Used Haworth Office Chairs in Toronto & the GTA: Zody, Very & Fern Buying Guide (2026)

Used Haworth Office Chairs in Toronto & the GTA: Zody, Very & Fern Buying Guide (2026)

Herman Miller and Steelcase get most of the attention in the used chair market, but savvy GTA buyers know there's a third name worth hunting down: Haworth. The Michigan-based manufacturer has been outfitting corporate offices for over 75 years, and its flagship task chairs — the Zody, the Very, and the Fern — are among the most comfortable and durable seats ever put into a Toronto office tower. When companies downsize or refresh their floors, these chairs hit the used market in real numbers, and the discounts are serious.

Why Haworth chairs hold up so well used

Haworth builds for commercial use: steel frames, high-cycle mechanisms, and components designed to survive a decade of daily office life. A used Haworth Zody or Fern at 5–8 years old typically has another 5–10 years of solid service in it — provided it was inspected and serviced properly. That's what separates a dealer-refurbished chair from a random online listing: every unit gets its mechanism checked, casters tested, gas cylinder verified, and upholstery cleaned before it's sold.

There's also genuine design pedigree here. The Haworth Zody is the only office chair endorsed by the American Physical Therapy Association, and the Fern's wave-like back — inspired by the stems of ferns — is one of the most distinctive ergonomic designs on the market. These aren't commodity chairs; they're engineered seating that originally sold for $1,000–$1,800 CAD new.

Haworth Zody: the ergonomic workhorse

The Zody is Haworth's best-known task chair and the one you'll see most often in used inventory across the GTA. Look for the asymmetrical lumbar support — the PAL (Passive Adaptive Lumbar) back system that adjusts to your lower back without knobs or levers — plus a 4D armrest option on higher-spec models.

A new Zody with full options retails around $1,200–$1,500 CAD. Used, a clean refurbished Zody in good condition typically runs $299–$549 CAD at a GTA dealer — roughly 60–70% off new. When you're inspecting a used Zody, check three things: the lumbar system moves smoothly, the seat-depth adjustment locks in place, and the mesh (on mesh-back models) has no tears or sagging. All three are easy to verify in a showroom in under two minutes.

Haworth Very: the conference and executive favourite

The Very line — including the Very task chair and the Very seminar/conference chair — is Haworth's answer to the executive and meeting-room market. Task models offer solid ergonomics with a cleaner, more traditional silhouette than the Zody; the seminar versions (like the red leather Very shown above, on a polished aluminum base) are built for boardrooms and reception areas where looks matter as much as comfort.

Used Very chairs are excellent value because conference furniture gets lighter use than daily task seating. A leather Very seminar chair that sold new for $1,000+ CAD can often be found used for $199–$399 CAD in very good condition. For meeting rooms and home offices where the chair won't see 8-hour days, that's one of the best dollar-per-seat deals in the used market.

Haworth Fern: the premium pick

The Fern is Haworth's flagship — a wave-suspension back with cradling "leaves" that flex as you move, full ergonomic adjustability, and a design that won international awards. New Ferns start around $1,500 CAD and climb past $1,800 with leather and premium options.

Used Ferns are rarer than Zodys, but they do surface when downtown firms refresh. Expect $449–$749 CAD refurbished — still half the price of new for a chair that's arguably in the same league as the Herman Miller Embody. If you find one in your size and fabric preference, don't wait: premium used models at this discount move fast.

What to check before buying any used Haworth chair

Whatever model you're considering, run through this quick checklist — in the showroom or on delivery:

- Gas cylinder: sit down and adjust the height. It should hold your weight without sinking.

- Tilt mechanism: recline and lock at multiple positions. There should be no grinding or slippage.

- Armrests: 4D arms should move in all four directions and lock; fixed arms should be solid with no wobble.

- Base and casters: roll the chair — it should glide straight without sticking or squeaking.

- Upholstery: mesh backs shouldn't sag or tear; fabric seats shouldn't be worn through; leather should be conditioned, not cracked.

A reputable dealer checks all of this before the chair reaches the sales floor, and should be willing to demonstrate each adjustment while you watch.

Used Haworth chairs in the GTA: where to buy

Ufficio Furniture in Mississauga regularly stocks used Haworth chairs — Zody task chairs, Very task and seminar chairs, and Ferns when they're available — all inspected, cleaned, and tested before sale. Browse the current seating inventory at ufficiofurniture.com/seating, or visit the showroom at 1215 Meyerside Drive, Unit 7, Mississauga ON to sit in them yourself. Open Monday to Saturday 10am–7pm and Sunday 11am–6pm. Call 647-898-8918 for current stock and pricing — Haworth models turn over quickly, so it's worth checking what's in before you come.