RTM (Randy & Travis Machinery) sells two very different kneeling chairs under the same brand name — a steel-framed model with a backrest, and this lightweight birch-timber version without one. Here’s how the wood version stacks up at around $121.95.
If you’ve already read our review of the RTM steel-frame kneeling chair with backrest, this is the other RTM chair on the market — a simpler, lighter, birch-timber model without a backrest, sitting at a noticeably lower price point.
It’s easy to mix these two up when shopping, so we’re breaking this one down separately: build, comfort, and who it actually suits.
RTM wood kneeling chair: quick specs
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Frame | Birch timber |
| Cushion | Padded seat and knee rests, velvet fabric |
| Height Adjustment | Fixed (max seat height ~50cm) |
| Weight Capacity | 140 kg |
| Rocking Base | ✅ Yes |
| Backrest | ❌ No |
| Price (approx.) | ~$121.95 AUD |
| Available on Amazon AU | ✅ Yes |
Who makes it?
Randy & Travis Machinery is an Australian-facing brand distributed through FactoryFast, sold on Amazon.com.au, Bunnings Marketplace, MyDeal and Catch. Because it’s stocked with local distributors, shipping and returns are straightforward compared to imported alternatives — the same advantage we noted for their steel-frame model.
Build quality
This is a lighter, simpler build than RTM’s steel model. The frame is birch timber rather than metal, which keeps the chair noticeably lighter to move around but also means it feels less “industrial” in hand than the steel version. The 140 kg weight capacity is actually higher than several wood-frame competitors in this price bracket, which is a genuine point in its favour. The velvet-covered knee pads and seat are plush out of the box, though velvet will show wear faster than PU leather over years of daily use. Assembly is simple — it’s a small parts count and goes together in well under 20 minutes. For a general walkthrough, see our kneeling chair assembly guide.
There’s no height adjustment on this model — the seat height is fixed at around 50cm — so it’s worth double-checking that suits your desk setup before buying, since you can’t fine-tune it the way you can on the VEVOR or Artiss.
Comfort and posture support
The rocking base is one of the better ones we’ve tested at this price — the curved birch base gives a smooth, controlled sway rather than feeling tippy. Combined with the higher 140 kg capacity, it’s a solid pick for larger users specifically wanting a wood-frame chair rather than steel. For correct positioning, see our guide on how to sit on a kneeling chair correctly.
Like all backless kneeling chairs, this isn’t designed for a full 8-hour day — see our guide on how long you should actually sit in a kneeling chair each day. Sessions of 45–90 minutes are the sweet spot before you’ll want to switch to a regular chair or take a break.
✅ Pros
- 140 kg weight capacity — higher than most wood-frame rivals
- Smooth, well-controlled rocking base
- Lightweight and easy to move or reposition
- Local Australian distribution — easy returns
- Quick, simple assembly
❌ Cons
- No height adjustment — fixed seat height
- No backrest
- Velvet fabric will show wear faster than PU leather
- Easy to confuse with RTM’s steel-backrest model when shopping
Who is this best for?
This is a good option if you’re specifically after a wood-frame kneeling chair, want a higher weight capacity than the typical budget wood chair offers, and don’t need height adjustment or a backrest. If you do want a backrest at a similar price, the RTM steel-frame model is the better pick from the same brand.
How does it compare?
Here’s how it stacks up against other budget wood-frame options:
💡 Which should you buy?
Go RTM Wood if you want a higher weight capacity than typical budget wood chairs and don’t need a backrest or height adjustment.
Go Costway if price is the deciding factor — it’s the cheapest wood-frame option we’ve reviewed, with a similar 150kg capacity.
Go RTM Steel if you want the backrest and don’t mind paying roughly $53 more for it.
