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 -

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!

Mister Phister : The fabric coating on top isn't breathable resulting in a swamp basement

I wish they'd used some kind of cooling memory foam or something for the top. As is, it's super swampy. I guess its' good because it forces me to get up, and your next position is your best position. But I wish when I was "in position" on this "throne" it wasn't a "disaster downstairs." As far as balance goes it's fun, but I'd suggest just going for a yoga ball which is more fun to bounce and bob on. Yoga balls are also easier to move around, this thing is heavier than a honker.

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!

Lawman : Not bad

This is an attractive and well built unit, however I do think it's a little overpriced. I have back problems and it does help my back sometimes. It doesn't help as much as I thought it would. It is not being sold as a back saving device so I don't want to knock it for that; just letting other back sufferers know that this might not be the solution.

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.

Jessica T. : Great Product, Terrible Packaging

The chair is exactly as described. Honestly, I was surprised at the range of height adjustability. I really like the chair.
That said, it arrived in a box that didn't fit it, with no packaging, wrap, foam, bubbles, or anything at all to protect the chair. Good for the environment, bad for the chair. For $200, I was a little upset to find that the chair either got scuffed in transit due to poor packaging, OR they sent me a used chair...... Hoping it was the prior. Either way, the chair is nice.

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.

Dana L. Miller : Wrong color!

Wrong color. Unfortunately, I didn’t realize the mistake until my daughter in-law had opened it as a gift. Disappointing!

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!

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.

Anthony T Calder : horrible

Worst stool i have ever sat on, save your money and move on.

Butch Roberts : THESE ARE AWESOME!

Justin A DiMatteo : Only chair I use

It takes some getting used to. You’ll never want to sit on anything else again after.

Sean Lee : Fun!

Very fun!

Park : Great standing desk companion

I find it to be a great compliment to my electric standing desk. It tucks well under the desk when not in use. A typical office chair is always in the way.

Have used one of these as an office floater for years. Has held up very well under daily use floating around the office.

I recently purchased one for my home office and couldn't be happier, other than wishing I still had some of the $ in my pocket.

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.

Amazon Customer : Sturdy, versatile, fun to use- a great solution for active sitters.

I decided to switch my regular office chair with one of these and it's doing wonders for my posture and hip/back pain. It's not difficult to balance on, so sitting on it for extended periods of time isn't a struggle. The rocking motion actually makes it more comfortable for me to sit at my desk and work because I'm not forced to be stationary. It does gently exercise your core muscles- not enough so that sitting on it becomes a workout, but it's noticeable after a few days. It's very easy to sit on- there's even enough space for me to sit cross-legged.

I only wish there were multiple handles. One on each side would be perfect for carrying and I wouldn't have to reach around the entire thing looking for it. The fabric of the seat is also pretty commercial-feeling- like a chair in your dentist's waiting room. There's not much padding either, so I'm probably just going to find a cushion that will fit on top.

It's a great chair, though. It doesn't feel cheap despite being plastic and I love that I can move it around for different activities. It's exactly what I was looking for.

Joyce : Great stool!

These stools are fantastic

Psychdoc : This chair is a delight and was worth the money

Blows all other chairs I've used out of the water. Definitely makes sitting a fun activity. You don't need back support with this thing because it ergonomically integrates your core muscles to do their job, WITHOUT causing fatigue. Your body was made for this chair. Just make SURE you get that round pillow that you can also buy on Amazon, or your bootie will fall asleep. I'm using it in my telecommuting job.

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.

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.

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.

Frank : Works well.

My son loves this and has now used if for 6 months. It looks terribly uncomfortable to me, but if this is all that it takes to make a 15 year old happy, it was a great buy.

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.

Adriane : Did not arrive as a new unit....obviously used

Not very happy with this chair..... it was advertised as new, but the box was obviously opened and taped shut again.... and the bottom is very scuffed up. It is rather comfortable to sit on, but I'm disappointed in the state that it arrived in.

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

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.

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.

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.

Steven Hoober : It is an office chair. That's important to know.

NO ONE explained what this is very well. Most important: it is an office chair. It is not some crazy gimmick with marketing by Steelcase, but is clearly made by them, designed by them, by the chair-design team. For example, the height adjustment: pull a lever in that little handle on the side. Hydraulics go up and down like: an office chair!

This means two things:
• It is pretty well engineered, and I expect it to last.
• You can justify the cost in the way an office chair costs.

Since it has no rollers, no back, and no arms, I say it's about the same quality/feature set as a $3-400 task chair. Not a $900 one, either, have no doubts. It has the typical fabric and finish for the rest of the chair for a good $3-400 task chair. Which is good, makes it a good deal. But be aware of that when making decisions, when placing with other office furniture, or you have to justify it to the real estate team; it's inexpensive, not cheap.

Notes, good or bad otherwise:
- It has one handle. Often, would be good to have two
- The handle needs to be in front. If it had two, then sides would be fine, but there's nowhere else to grab it, and no scooting it forward without using the handle. Put it in the front to pull forward when you sit down
- There's no way to tell where the handle IS from the top, or most other angles. Get used to finding it before you sit down
- No wheels. Put it where you want it, and it will wobble, but not move from there.
- It bounces every so slightly. Like a task chair. The hydraulics do this, and it is a good thing. Not like a ball or similar chair, but it is not a rock.
- Seat padding is minimal, but in entirely adequate. I suspect poor posture exacerbates the padding feeling bad, but your back will give out before that really matters.
- It wobbles a lot. The product photos aren't kidding. It is probably 10° to each side if you let go. If anything, this is not quite enough for me, as I tend to move about a lot as I work, even drawing and typing. So far, I try not to let it rest on the limits, but hold off, or just scoot the chair that way for a while.
- Since it has no wheels, when you scoot it, you are scraping. Get a chair mat or your floor will probably suffer
- Dark fabrics are... like any task chair. Will show dirt easily. Arms and backs on task chairs hide this from casual passers-by. Not here! I'd pony up for a different seat, or keep cleaning stuff around so no one thinks you are a dirty person.
- The color matters. There's a lot of the cylinder base, so figure out what it will look like in the office. I think it works best to coordinate with what file cabinets or other low furniture it will share the space with. Yes, we have green, but if yours are beige, don't worry about the chair being boring, it will match better if you get the beige chair. I wouldn't get black; I worry about tripping over one in the night.

UPDATE: Nothing to report. 10 months on, it works the same as the day I bought it. Which is thrilling to me! The last several non-chairs have broken, leaked or otherwise become unsuitable by now. As stated above, it's an office chair, with a strange design. But is at least as sturdy as any of them.

Seat fabric has stood up better than expected. I think the shape has less exposed so if you eat/drink in it, not as much falls in there. Also, it wobbles, so (working from home) the cat doesn't sleep on it at night, etc.

It didn't work well on a slippery chair mat. Would sometimes disconcertingly slip away while getting on or off, and generally moved too easily. I settled on a small IKEA rug. From the children's department, where they have more grip than others. Works great. Suggested.

UPDATE: With everyone working from home, I just shared this, noticed my review and wanted to say: still awesome after almost exactly two years of using it a lot, every single day. No changes. No visible wear, nothing. I expect this to last decades.

Keith Porter : Four Stars

Good fun and very portable.

Penny Smith : Five Stars

love it

AmazonGirl : Do youself a favor and buy this chair!

I LOVE this chair! I have a bad hip and sitting for hours in a regular office chair causes me pain. This chair actually helps put my hip in place. And after a few weeks of use, I notice I am standing taller. As my core continues to strengthen, my posture keeps improving. The Buoy chair is easy to sit on, not like a balance ball chair. It moves with you, not against you. There is ample room on the seat. And I love that I can carry it around the office to meetings!

constanceyarbury : Worse than worthless for us, actually did damage

Terrible design, specifically; the rounded bottom is too shallow, the device hits its hard bottom edge of either it is tilted too far (very little) or the person bounces at all, which our child does. So, there is constantly loud banging against our wooden floor and actual scratching/damage to our flooring. Yes, tried a padded rug, more expense, not enough to make this a large battery expensive failure. Purely a design flaw, did they not even try out their own product?

Adriane : Did not arrive as a new unit....obviously used

Scott Roberts : Who doesn't love a Buoy

These are the best wobble chairs ever. Not only are they durable, but the hight is adjustable. I'm a middle school teacher, and I've spend my own money to get these chairs for my classroom. Heck, I even sit on one at home I love them so much. They're very durable and people of all ages love sitting on them.

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.

brigett florentine : Amazing. Helix bad back, core strength and posture. Better than a desk chair.

I say for hours on one of these at the Cumming Hyundai in Georgia. It was very comfortable, my kid enjoyed it. It is great for posture, bad backs and strengthening your core. I now have one at my desk and I’ve st my dressing table.

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

WildCat13 : Great wobble chair!

This is a great stool for active sitting.

Gosh it really wobbles! I originally got it to use for an adjustable height side table for my armchair but did not realize that the base is completely round.

After spilling a few cups of coffee I gave up and gave it to my kid.

I took off a couple of stars for comfort and stability as the padding on top is fairly thin and somehow my tween manages to occasionally fall off, but I still think it's a 5 star product with the real standout feature being it's adjustability followed by how well it's built and the really cool style / colors. If you've ever used stealcase chairs this is right up there with the leap/think for how well built and sturdy if feels.

Picked ours up for half the list price on an amazon deal and it looked and smelled brand new. I'm guessing someone was not happy with how crazy wobbling this can be. If one pops up like that again I'm getting another. Maybe some day I'll figure out how to dewoble it and get my height adjustable side table!

Amazon Customer : Sturdy, versatile, fun to use- a great solution for active sitters.

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.

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.. ;(

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