Knoll ReGeneration is a great chair to buy used if you want premium Knoll quality without paying full retail. But condition matters a lot, especially the Flex Back, seat cushion, arms, cylinder, and refurbisher warranty.

Is a Used/Refurbished Knoll ReGeneration Worth Buying?
A used or refurbished Knoll ReGeneration can absolutely be worth buying, especially if you want a higher-end ergonomic chair at a much lower price than buying new. ReGeneration sits in Knoll’s Generation family, but it is usually seen as the more streamlined, slightly more structured, and more affordable version of the original Generation chair. That makes it popular on the secondhand market because offices, liquidators, refurbishers, and work-from-home buyers often resell them after commercial use.
The main reason a used Knoll ReGeneration is attractive is that it still gives you many of the things people like about the chair: a flexible back, responsive sitting feel, clean modern design, good lumbar support, and better build quality than most budget office chairs. It is not just a basic mesh chair. The ReGeneration was designed around movement, so the back and frame are meant to flex with you instead of forcing you into one stiff sitting position.
A used ReGeneration is especially worth considering if you find one with the original back in good condition, smooth seat-height adjustment, working tilt, firm seat cushion, stable arms, and no cracks in the frame. Since many of these chairs came from offices, you can sometimes find them in large quantities from furniture liquidators or refurbishers at much better prices than buying one new.
The biggest thing to remember is that Knoll ReGeneration chairs can vary a lot by configuration. Some have fixed arms, some have adjustable arms, some have different upholstery, some have lumbar options, and some may have polished or plastic bases depending on the original build. So when you are buying used, do not assume every listing is the exact same chair. Look closely at the photos and make sure the chair has the adjustments and finish you actually want.
A refurbished Knoll ReGeneration can be a better choice than a random used one if the seller has actually cleaned it, tested the mechanism, replaced worn parts, inspected the back, checked the gas cylinder, and offers returns or a warranty. However, the word “refurbished” is not always used consistently. Some sellers may only wipe the chair down and call it refurbished, while others may fully inspect and service it.
For a home office, a used ReGeneration makes the most sense when the price is low enough to justify taking a secondhand risk. If the chair is only slightly cheaper than a new or professionally renewed model, you may be better off buying from a seller with stronger warranty coverage. But if you find a clean, fully working chair from a reputable refurbisher or local office furniture dealer, it can be one of the better used ergonomic chair buys online.
Used vs Refurbished Knoll ReGeneration: What Is the Difference?
A used Knoll ReGeneration is usually sold in its current condition. It may come from an office liquidation, private seller, warehouse clearance, or someone upgrading their home office. A used chair might still be in excellent shape, but it has not necessarily been repaired, cleaned deeply, or tested beyond the seller’s basic description.
A refurbished Knoll ReGeneration should mean the chair has been inspected and restored to proper working condition before resale. For this model, that may include cleaning the seat fabric, checking the elastomer back, testing the tilt and height mechanism, tightening arms, replacing casters, replacing a weak gas cylinder, removing stains, and making sure the chair is safe to use.
The difference matters because the ReGeneration has model-specific parts that are not always easy to replace with generic office chair parts. The back structure, arm design, seat pan, and mechanism are not the same as a cheap universal task chair. If a used ReGeneration has a cracked back frame or broken arm mount, that can be much harder to fix than simply replacing wheels.
A seller-refurbished ReGeneration is usually safer than a random used listing if the seller clearly explains what was done and offers a return policy. But do not pay extra just because the listing says “refurbished.” Ask what was replaced, whether the gas lift was tested, whether the back has cracks, whether the seat cushion is original, and whether the chair was only cleaned or actually repaired.
How Much Does a Used or Refurbished Knoll ReGeneration Cost?
The price of a used or refurbished Knoll ReGeneration depends on condition, age, color, arm type, base type, upholstery, seller reputation, shipping cost, and whether the chair includes a warranty. Because ReGeneration is a premium branded chair but not usually as expensive as some higher-end Herman Miller or Steelcase models, it often sits in a very attractive middle range on the used market.
A rough buying range is:
- $100 to $175: Usually local-pickup used chairs, older office liquidation chairs, chairs with cosmetic wear, or listings where the seller wants a quick sale. At this price, inspect the back, arms, seat, tilt, and cylinder carefully.
- $175 to $300: A common range for a clean used Knoll ReGeneration in good working condition. These may come from office furniture dealers, local resellers, or online marketplaces. This is often the sweet spot if the chair has no major damage.
- $300 to $450: Often seen for professionally refurbished, renewed, or very clean ReGeneration chairs from larger resellers. At this price, you should expect better photos, clear condition notes, tested functions, and some type of return policy or warranty.
- $450 and up: Usually only worth it if the chair is exceptionally clean, recently refurbished, has strong warranty coverage, includes free shipping, or has a desirable configuration. Otherwise, compare it carefully against buying new or buying a different premium used chair.
The biggest hidden cost is shipping. Office chairs are bulky, and shipping a fully assembled or partially assembled Knoll ReGeneration can be expensive. A chair listed at a low price can become a bad deal if the shipping cost is high or if the return shipping is your responsibility.
Also consider possible replacement costs. If the chair needs new casters, a gas cylinder, cleaning supplies, or a seat cushion solution, those costs reduce your savings. You can compare related parts on Amazon, such as office chair replacement casters, office chair gas lift cylinders, and ergonomic office chair seat cushions before buying a chair that needs work.
Where to Buy a Used or Refurbished Knoll ReGeneration Online
eBay is one of the best places to start because Knoll ReGeneration chairs often appear there as used, pre-owned, seller-refurbished, open-box, renewed, or office liquidation inventory. You can find individual chairs, multiple-quantity listings, and refurbished listings from office furniture resellers.
When searching eBay, use more than one search phrase. Try “Knoll ReGeneration,” “Knoll Regeneration chair,” “ReGeneration by Knoll,” and “Knoll ergonomic chair.” Some sellers spell the name as “Regeneration” without the capital G, while others may simply list it as a Knoll task chair. Checking multiple terms helps you find listings that may not be perfectly titled.
Pay close attention to the actual photos. A good eBay listing should show the front, side, back, seat, arms, base, casters, and underside. For the ReGeneration, you especially want to see the back structure clearly because cracks, warping, or heavy wear in the back can be more serious than basic scratches on the base.
Check whether the chair is sold as used, seller refurbished, or renewed. Read the condition description instead of relying only on the listing headline. A chair marked “refurbished” should ideally say whether it was cleaned, inspected, repaired, had parts replaced, or simply tested. If the seller provides a warranty, read the warranty terms carefully because seller warranties are not the same as the original Knoll manufacturer warranty.
For eBay, the best listings usually have strong seller feedback, many office furniture sales, clear return terms, real photos, and a detailed description of the exact chair you will receive. Be careful with listings that use only stock images, vague condition descriptions, or photos that hide the seat and back.
Other Online Websites/Marketplace for Used/Refurbished Knoll ReGeneration
- Office Furniture Liquidators: Local and national office furniture liquidators are excellent places to find used Knoll ReGeneration chairs because many of these chairs originally came from commercial offices. Liquidators may have multiple units, allow local inspection, and sometimes clean or service chairs before resale.
- Facebook Marketplace: Facebook Marketplace is useful for finding local used Knoll ReGeneration chairs with no shipping cost. Search “Knoll ReGeneration,” “Knoll chair,” and “ergonomic office chair.” The biggest advantage is being able to sit in the chair, test the cylinder, check the back, and inspect the arms before paying.
- Craigslist: Craigslist can be a good option for low-cost local ReGeneration chairs from offices, moving sales, and private sellers. It has less buyer protection than eBay, so inspect the chair in person and avoid sending deposits before seeing it.
- OfferUp: OfferUp is another good local marketplace for used Knoll chairs. Use broad searches because many sellers may not know the exact model name. If the listing only says “Knoll office chair,” compare the photos carefully with ReGeneration features before arranging pickup.
- Used Office Furniture Stores: Many used office furniture stores sell online through their own websites and may ship regionally. These sellers can be a strong option if they clearly list the chair condition, provide real inventory photos, and offer a short warranty or return policy.
Used or Refurbished Knoll ReGeneration: Buying Tips & What to Avoid
- Verify that it is actually a Knoll ReGeneration: Ask for clear photos of the full chair, including the back, arms, seat, base, and underside label if available. ReGeneration can be confused with Generation, MultiGeneration, Life, or other Knoll task chairs, so do not rely only on the seller’s title.
- Check the back structure carefully: The ReGeneration back is one of the chair’s main features. Look for cracks, splits, stretched material, broken plastic, uneven flex, or areas that look bent out of shape. A damaged back can be expensive or difficult to correct.
- Inspect the seat cushion: Ask for close-up photos of the seat fabric and side profile. Heavy office use can flatten the cushion, create fabric shine, cause stains, or leave the front edge compressed. A ReGeneration with a badly worn seat may not feel like the chair is supposed to feel.
- Test the height adjustment: The chair should raise and lower smoothly and hold its height while someone is sitting in it. If the chair slowly sinks, the gas cylinder may be failing. A cylinder can sometimes be replaced, but the repair cost should be reflected in the price.
- Check the tilt and recline feel: Sit in the chair and lean back several times. The movement should feel controlled, not loose, grinding, or unstable. If buying online, ask the seller to confirm that the tilt works properly and does not lock, slip, or make loud noises.
- Look closely at the arms: ReGeneration chairs can have different arm configurations. Check whether the arms are fixed or adjustable, whether both sides match, and whether the arm pads are cracked, sticky, loose, or heavily worn. Arm repairs can be more annoying than replacing simple casters.
- Confirm the exact configuration: Before buying, confirm color, upholstery, base type, arm type, lumbar option, and any adjustment features. Two ReGeneration listings can look similar but feel different depending on the original specification.
- Ask about commercial use: Many used ReGeneration chairs come from offices. That is not automatically bad, but you should ask whether the chair came from a corporate liquidation, how many years it was used, and whether it was used daily in a full-time workstation.
- Check for odor and stains: Seat fabric can hold odors from smoke, pets, storage units, or damp offices. Ask directly if the chair has any smell, water marks, food stains, or cleaning chemical smell. Odor issues are hard to judge from photos.
- Inspect the underside: Ask for a photo under the seat showing the mechanism, bolts, labels, and cylinder connection. Rust, missing bolts, bent brackets, or mismatched hardware can be signs of rough use or poor refurbishment.
- Check all casters: Roll the chair on a hard surface and make sure all wheels move freely. Worn casters are usually fixable, but broken caster sockets or a cracked base are more serious. If the wheels are bad, price out office chair wheel replacement sets before buying.
- Ask what “refurbished” includes: A proper refurbished ReGeneration should be cleaned, inspected, and tested. Ideally, the seller should tell you if the gas cylinder, casters, arm pads, fabric, or mechanism were replaced or serviced. Avoid paying refurbished prices for a chair that was only wiped down.
- Check the return policy before ordering: This is very important for shipped chairs. If the chair arrives damaged or uncomfortable, return shipping may be expensive. Buy from sellers who clearly explain returns, damage claims, and warranty coverage.
- Avoid stock-photo-only listings: Stock photos do not show the real condition of the seat, arms, back, or base. For a used Knoll ReGeneration, you need actual photos of the chair being sold.
- Avoid cracked plastic or frame damage: Cosmetic scuffs are normal on used chairs, but cracks in the back frame, arm supports, base, or seat structure are a major warning sign. Do not treat structural damage as a small cosmetic flaw.
- Avoid chairs with missing parts: Missing arm pads, broken adjustment levers, absent casters, or missing lumbar pieces can be difficult to replace with exact Knoll-compatible parts. Make sure the discount is large enough to justify the repair.
- Avoid overpaying because of the Knoll name: Knoll is a respected brand, but a used ReGeneration still needs to be priced according to condition. If the chair is heavily worn, stained, or sold without returns, it should not be priced close to a clean refurbished model.
- Ask for a video if buying online: A short video showing the actual chair raising, lowering, reclining, rolling, and flexing can reveal problems that photos hide. This is especially useful for expensive shipped purchases.
- Confirm whether the warranty transfers: Do not assume the original Knoll warranty applies to a secondhand chair. Many used chairs are sold without manufacturer warranty, so seller warranty and return policy become more important.
- Compare the final cost with alternatives: Before paying, compare the used ReGeneration with new and used alternatives. Also check Amazon for related searches like Knoll ReGeneration office chair and refurbished ergonomic office chairs to make sure the deal still makes sense.

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GCDI2020 Replacement Black Arm Pads for Regeneration Office Chair w/Fixed Arm Pads, Compatible with Task & Stool Chair, Fix Peeling & Cracked Arm Pads
Used vs New Knoll ReGeneration
A used Knoll ReGeneration is best for buyers who want premium ergonomic quality at a lower price and are comfortable checking condition carefully. The biggest advantage is value. You can often get a commercial-grade Knoll chair for far less than new pricing, especially from office liquidators or refurbishers.
The tradeoff is uncertainty. A used chair may have years of office use, worn fabric, a weaker cylinder, compressed foam, scratched plastic, loose arms, or no manufacturer warranty. Even if the chair looks clean, you still need to check the back, seat, tilt, height adjustment, and base before buying.
A new Knoll ReGeneration gives you the cleanest condition, full original configuration choice, manufacturer support, and less risk. You can choose the upholstery, finish, arms, and options you want instead of settling for whatever is available used. New also makes more sense if you plan to sit in the chair every day for long work hours and want maximum reliability.
A refurbished ReGeneration sits between used and new. It may cost more than a private used chair, but it can be worth the premium if the seller is reputable, has replaced worn parts, provides a warranty, and accepts returns. For many buyers, a properly refurbished Knoll ReGeneration is the best balance: cheaper than new, safer than a random used listing, and still comfortable enough for serious home-office use.
The best choice depends on price difference. If a used ReGeneration is hundreds less than new and in excellent condition, it can be a great buy. If a used chair is stained, damaged, missing features, or only slightly cheaper than a better refurbished option, skip it.
Knoll ReGeneration Used/Refurbished FAQ
Is a used Knoll ReGeneration a good chair to buy online?
Yes, a used Knoll ReGeneration can be a very good online buy if the chair is complete, clean, fully functional, and priced well below a new one. The safest listings include real photos, a clear condition description, tested height and tilt functions, and a reasonable return policy.
How can I tell if a Knoll ReGeneration is authentic?
Ask for photos of the full chair, underside, label, back design, arms, and base. Compare the chair with official Knoll ReGeneration images and specifications. Be careful with vague listings that only say “Knoll chair,” because ReGeneration can be confused with Generation, MultiGeneration, Life, or other Knoll models.
What is the biggest problem to check on a used Knoll ReGeneration?
The back structure, seat cushion, arms, gas cylinder, and tilt mechanism are the most important areas to check. Cosmetic scuffs are usually acceptable, but cracks in the back or frame, a sinking cylinder, broken arms, or a heavily flattened seat can make the chair a poor buy.
Is refurbished better than used for the Knoll ReGeneration?
Refurbished is usually better if the seller actually inspected, cleaned, tested, and repaired the chair. However, the word refurbished can be used loosely. Ask exactly what work was done, whether any parts were replaced, and whether the seller provides returns or warranty coverage.
What is a fair price for a used Knoll ReGeneration?
A fair price often falls around $175 to $300 for a clean used chair, while professionally refurbished chairs may cost more. Very low prices can be good for local pickup, but only if the chair has no major damage. Always include shipping and possible repair costs when judging the deal.
Should I buy a Knoll ReGeneration from eBay?
eBay can be a good place to buy a used or refurbished Knoll ReGeneration because there are often multiple listings from office furniture resellers. Look for strong seller feedback, actual photos, clear condition notes, return options, and detailed shipping information before ordering.
Does a used Knoll ReGeneration come with the original Knoll warranty?
Do not assume the original manufacturer warranty transfers to a second owner. Many used chairs are sold without Knoll warranty coverage. If warranty matters, ask the seller for written terms and confirm whether the coverage is from Knoll or only from the refurbisher.
Can I replace the gas cylinder on a Knoll ReGeneration?
A gas cylinder may be replaceable, but compatibility and removal can be tricky. If the chair sinks, price it as a repair project unless the seller replaces the cylinder before sale. Ask the refurbisher whether the cylinder was tested or replaced.
Are Knoll ReGeneration parts easy to find?
Some basic items like casters may be easier to replace, but model-specific parts such as the back, arms, seat components, and mechanism can be harder to source. Avoid chairs with missing or broken ReGeneration-specific parts unless the price is extremely low and you already know where to get replacements.
What photos should I ask for before buying?
Ask for front, back, side, seat, underside, arm, base, caster, and label photos. Also request close-ups of any stains, scratches, cracks, upholstery wear, arm pads, back frame, and adjustment controls. Real photos are much more useful than stock images.
Is local pickup better than shipping for a used Knoll ReGeneration?
Local pickup is often better because you can sit in the chair, test every function, check for odors, inspect the back, and avoid shipping damage. Shipping can still work, but only when the seller packages the chair well and offers a clear return or damage policy.
Should I buy a heavily worn Knoll ReGeneration if it is cheap?
Only if the wear is cosmetic and the chair is still structurally sound. Avoid chairs with cracked frames, broken arms, sinking cylinders, damaged backs, missing parts, or severe stains. A cheap ReGeneration can become expensive if it immediately needs hard-to-find parts.
A used or refurbished Knoll ReGeneration can be a smart buy if you want a real ergonomic chair without paying new-chair pricing. Just check the back, seat, arms, tilt, cylinder, and seller warranty carefully. If the chair is clean, fully working, and priced fairly, it can be a great home-office upgrade.


