Steelcase Cogent vs Era: New Details Comparison

Steelcase Cogent and Era chairs are two popular models on the market. Cogent and Era are both designed to provide comfort and support but have some key differences. This article will compare the features of these chairs to help you decide which one is right for you.

What are the main differences between Steelcase Cogent vs Era?

The Steelcase Cogent fabric is smoother and more flexible than the Era fabric. It has a more even hole pattern that allows for better ventilation. This two-toned woven cloth has less stretch in either direction. It doesn’t feel as good when touched or stretched because of its subtle texture. People who prefer something soft against their skin while sitting at work desks all day long will like it!

Specs and Comparison of Steelcase Cogent vs Era

FeaturesSteelcase CogentSteelcase Era
BrandSteelcaseSteelcase
StyleCarpet Casters
Material TypeKnit or Mesh Woven
DesignSolidTexture
Dry CrockingClass 4Class 4.5
Wet CrockingClass 4Class 5
Weight Recommendation400 Pounds400 Pounds
Colorfastness to LightClass 4Class 5
Dimensions23.63″D x 34.63″W x 44.25″HVariable
Country of OriginMexicoUnited Kingdom
Warranty12 Year
SustainabilityCradle to Cradle Certified™Oeko-Tex® Standard
Back StyleCountered BackSolid Back
Color Options27(Most Popular: Licorice Fabric)23(Most Popular: Cobalt)
Recommended UsesOfficeOffice
BreathingHighLow
FlexibilityMoreLess
SoftnessMoreLess
Item Weight78 Pounds78 Pounds
Fabric Composition100% Polyester100% Polyester
Double Rub Count100,000 Double rubs100,000 Double rubs
ShapeL-Shape S-Shape
Cleaning MethodWater and Solvent-based cleanerWater and Solvent-based cleaner
Buying OptionBuy from AmazonBuy from Amazon

Steelcase Cogent vs Era: All the Differences

Material

The most important difference between Steelcase Cogent and Era fabric is their material type. The former has mesh or knit netting that makes small pores. This is because the individual strands of yarn are knit together. It looks similar to the mesh you see on fishing nets or screens at airports during rush hour traffic when there are lots of people going back and forth across these lanes too quickly for you to see anything clearly.

The latter offers more durability with its twill weave design. This allows both sides perfect visibility, despite being vertical rather than horizontal so no part goes unnoticed by drivers behind you.

Design

The Cogent fabric is a single-colored, plain-looking material that can be used for many purposes. The Era cloth is different from other fabrics because it has a unique texture. You can feel the difference when you touch it. The fabric is stiff or soft, depending on what you are looking for.

Style

When it comes to style, the Steelcase Era definitely has the upper hand. The herringbone pattern used in the upholstery not only looks good. But it also uses two colors of yarn to create depth and character. Plus, with 23 different colors to choose from, users are sure to find the perfect match for their office space.

Cogent Connect also comes in a variety of interesting colors, but the knitted pattern isn’t as appealing as Era’s. As a result, the Steelcase Era is the better choice for users who are looking for stylish and appealing office chairs.

texture

One of the differences between these two fabrics lies in their texture, which is a result of their different body designs. Cogent Connect is a softer, more comfortable fabric because it is knitted. On the other hand, era fabric leans a little towards the rougher side because of its herringbone weave pattern.

If you’re looking for a chair that’s both cozy and comfortable, Cogent Connect is your best bet. However, if you prefer a fabric that’s more durable and easy to clean, era fabric may be more suited to your needs. Whichever option you choose, you can rest assured that both fabrics are of high quality and will provide you with years of comfort and enjoyment.

Dry and Wet Crocking

When choosing upholstery for your next project, it is important to consider how the fabric will perform in different conditions. Fabric that is exposed to friction or other materials may lose color over time. This is a problem faced by many textile manufacturers. There are two types of croaking: dry and wet. Dry crocking, or the removal of color from fabric due to friction or exposure to another material, is a problem faced by many textile manufacturers.

Wet crocking is the process of removing color from textiles as a result of moisture exposure. The amount of color removed from the fabric tells you how much color transfer it will have. Class 5 means that no color transfer was removed, while Class 1 means that a lot of color transfer was removed. The Cogent fabric is able to maintain its color well, both in dry and wet conditions. For dry and wet crocking, Terminix Elite is made of Era fabric with Class 4.5 and 5 ratings, respectively.

Fabric stretch and firmness

The Cogent Connect fabric has a little give to it, allowing the chair to shift around some as you move. The Steelcase Era’s fabric is not as soft, but both chairs have some give to them, providing comfort while seated. The amount of stretch in the fabric and the firmness of the chair’s construction are important factors to consider when choosing a chair.

The Cogent Connect’s fabric stretches more than the Steelcase Era’s, so it may not provide as much support if you are looking for a firm chair. However, Cogent Connect’s flexibility may be beneficial if you want a chair that is easy to move around in.

Colorfastness to Light

The static resistance of a material is defined as the degree to which it resists fading when subjected to light. It’s especially critical for garments that will be worn on a regular basis since this indicates how well they resist deterioration over time. The Steelcase Cogent and Era fabrics are both rated highly in this regard, with a Class 4 rating for the Cogent and a Class 4.5 rating for the Era.

This means that both fabrics will retain their color well under light exposure, making them ideal for use in clothing. The Era fabric is rated slightly higher than the Cogent fabric. This means that it will keep its color better than the Cogent fabric over time. However, both fabrics are still good choices for clothing that needs to be exposed to light regularly.

Breathing

The Steelcase Cogent’s knit or mesh fabric is made of tiny holes/spaces, which makes it an excellent breathing fabric with high breathability. This proves best for air circulation during long hours of sitting and also minimizes sweat buildup.

The Era is a woven cloth with interlacing threads or yarns, while the other category includes cotton that is tightly woven without any open spaces. The small gaps in the fabric result from this type of interlacing. As a consequence, the Era textile is less breathable.

Breaking Strength

The Steelcase Cogent fabric has a higher breaking strength than the Steelcase Era fabric. The Cogent fabric is rated at 166 pounds for warp and 124 pounds for weft, while the Era fabric is rated at 265 pounds for warp and 267 pounds for weft.

The ratings are determined by how many pounds it takes to fracture or tear the cloth. The higher the rating, the more resistant the fabric is to breaking under tension.

Brush Pill

The brush pill test is a method of determining the likelihood that a fabric will form pills after being brushed with a nylon brush for a set length of time. The number of pills is recorded, and the garment is evaluated accordingly. Class 1: Severe pilling to Class 5: No pilling.

Woven fabrics tend to form fewer pills than knitted fabrics. The Cogent is a Class 3.5-rated fabric, which means it has the propensity to form tiny pills. The Era is a woven fabric that has been rated Class 5, which means it will not form pilling.

Flexibility and Softness

The steelcase Cogent has been determined to be more flexible and softer than the Era material. The Era gives a harsh sensation when touched and demonstrates less flexibility when stretched. When comparing the two, it is clear that Cogent is the better option in terms of flexibility and softness.

When choosing fabric for your furniture, it is important to think about what will be comfortable to sit on. The Cogent fabric is very flexible and soft, making it a great choice for people who are looking for durable and comfortable fabric.

Multiple Color options

Both chairs offer a variety of colors to choose from. Cogent is available in 27 different colors, while Era is available in 23 colors. Both collections offer a variety of color options to suit any taste or space.

Sustainability

When it comes to sustainability, the Steelcase Cogent is superior to the Steelcase Era. The Cogent fabric is made from a Cradle to Cradle CertifiedTM blend, which has excellent longevity. This stamp means the cloth is safe, circular, and responsibly produced. It’s made without Antimony.

The Steelcase Era has an Oeko-Tex® Standard 100 Class II label, which means that the fabric is free of harmful levels of toxic chemicals. The fabric was originally tested for around 100 different chemicals, including carcinogens, pesticides, and others. Today’s Standard 100 tests cover a much larger scope of poisonous compounds. As a result, Cogent is the more sustainable option.

Country of Origin

When it comes to choosing between the Steelcase Cogent and Era, one key factor to consider is the country of origin. The Cogent is from Mexico, while the Era is from the United Kingdom. Each country has its own strengths when it comes to manufacturing quality office furniture. For example, Mexico is known for its competitive pricing and ability to mass-produce goods quickly.

Meanwhile, the UK has a long history of craftsmanship and attention to detail. As a result, the Cogent and Era offer different benefits depending on your needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option with rapid delivery times, the Cogent may be the better choice. However, if you want furniture that’s built to last, the Era could be a better option.

Steelcase Cogent vs Era: All the Similarities

Now let’s see the similarities between these two chairs.

high-quality steel

Steelcase Cogent and Era both use high-quality steel in their construction. This steel gives the chair a sturdy feeling, one that inspires confidence in the user. Both companies take care to use steel that is free of impurities, ensuring that the chair will last for many years with proper care.

The chair is also designed to be easy to assemble and disassemble, making them a good option for those who move frequently.

Double Rub Count

The double rub count is a popular way to measure a fabric’s durability. Most commonly, it is measured in double rub counts. Upholstery chairs typically have 15,000 to 25,000 double rubs as the standard. Such fabrics can last for multiple years before needing replacement. For high-traffic areas that need something even more durable, commercial-grade fabrics feature a 100,000 to 250,000 rub count and are perfect for heavy-duty use cases.

Both the Steelcase Cogent and Era have a double rub count of 100,000, making them ideal for heavy usage. Such textiles have exceptional durability and do not wear down easily. These textiles are suited for constant use because they are some of the strongest on the market for consistent usage.

Five-star base

Both have a five-star base, meaning that the chair is supported by five legs instead of four. This provides additional stability and helps to distribute weight more evenly.

Fabric Composition

Both chairs are made of 100 percent polyester fabric, which is a strong and durable material that resists wrinkling, stretching, and shrinking. Polyester is also resistant to a wide range of chemicals, making it a good choice for use in office settings.

In addition, the fabric dries quickly, making it easy to care for. As a result, the Steelcase Cogent and Era chairs are both great choices for those looking for a durable and easy-to-care-for office chair.

Customization

Both chairs are highly customizable, allowing users to adjust. Users can customize the seat height, backrest angle, and armrest position to find their perfect fit. 

Cleaning Method

The care instructions for each chair vary depending on its composition. The codes below indicate which cleaning method should be used.

  1. W – Water-Based Cleaner
  2. S – Solvent-Based Cleaner
  3. WS – Water Solvent Cleaner
  4. D – Dry Clean Only
  5. X – Vacuum Only

Cogent and Era have a WS code, which means they can be washed in water or solvent-based solutions. Oily stains should be treated with solvent and water-based chemicals should be used for water-based stains.

Conclusion

Now that we’ve looked at the Cogent and Era in detail, it’s time to decide which chair is right for you. If you need a durable, high-quality chair that will last for years, then the Cogent is a great option.

If you want a comfortable, stylish chair that comes in multiple colors, then the Era is a good choice. My personal recommendation is the Cogent. But, whichever chair you choose, you can be confident that you’re getting a quality product from Steelcase.

Scroll to Top