension Kits

The sixth method to make your office chair higher is to consider height extension kits. These are products that are designed to increase your chair’s height by adding some extra parts or components to your chair’s base, cylinder, seat plate, etc.

To use this method, follow these 3 steps:

1. Find a height extension kit that is compatible with your chair model and style. You can find these online or in local stores.
2. Follow the instructions that come with the kit to install it on your chair. You may need some tools and skills to do this.
3. Sit on your chair to check if it is at a comfortable height.

This method is convenient and reliable, but it is also costly and rare. You may have a hard time finding a height extension kit that suits your chair and budget. You may also have some issues with your chair’s warranty or safety standards if you use this method.

7. Using Seat Cushions or Pillows

The seventh method to make your office chair higher is to use seat cushions or pillows. These are pads that you place on top of your chair seat and sit on them. They can provide some comfort, support, and height for your chair.

To use this method, follow these 3 steps:

1. Find a seat cushion or pillow that is thick, firm, and comfortable for you. You can find these online or in local stores.
2. Place it on top of your chair seat and adjust it to your liking.
3. Sit on it and check if it is at a comfortable height. You can add or remove layers of cushioning or padding if needed.

This method is simple and cheap, but it also has some disadvantages. You may reduce your chair’s stability and balance if you use a seat cushion or pillow. You may also not last long or retain their shape if you use them frequently or for long periods.

8. Using Chair Raisers

The eighth method to make your office chair higher is to use chair raisers. These are devices that attach to your chair legs or base and lift them up. They come in different sizes, shapes, and styles, and can be made of plastic, metal, wood, or rubber.

To use this method, follow these 3 steps:

1. Choose the type and size of chair raisers that suit your chair and needs. You can find chair raisers online or in local stores. They usually come in sizes from about 1 inch (2.5 cm) to 5 inches (13 cm). You can also choose between single or interconnected chair raisers. Single chair raisers are individual units that fit under each chair leg or caster. Interconnected chair raisers are linked by adjustable legs that fit around the chair base.
2. Fit the chair’s legs or base into the raisers. Chair raisers have indentations or sockets for the chair legs or casters to fit inside. Lift the chair and place the leg or caster into the indentation or socket, repeating this process for each of the chair’s legs or casters. If you are using an interconnected chair raiser, you only need to fit it once around the chair base.
3. Check if the chair is stable and comfortable. Sit on the chair and see if it is at a comfortable height and does not wobble or tilt. You can add or remove layers of raisers if needed. You can also paint or stain your raisers to match your chair’s color and style.

This method is sturdy and stable, but it is also bulky and visible. You may not like the look of your chair with raisers attached to it. You may also have some difficulty moving your chair around if you use this method.

FAQs About How to Make Office Chair Taller

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many ways to make your office chair higher and more comfortable. You can use the height adjustment lever, the threaded post, the gas lift cylinder, the wood pieces or blocks, the larger casters or wheels, the height extension kits, the seat cushions/pillows, or the chair raisers. Each method has its pros and cons, so you need to consider your budget, skills, preferences, and chair model before choosing one. You should also measure your chair’s dimensions and compare them with your desk’s height and your body’s proportions to find the ideal chair height for you.

We hope this article has helped you learn how to make office chair taller/higher and more comfortable. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to comment below. Thank you for reading and happy working!