You've got a great Boulies office chair, and it's already designed with some excellent height adjustment in mind, especially if you opted for their "Max" or "Elite Max" series. However, if you still find yourself needing a bit more lift – perhaps your desk is unusually high, or you've found that even the maximum height isn't quite enough for your long legs – there are a few tried and true methods to make an office chair taller.

It's important to note that while some quick fixes exist, the most effective and safe ways to permanently increase the height of your Boulies office chair for a tall person involve replacing components.

The Built-in Adjustment Lever (First Check!)
Before attempting any modifications, always ensure you're maximizing the chair's existing capabilities.

Locate the lever: Most Boulies chairs (and almost all modern office chairs) have a lever, usually on the right side under the seat, that controls the gas lift cylinder.

How to use it:
To raise: While sitting, pull the lever up (or outward, depending on the design) and slightly lift your weight off the seat. The chair should rise. Release the lever when you reach your desired height.

To lower: While sitting, pull the lever up (or outward) and apply your weight to the seat. The chair will lower. Release the lever when you reach your desired height.

If your Boulies chair is already at its maximum height and you still need more, then it's time to consider other options.

2. Replace the Gas Lift Cylinder (Most Effective & Recommended)
This is the most common and effective way to significantly increase the height of an office chair. The gas lift (also known as a pneumatic cylinder or gas spring) is the core component that controls the chair's height. You can purchase longer replacement gas lifts.

Why it works well for Boulies: Boulies chairs use high-quality Class 4 gas lifts, and these are standardized components. This means you can generally find compatible longer gas lifts from third-party suppliers.

Steps:

Measure Your Current Gas Lift: Before buying a new one, you'll need to know the diameter of your current gas lift. There are typically two main diameters for office chair gas lifts: 1 inch (25mm) and 2 inches (50mm) at the tapered ends. The length can vary. While Boulies uses Class 4 gas lifts, their specific length will depend on the chair model.

Purchase a Taller Compatible Gas Lift: Look for a "tall" or "extended height" office chair gas lift. These are readily available online (e.g., on Amazon, eBay, or specialized office chair parts websites). Ensure it has the correct diameter and that the travel (the range of height adjustment) is suitable for your needs.

Gather Your Tools: You'll likely need:
Rubber mallet or hammer

Pipe wrench or monkey wrench (optional, for stubborn cylinders)

Gloves (for grip and to keep hands clean)

Flathead screwdriver (for retaining clips, if applicable)

Lubricant (like WD-40, for very stubborn cylinders)

Remove the Old Gas Lift:

Separate the Chair Base: Flip the chair upside down. The gas lift passes through the center of the chair's wheelbase (the star-shaped base with wheels). With a rubber mallet or hammer, firmly tap the underside of the gas lift where it protrudes from the center of the wheelbase. Work your way around, tapping evenly. The wheelbase should eventually separate from the gas lift

Separate the Seat Mechanism: Once the base is off, the gas lift will still be attached to the seat mechanism (the plate under the seat). Invert the seat. You'll usually see the top of the gas lift inserted into a tapered hole in the mechanism. If there's a retaining clip, remove it with a flathead screwdriver. Then, use a pipe wrench to grip the top part of the gas lift and twist, or firmly tap the mechanism itself with a rubber mallet until the gas lift comes free. This part can sometimes be the most challenging if it's been seated for a long time.

Install the New Gas Lift:
Insert the narrow, tapered end of the new, longer gas lift into the hole in the center of the chair's wheelbase. It should slide in easily.

Place the chair's seat mechanism onto the wider, tapered end of the new gas lift.

Carefully set the chair upright. Sit on the chair and apply some weight to firmly seat the gas lift into both the base and the mechanism. You might hear a "click" as it settles.

Test the Chair: Adjust the height up and down to ensure the new gas lift is functioning correctly and the chair is stable.

Important Considerations for Gas Lift Replacement:

Safety: Always exercise caution. The gas inside is compressed. While ruptures are rare, proper handling is important.

Compatibility: Ensure the new gas lift's diameter is exactly the same as your old one. Minor differences can lead to instability or incompatibility.

BIFMA Standards: Look for gas lifts that meet BIFMA standards (Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturer's Association) for quality and safety.

3. Replace Casters with Taller Ones
This is a simpler, less invasive method that can add a few extra inches. Office chair casters (the wheels) come in various sizes.

How it helps: Swapping standard 2-inch casters for 3-inch or 4-inch casters can give you an immediate height boost.

Steps:

Measure Current Casters: Simply pull an existing caster out of the chair's base and measure its diameter. Note the stem diameter as well, as new casters must fit.

Purchase Taller Casters: Buy a set of 5 new casters with a larger diameter but the same stem size. Boulies chairs typically use standard stem casters.

Remove Old Casters: Flip the chair over. Simply pull the existing casters straight out of the holes in the chair's base. It might require a firm tug.
Insert New Casters: Push the stem of the new, taller casters firmly into the holes in the base. You might hear a click as they seat into place.
Test for Stability: Flip the chair upright and test its stability and movement.
Considerations for Casters:

Limited Height Gain: This method usually only adds 1-2 inches, which might not be enough for very tall individuals.
Floor Type: Ensure the new casters are suitable for your flooring (e.g., soft casters for hard floors, hard casters for carpets).
Stability: While generally safe, very large casters might slightly alter the chair's center of gravity.
4. Use a Thick Seat Cushion (Temporary / Minor Boost)
For a quick and non-permanent height increase, a thick seat cushion can provide an extra inch or two.

Pros: Easy, no tools required, adds extra padding. Cons: Can affect ergonomics (e.g., make seat depth too shallow, alter lumbar support positioning), may compress over time, less stable than integrated solutions.

How to use: Simply place a dense, firm seat cushion on your Boulies chair. Look for ergonomic cushions designed to maintain support.

5. Chair Leg Extenders (Less Common for Office Chairs)
While more common for fixed-leg chairs, some universal chair leg extenders exist. However, they are generally less practical and secure for the wheeled base of an office chair like Boulies. They can compromise stability and are typically not recommended for chairs with gas lifts.

Which Method is Best for Your Boulies Chair?
For your Boulies office chair, especially if you need a significant and permanent height increase, replacing the gas lift cylinder is by far the most effective and recommended method. Boulies chairs are well-built, making them good candidates for this type of component replacement. This ensures you maintain the chair's excellent ergonomic features while achieving the perfect height for your stature.

If you only need a very minor boost (1-2 inches) and want the simplest solution, swapping to taller casters is a quick fix. Always prioritize safety and ensure any modifications maintain the chair's stability.