Drafting and task stools are an important piece of furniture in many offices. Drafting stools need to be functional and comfortable because employees sit on them for hours at a time while working. There are a variety of choices available, from traditional stools to fully ergonomic models that provide back and neck support. You can also purchase stools with casters for easier mobility.

Whether you buy new or used drafting chairs, you will find that there are a wide range of features that can add to the cost of the task stools. The cheapest models go for under $50, but you can also find plenty for over $300. Drafting and task stools pricing and costs vary depending on:

1. Whether or not the drafting chair has a back.

2. Whether the stool moves on caster wheels.

3. Additional features for comfort.

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Buy drafting and task stools for under $100

If you are on a budget, choose suppliers of drafting and task stools that sell drafting chairs for less than $100. Most stools under $60 have a simple, utilitarian design. For less than $100, you can find basic functions like height adjustment, optional foot rings and durability for use in industrial settings.

I recommend: The Drafting Table Station offers a variety of drafting stools that cost from around $30 to $60. These stools have a heavy duty design and come in a variety of different heights. BizChair sells many drafting stools under $100, including the multi-function drafting stool. This model has dual-wheel casters and a pneumatic gas lift for height adjustment.

Purchase a mid-priced drafting stool that offers extra comfort

Mid-priced drafting stools include models that are between $100 to $250. In this price range, you can find models that have additional padding on the seat or chair back, a wider range of adjustable heights, and adjustable foot rings for added comfort. Many mid-priced stools also have some ergonomic features that make them more comfortable to sit for long periods of time.

I recommend: Office Chairs Unlimited sells a variety of mid-priced drafting chairs and stools. One Way Furniture also sells a wide selection of mid-priced drafting stools, some with backrests and armrests.

Consider drafting chairs priced over $300

Drafting stools that cost over $300 provide users with many more options to adjust the chair for their comfort. An ergonomic drafting chair at this price may have a mesh back that promotes air flow. It may also have tilting adjustments for the back, and seat and lumbar support for a custom level of comfort.

I recommend: OfficeChairs.com sells many high-end stool models that have a mesh backing, adjustable height and adjustable tilts. FurnitureBuzz also has an ergonomic drafting chair with a number of adjustments for custom settings.

If you're in the market for a drafting stool, drafting chair or task stool, you might be surprised at the options and varieties available these days. As is the case with so many consumer goods, the basics have all but given way to "new and improved" features in the name of comfort, convenience and style.

Before you go shopping for drafting and task stools, it's important to answer these 3 questions:

1. Who will be the primary user of the drafting chair or task stool? Is it for occasional use by a variety of people or for daily use by one person? User age, height and weight are all important factors to consider.

2. How will the drafting chair or task stool be used? Will the user be seated for long periods of time or come and go throughout the day? Will it be used behind a desk? In a classroom? At a cash register?

3. How much are you willing to spend? Is it important to have a high-end, ergonomic drafting chair with all the bells and whistles, or would a used drafting chair or discounted drafting stool suit your purpose? Suppliers of drafting and task stools typically have options for every budget.

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Identify the primary user(s) of the drafting chair or task stool

Nearly all drafting and task stools have height adjustments, which is especially important if different people will be using them. Many drafting stools come with adjustable armrests, backrests and foot rings, too. If the drafting chair is primarily for one person, take his or her age, weight and any health conditions into account, as well.

I recommend: If a variety of adults will be using the drafting stool, purchase one with as many adjustments as possible. If younger children will be using the chair, you'd be wise to consider one that doesn't swivel or roll. If there will be one primary user of the drafting stool, actively involve him or her in the buying process to ensure all preferences and needs are met.

Determine how a drafting and task stool will be used

A security guard or cafe hostess who sits upright and alert for hours at a time has different needs than an architect or artist who leans over a drafting table in different positions throughout the day. This is an instance where form undoubtedly needs to follow function to ensure both compatibility and comfort.

I recommend: List your criteria before setting out on your mission. Today’s drafting chairs and task stools come in every combination of features and styles. Work in a lab or healthcare environment? Consider a tough, easily disinfected stool. Work in a warm environment? A fabric seat or mesh-back stool is much more comfortable than leather or vinyl. Sitting for extended periods of time? A 24-hour stool is the way to go.

Know your spending limits for task stools

With so many options on the market, it's easy to get carried away. New drafting and task stools range from $50 to more than $1,000; you can get a nice chair that meets basic needs for well under $300. Additional bells, whistles and custom touches are up to you.

I recommend: Explore your options on the low end and the high end, and then settle for something in the reasonable middle. Make a statement with a wild color or unusual design, but, whatever you do, don't trade comfort for style. If your budget is extra tight, you might want to consider used drafting chairs, as well.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Buying for a whole work group or outfitting an entire office? Check for quantity discounts when shopping online, and ask about them when shopping in person.
• •  Switching out the old for the new? Consider donating your used drafting chairs and task stools to a local charity, school or other non-profit venture. It's a nice gesture and potentially a nice tax writeoff, too.

Drafting and task stools are used in many classrooms and places of business. Most types of drafting stools provide durability and function for use in art studios, drafting studios and workshops. Many drafting and task stools also come with optional features for added comfort. Armrests, foot rings and adjustable height mechanisms all attribute to the overall comfort and ergonomic design of the stool. Task stools also have a range of options for fabrics and colors to match any decor.

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Foot ring

A foot ring on a drafting or task stool provides additional support for a person's feet. This is especially important for those that cannot touch the ground with their feet when sitting in the chair.

I recommend: iBuy Office Supply provides an adjustable foot ring kit that can be attached to drafting stools that do not come with this feature.

Adjustable height

Task and drafting stools with an adjustable height mechanism can provide extra comfort for those that use the stool. Stools without height adjustment may not offer enough height or too much height for a person to sit comfortably for a long period.

I recommend: My Bar Stools provides specifications on a typical drafting stool with an adjustable height mechanism.

Ergonomic

An ergonomic chair or stool is a piece of furniture that makes using the product much more comfortable. An ergonomic stool can achieve this level of comfort by considering posture and common body movement in the design.

I recommend: Ergo in Demand provides information on how the features of its ergonomic stools work to provide additional comfort and support.

24-hour stool

A 24-hour stool is a task or drafting stool designed for long periods of use. These types of chairs feature adjustable seats, backrests, foot rings and armrests for maximum comfort.

I recommend: School Outfitters provides information on a specific 24-hour stool model that also has anti-microbial properties to prevent the spread of germs.

Casters

Casters are specific types of wheels attached to the bottom of drafting stools. There are typically four-to-six casters attached to the bottom of these stools for ease of mobility on hard surfaces or carpet.

I recommend: Office Furniture University provides a guide on how to replace a broken caster on a chair.

Mesh back drafting stool

A mesh back drafting stool has a back rest made from a porous mesh material. This material helps to facilitate airflow while maintaining comfort for the person sitting in the chair.

I recommend: Office Chairs Unlimited provides information and specifications of a mid-priced mesh back drafting stool.