How to Assemble a Budget Gaming Chair: A Step-by-Step Guide

That massive box has arrived from Evetech. Inside is your new command centre, but there’s one final boss battle: assembly. Don’t stress! Learning how to assemble a budget gaming chair is easier than you think, and far more rewarding. It’s a satisfying DIY project that connects you to your gear. With a bit of patience and this guide, you’ll go from a box of parts to a comfortable throne in under an hour. Ready to build? 🔧

Before You Start: Unboxing and Prep

First things first, clear some space. You'll need a decent patch of floor to lay everything out without losing a crucial screw under the couch. Open the box carefully and lay out every component. Take a moment to check the parts list in the instruction manual against what you have. It’s rare, but catching a missing bolt now saves a lot of frustration later.

Most budget gaming chair kits include the only tool you’ll need—usually a single Allen key. While you can use your own tools for a bit more torque, the included one is perfectly fine for the job. Before you dive in, remember that finding the right model is the real first step. Evetech has a wide range of gaming chairs to suit any setup and budget.

Your Step-by-Step Assembly Guide

Alright, let's get this done. Follow these steps, and your gaming chair assembly will be smooth sailing. Don't rush it... take your time and do it right.

Step 1: Build the Foundation (Base & Wheels)

This is the easy win that builds momentum. Take the five-star base and the caster wheels. Line up the peg on each wheel with a hole on the end of a base leg and push down firmly. You should feel or hear a solid "click" as it snaps into place. Repeat for all five wheels, then flip the base over so it's standing correctly.

Step 2: Install the Power Column (Gas Lift)

Next, grab the gas lift cylinder. This is the part that lets your chair go up and down. Simply slot the wider end into the hole in the centre of the base. It will just rest in there for now. Slide the plastic telescopic cover over it, and that's it. Step two, complete.

Step 3: Prep the Seat and Mechanism

Now for the main event. Place the seat cushion upside down on a soft surface (like the shipping box) to avoid scratches. The control mechanism is the metal plate with all the levers. Align its holes with the pre-drilled holes on the bottom of the seat, making sure the height adjustment lever is positioned correctly (usually on the right-hand side).

Loosely thread all four bolts by hand first to ensure everything is aligned, then tighten them securely with the Allen key. The mechanism is a key area where cost is saved on budget models. Most great gaming chairs under R4000 use a reliable, standard tilt function, whereas more premium options often feature advanced multi-functional mechanisms for greater control.

Step 4: Attach the Backrest

Line up the metal brackets on the backrest with the hinges on the seat cushion. This can be a bit awkward to do alone, so if you have a friend nearby, now is the time to ask for a hand. If not, use one hand to hold the backrest steady while you use the other to insert the bolts. Again, get all the bolts threaded loosely before you tighten them completely. Once secure, pop the plastic covers over the hinges.

Step 5: Armed and Ready (Armrests)

Look for small 'L' and 'R' indicators on the armrests to ensure you put them on the correct sides—it's a classic rookie mistake to mix them up! Bolt them onto the underside of the seat. Your chair is starting to look like a chair!

Step 6: The Final Connection 🚀

This is the moment of truth. Carefully lift the entire top assembly of the chair (the seat, backrest, and arms) and align the hole in the centre of the mechanism with the top of the gas lift cylinder you installed earlier. Lower it down and give it a firm push. Sit in the chair and wiggle a bit to make sure it's fully seated and secure.

Congratulations! You just learned how to assemble a budget gaming chair.

Your Throne Awaits

See? That wasn't so bad. Building your own gaming chair gives you a better appreciation for your hardware and the satisfaction of a job well done. Now that you know how simple the setup process is, the only thing left is choosing the right model for your marathon gaming sessions. To get started, why not check out some of the best gaming chair deals in South Africa right now?