Turnstone by Steelcase Buoy, Scarlet Fabric, Grey - review and price compare 2025

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Product overview

Color	Grey
Frame Material	Plastic
Seat Material Type	Plastic
Brand	Steelcase
Seat Height	22.75 Inches

product features

18" diameter upholstered cap - available in 6 fabrics to add color to your space
Built-in handle - used to adjust height and easier to carry
Plastic canister - easy cleaning and maintenance
Pneumatic cylinder height adjustment - 5 1/2" range to fit all sizes
Curved base - rocks to encourage active sitting

From the manufacturer

Turnstone by Steelcase Buoy, Scarlet Fabric, Grey

Features and benefits

18 inches diameter upholstered cap
built-in handle - used to adjust height and easier to carry
pnuematic cylinder height adjustment - 5 1/2 inches range to fit all sizes
curved base - rocks to encourage active sitting
plastic canister - easy cleaning and maintenance

Buoy

A unique riff on the stool with dozens of uses, Buoy embodies the spirit of turnstone. Smart, portable, colorful, fun, and slightly askew, Buoy stands at a slight 5 degree angle. Tilt even further —up to 12 degrees— to lean into your work. Change the seat height up to five inches with a quick lever pull. Travels well, works everywhere.

Build your Buoy

Designed for today’s movers and shakers, Buoy is a seat that’s as active as you are. Personalize your Buoy with a color combination that’s just for you. So go ahead, have a seat—Buoy is a moving experience.

As active as you are

Moving is good for you, which is why Buoy swivels, turns, tilts, and moves up and down. It’s active sitting that keeps our bodies active and our minds sharp. So go ahead, have a seat. With six bold colors, and endless ways to personalize, Buoy is a moving experience.

Sitting. it's only the beginning

After researching multiple small businesses, we noticed something: people are mobile, even when seated. Whether you’re a knee bouncer, a pencil tapper, or you’ve got jazz hands, Buoy lets you move freely. So feel free to pull up a seat. Or lean in. Or hunker down. Mobility matters.

product description

Style Name:Scarlet | Color:Grey

Turnstone Buoy by Steelcase has five Inch of height adjustability and the freedom to wobble, swivel and tilt make Buoy an instant classic. Grab this active seat and go when creativity demands portability, or stay put at your desk for high focus tasks. You'll love the sleek style and simple lines of turnstone's modern take on a seat.

product details

important information

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Questions about Turnstone by Steelcase Buoy, Scarlet Fabric, Grey -

Does the height adjustment go up or down from desk height? Thank you!

Answer: The chair's height range is large. I'm 5'3'' and the lowest height allows my feet to sit flat on the ground with knees bent 90 degrees. With that in mind, I'd say that the chair's height ranges from well below normal desk height to well above desk height. With my shortness, I have setup my desk at below 'normal' and can comfortably sit with my feet on the ground.

Answer: yes. it is adjustable.

Is it possible to add caster wheels to the bottom of this stool? I'm looking for something more than the "doctor's office stool".

Answer:

Answer: No, adding casters would not be practical, or perhaps not even possible. The base of this is concave, not flat. The stool rocks back and forth and sitting on it closely resembles sitting on an ergonomic balance ball. It helps with better posture and core strength. Even if casters could be added, they would erase the stool's movement and the benefits to posture and core.

Answer: No. Even if you could figure out a way to do so, it would ruin what is great about this chair, that it moves and tips with you. I use mine in the office, without a plastic mat under it, and it slides rather easily. Now I'm not sliding all over the office, but it is somewhat mobile as is. You should see if anyone near you sells these, so you can try one out. That's what sold me.

Answer: No, there is nothing on the bottom of the "buoy" to attach casters to.

What shade of grey is the main body, not the fabric or base? It looks light in the pic. Trying to match a steel case desk

Answer: Hello,

What is the weight limit for the Buoy?

I'm highly sensitive to strong glues & flame retardants in upholstery of traditonal chairs (new or used). Does this have a "treated fabric" smell?

Answer: I, too, am highly sensitive to chemical smells. Although this chair came wrapped in plastic, which would trap in any smells, I did not notice any even when I first opened it.

Answer: I've had mine a while but don't recall any smell at all

Answer: I didn't smell any off-gassing smell,

Does this chair have a weight limit? I am 5'10 and about 280

Answer: max weight 250 lbs. I'm getting this for my daughters birthday. I found the specifications. minimum height 17.25" Max height 22.75" the diameter of the seat is 18"

Answer: I don't know the answer to your question. I might suggest contacting Steelcase. 1.800.516.3454

Answer: you will be fine at that.

The ad says "5 1/2 inch range" and "22.75 inch seat height". Am I correct that means the range is 17.25 to 22.75 inches from the floor?

Does it smell?

Answer: Seriously?! No, it does not smell.

Answer: Not at all.

How tall can it expand to?

Answer: Approximately 22 inches.

Does it have storage space inside?

Answer: Hi, no unfortunately our Buoy do not have have storage space inside. If you want to know more details about the product you can contact our product specialist at +1888-783-3522 option 1. Thank you!!

Answer: Hi C.,

Answer: No, there is no storage space inside.

Answer: No storage, and the worst stool I have ever sat on. I returned mine after a couple days.

Answer: No, as the base is a rocker...

Answer: No it does not.

Is there a warranty?

Answer: yes these have the Full Steelcase Factory warranty when ordered from BACKSTORE

Answer: Ours are many years old and the warranty may have changed. Sorry I can't help.

Anyone played pc game on this at home?

Answer: No. But I think it would work

Can you take the seat off and reupholster it?

Answer: Hi Virginia,

Answer: Nope, you may not require to do it. If you want you may tighten a cover to the seat.

Answer: Not easily. You would have to be creative

Howdy! I have a stealcase leap v2 chair and I"m looking for a decent ottoman/hassock to put my feet up. Is the fabric top sturdy enough for feet? thks

Answer: It's very sturdy...I weigh 200 pounds and sit on this all day. Keep in mind the base is rounded, so it would be more of a foot rocker than a foot stool.

Answer: This buoy stool could possibly be used as an ottoman in a pinch. However, the top is a thinner fabric pad which may not be very comfortable. Additionally, the stool rocks and rotates which would probably not provide a lot of stability for use as an ottoman.

Answer: The buoy is study enough for feet, depending on the feet. If you have some dirt road,backcountry, toe nail tapping across the tile as go feet, seek alternative coverings. If you do have these feet and still want to enjoy the sweet swivel action of the buoy,put down a throw pillow 1st.

Is the grey body color a dark blue grey or a warmer taupe color grey?

Answer: Hi SKR,

Answer: Neither. It’s dark grey or space black

Answer: grey

Are there replacement cushions available?

Answer: No, the cushions are not available anymore as a replacement part.

Answer: I don’t know if replacement cushions are available. I have 3 of them for over 3 yrs now and they are still like new! I love them!

Does it work on carpet?

Answer: Hi Gus

Answer: Yes it mill work on carpet.

Answer: Yes, it works on carpet.

Answer: I prefer it on carpet versus our LVP flooring. If there is any dirt between the solid floor and the bottom of the buoy chair, you may hear a small grinding noise.

Answer: yes you can use on the carpet. BACKSTORE

Answer: Yes. I have no problem with mine on a carpeted surface.

Answer: Yes, mine are in my classroom and it’s carpeted.

Answer: Yes

What is the maximum weight recommended?

Which fabric grade is the licorice, graphite and tornado?

Answer: The fabric grade is durable and excellent...however there is very little padding, and the product is uncomfortable...I am looking for an appropriate seat cushion to use with the product...

I just got the chair, is anyone else experiencing a squealing noise when you swivel ? I am using it on carpet

Answer: HI Omar, I have been using the Turnstone for almost 2 years now. Never experienced any noise.

Answer: No. I am not hearing any noise when the chair swivels.

Answer: I'd be happy to help you out with that question! Buoy shouldn't make any noise, so you need to contact Amazon Customer Support. Please let me know if you have any other questions or comments.

Answer: We have at least 30 in our school and no, there should be no squealing noises. There should be no noise at all.

Where is this product made?

Answer: The design probably came out from the big brains in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The rest of the materials came from the blood,sweat and tears(also the broken plastic pens and pencils lost in the design battle of this majestic piece).

Answer: Made in Michigan, USA.

I have laminated floor the plastic in the bottom will damage my floor ?

Answer: I can’t answer with 100% certainty, but I would think that as long as you keep the bottom clean so nothing can scratch the flooring, it should be fine. You could also get some inexpensive little rugs to put under the stools.

Answer: Not sure. I have mine on office type low nap carpet. It scoots just fine on carpet though. So I would say you would be fine.

Product reviews of Turnstone by Steelcase Buoy, Scarlet Fabric, Grey -

cmpia : Very happy with this purchase

Very happy with this purchase. I previously used a ball seat, but the height was not adjustable and therefore I could not get into the appropriate sitting position for typing. I love that the seat rotates 360 degrees, and I enjoy the wobble. The one downside is that there is little built in cushion. I can only sit for about 2 hours before my tailbone hurts a good deal. I've bought a temporary cushion I place on top. If you plan to use this for your daily chair, I recommend investing in a better cushion top.

Butch Roberts : THESE ARE AWESOME!

We found these in a local business office and ordered a couple them for our new space and everyone Loves them!

We really like them when someone comes in to complain or has a concern, and these break the ice perfectly and they keep our staff and guests a little off balance.

We recommend these!

Mr. Constanza : Dog tosser

This is a great chair. My son loves it but the lazy donkey leaves food on the desk all the time. When the dogs jump on this wobbler to get on the desk, it tosses them right on the ground! Both functional and entertaining!!

Serena Riesgaard : While only having for 8 months, the fabric cushion ...

While only having for 8 months, the fabric cushion has come unattached to the top. I might try to hot glue, but still...

Mary : I like how the stool rocked back and forth and moved ...

I like how the stool rocked back and forth and moved with my movement, but the rocking made it move across the slick floor at work. I had to keep dragging myself back over in front of my monitor. Also, there was not much padding. It was okay for about 20 minutes, but after 12 hours at work my butt was so sore. I sent mine back.

Megumi Aldrich : Great product for collaboration

I used to use it at office but I decided to buy it for my own!
Great chair for work at home and really cool product.

CBS : The chair is totally fine. Well constructed and good looking

The chair is totally fine. Well constructed and good looking. I have issues in that I am too low compared to my built in desk which is admittedly very very high.. I have used it about 4 times and unfortunately it doesn't work for me. Past the time for returns so if someone wants it email me at cstack000@hotmail.com and I will sell it to you for $99. Again. perfect chair, bad desk.. ;(

newyorkdweller : Great occasional stool

As an occasional chair the Buoy is great. It's solidly constructed, comfortable, and height adjustable. The mechanics on the rocking base are fine, you can easily balance without much stress while remaining free to swivel or adjust later.

The biggest complaint I have about the Bouy was that you can only grab and turn it from the cutout for the height lever. When I wanted to move or turn it required finding where the lever was and rotating from there. Minor annoyance.

jason lee lazarus : Love this chair!

well designed,
requires a small effort that is an easy transition
has helped me correct/improve posture for my lower back troubles...
recommended!

Nats : Fun and functional

This is the most sat on chair in my office. I have it for people sitting alongside my desk and it makes my staff very happy.

Serena Riesgaard : While only having for 8 months, the fabric cushion ...

While only having for 8 months, the fabric cushion has come unattached to the top. I might try to hot glue, but still...

Dana D. : Great chair! Height adjustable and promotes good posture by ...

Great chair! Height adjustable and promotes good posture by engaging core muscles (no backrest). Rocks in all directions to keep your body moving and help with balance. Nicely made and seems rugged.

Christine : Really fun chair!

I use my 'Buoy' daily. It has taken the place of my exercise ball that I used as a chair, it provides plenty of movement and exercise. The "Buoy" causes you to sit with better posture. This is a great chair that all of our employees love and fight over. Design would fit perfectly with almost any decor and it's very sturdy, clearly well made.

JGH : Awesome chair!

It's funny, because I previously owned a Knoll Chadwick office chair, which really messed up my lower back. My Knoll chair replaced my ergoErgo stool, which helped to build my lower back muscles and was better for me overall. The problem with the stool is that it deflated. Now I own and love the Turnstone Buoy, best of both worlds! It keeps me moving, has relieved my lower back pain, and it's a lot of fun to spin around on. It won't deflate either!

Cynthia Macgregor : Fits under desk

Love! Great for small spaces and folks with back issues.

Cynthia Macgregor : Fits under desk

Love! Great for small spaces and folks with back issues.

Patrick R. Norris : I got this "stool" to replace my office chair and boy is this thing amazing. It is very functional and comfortable

I just transformed my office from a traditional desk and high back chair to a standing desk. I got this "stool" to replace my office chair and boy is this thing amazing. It is very functional and comfortable. There is just enough roll on the bottom to make you use good posture but not so much that you look like a circus clown balancing on a ball in front of your clients. Highly recommended.

Derekcleric : Five Stars

These Chairs are office game changers!

newyorkdweller : Great occasional stool

Butch Roberts : THESE ARE AWESOME!

Emma Bennett : Superb Office Chair Alternative

As an office assistant, I tried this chair that a co-worker bought. I LOVE IT! I bought one for myself even after discovering the hefty pricetag, because I loved it so much. For some reason, and I don't know why, but this puts no pressure on my lower back and sacro-iliac joint, which normally sitting for prolonged periods causes me pain here. I have tried a gym ball as a seat before, but found it was too distracting for the office for me. This is more like a stool; it has a flat top for stability, but curved bottom for movement. It is adjustable in height. I get some pretty weird looks, but it doesn't bother me, because at the end of the day, I feel so much better than had I been sitting in a normal chair.

The only con? Heavy and awkward to carry; does not roll. And I did tip over backward once, while testing my limits on it.

Tommy Tuesdays : High quality -

-This is real office furniture. Durable. I've had mine for about 5 years - same as day I bought it with a few scuffs.
-I had one at the office and liked it which is why I bought one for home
-Wobble forces me to calibrate my balance, which means I end up sitting up straight with shoulders back
-Wobble doesn't feel like much "exercise" really, if that's what you're looking for. Standing at a desk is much more engaging from a health standpoint.
-The big surprise benefit for me: I have a small office nook in a bedroom, so the fact that I can stow it completely under the desk (since there's no back) when not in use is actually a big benefit.
-Similar to above point, works well with a standing desk, since you can stow it under desk while you're standing and not have a big chair floating around in the room

Daniel Avila : Simple, transportable, comfy, effective

I love this chair! Simple, transportable, really cool looking, different, comfortable, and, most importantly, great for my back. In my old life using regular chairs, I had to deal with a lot of lower back pain and was developing bad posture. I experience no pain sitting in this chair. I love the fact that it rocks, allowing me to move comfortably while maintaining good posture. Simple yet effective. I actually feel that I have been a little more productive as well, since I'm not constantly caving into my chair anymore. I highly recommend this stool.

SmallButMightyMama : Home Run

These are great, everyone at the office loves them. Sides do get scuffed up a bit from shoes and I'd recommend stain protector on the seat. They were bigger than I expected but such a hit as side chairs or for impromptu meetings that they'll get used a ton. Plus they are great for getting fidgets out--I'd like one for my kids to sit on while they do their homework.

Vanessa Barry : Great Item!

Great Item!

Samanta Birro : Sitting on mine now - I like it - it is not cushiony - but I ...

Sitting on mine now - I like it - it is not cushiony - but I like being able to revolve and rock on it - it's great how you can adjust the height

Amy T : Not suited for elementary school (nor is it marketed for that use) but great for adults.

I purchased this to try out in an elementary school library. We have some Hokki wobble stools, which the children love. I thought that this chair would be great for the older children, which it is. However, it's too big for most of my students, and therefore a distraction (as they tried to adjust it down to their size.) My teenage daughter was delighted when I brought it home for her use.

The fabric top, as I expected, attracted dirt before I could scotchguard it. The barrel is easily scuffed. It's a comfy seat that encourages movement, and I tend not to sit at the computer as long as I previously did.

Nats : Fun and functional

This is the most sat on chair in my office. I have it for people sitting alongside my desk and it makes my staff very happy.

Vanessa Barry : Great Item!

Great Item!

JM : Four Stars

Great item!

JM : Four Stars

Great item!

Mr. Constanza : Dog tosser

Martin W : Great for active sitting; could use more padding

I'm using this as my primary office chair, sitting many hours on some days. It works infinitely better for me than a balance ball, which I've also tried. It turns from side to side easily and rocks ("wobbles") in every direction in a easy natural way, so I can vary the angle of the seat from time to time, or even move/rock continuously as I work. That keeps my back flexible and my circulation moving. It's easy to slide around a bit on the carpeting to move closer or further from my desk, or left and right as needed. The pneumatic height adjustment has a good range, typical of an office chair, and feels solid and smooth (as one would expect from Steelcase). It's also a bit springy, so there's a bit of elastic bounce when sitting down, which also reduces strain. It's an attractive, minimalist modern design.

The one flaw or limitation is that the sitting cushion itself is somewhat thin. I put a folded cotton meditation mat on top to add to the padding, because if I sit on only the chair's cushion for several hours, my sit bones start to get sore. While the pneumatic lift has some springiness, the seat top or cushion itself would benefit from some additional springiness. Adding the meditation mat is an acceptable workaround for me because of the benefits and quality of this "wobble chair," but it does subtract a bit from the cool aesthetics of the chair.

AZBryan : Love it!

A friend has had one for years and when it was time for a new office chair, I knew I wanted to try this. Takes up so much less space. Takes a little getting accustomed to, but all good after a couple days.

Curt Mader : Great stool for active sitters

This stool is great if you are an active sitter like I am. You can find a balance point if you need to sit still for a bit or you can wobble like crazy! The only downside, and others have mentioned this too, is that the cushion is way too thin. I lasted for about a week with the original cushion before my butt was sore that I couldn't take it anymore. I bought a memory foam cushion for it an it is much more comfortable now.

Cynthia Macgregor : Fits under desk

Love! Great for small spaces and folks with back issues.

Amazon Customer : Arrived in used condition

Arrived in used condition despite ordering a new version. The bottom was scuffed and there is a stain on the fabric. The box was clearly re taped. It’s a shame because the product is otherwise great.

coffee lover : Item exactly as advertised

It is exactly as advertised - a wobbly stool that will keep you moving as you sit at your desk and work. It's height adjustable, clean and modern looking, and fun to sit on.

It is, however, probably not the best choice for tall desks and short people (like me at 5' 1"). I did find I had to sit on my knees at some points to really type comfortably, which defeats the whole purpose of this chair. I also find that I don't want to sit in this chair for hours, which forces me to get up and take a break. This is healthier than being too comfy and staying put for a long time though.

My biggest complaint is that Amazon cannot offer the flexibility that ordering directly from Steelcase will give you. Steelcase's store is slightly cheaper for the basic stool and offers more options, but I ordered from here to get faster shipping. It's up to the customer to decide which is more important though.

Debbie Herman : Wiggle and Work

I LOVE these chairs for my classroom! The kids can move and work all day long. The fact that they can be adjusted makes them even better as students can use them at their individual desks or my teacher table (which is higher than their desks). I just wish I could afford more of them.

Christine : Really fun chair!

newyorkdweller : Great occasional stool

laurel dasso : Couldn't love it more

I ordered this in black/black, and then immediately regretted not ordering grey/grey. It arrived 2 days earlier than promised, in the grey/grey combo. If I hadn't been regretting my original color choice, I might have been upset but I was SO happy when I opened it and it was the grey/grey. As for the stool, it's fantastic. I ordered it for long days at my sewing machine and it's exactly what I've been needing. Movement, low profile, tilts forward to keep me from having to hunch over my machine. SO much more comfortable than a saddle stool or an office chair. I would imagine that if you have wood floors this might not be the seating for you, but if you have tile like I do (or short carpet maybe?) then give this a try. My back feels better already.

Emily : These are the best chairs ever

These are the best chairs ever. My school had them they were so nice and fun especially for middle school age kids.

you can compare the product price from Costco, wayfair, bestbuy, lowes, target, homedepot, Walmart, ebay, amazon to find the best price for you