Outdoor & Patio Furniture

10 Best Outdoor Bar Stools and Buying Guide

Editor Pick Outdoor Bar Stools

Outdoor Bar Stools Buying Guide

Spending time outdoors with your friends and families is a perfect way to spend summer. And what better way to enjoy summer than using your outdoor space to entertain your friends and family?

Whether it’s a barbecue day, a Sunday afternoon lunch, or a bubbling evening gathering,  you need the right outdoor furniture set to host these fun activities. And that’s where outdoor bar stools come in.

Outdoor bar stools are stylish, modern, and accommodating. They are incredibly functional and will brighten up your outdoor area. If you want to buy outdoor bar stools, look no further. This is the only guide you need to choose the bar stools that best fit your outdoor area.

Why Should You Invest in Outdoor Bar Stools?

There are several reasons you should invest in outdoor bar stools. They offer many benefits that would enhance the beauty of your home. Here are some of them.

They Are Very Comfortable And Convenient

Outdoor bar stools function more than being a place to sit. They are also beneficial for relaxation. They come in different styles that suit your comfort needs and requirements.

They are also significantly convenient. Outdoor bar stools are lightweight and can quickly move from one location to another. So, if you want to change the settings of your outdoor area, you won’t have any issue relocating them.

They Are Unique 

With outdoor bar stools, you can easily replicate the comfortable vibe of a bar in your home. They will make your guest comfortable by providing convenient seating for them. And they will also add more elegance and character to your outdoor space. Your guests will never forget your outdoor area in a hurry.

Space Efficiency 

If you host parties often in your outdoor space, outdoor bar stools provide numerous seating options. And they won’t take up all of your outdoor areas. You can easily use them for every gathering without investing in expensive outdoor furniture.

Customization 

Outdoor bar stools are available in various finishes and styles. So, you don’t need to purchase a  matching set. You can match and mix your seats depending on the need of your space. Mixing and matching different outdoor bar stool styles will help to elevate and beautify your outdoor space.

There is an Outdoor Bar Stool For Everyone

There are numerous outdoor bar stool options available for every sensibility and lifestyle. If you have spirited children in your home, bar stools with the swivel feature will excite them. And if comfort is your primary priority, you can get outdoor bar stools with back support. Your needs and requirements don’t matter; there is at least one bar stool option for you.

Factors to Consider Before Buying Outdoor Bar Stools

There are numerous factors you should consider before buying your outdoor bar stools. These factors will help you to make a better-informed decision. Here are some of them.

The Adequate Size/Height Of Your Outdoor Bar Stool

Generally, you would often see counter height stools and bar stools interchanged when browsing your outdoor bar stool options.

It would be best if you didn’t forget that these two stools are not the same. The counter height stool is not as high as the outdoor bar stools. A counter height stool is designed to work with a kitchen counter or counter height table.

Bar stools are taller than counter-height stools. And they are designed to work with bars or bar tables. So, the height of the bar or bar table you already have will determine the adequate size of your outdoor bar stool.

When choosing your outdoor bar stool, you must consider its usage and functionality. Anybody that wants to sit on your outdoor bar stool must be comfortable enough to allow them to rest their elbows and arms on the bar table.

You must measure the space between the floor and the tabletop or bar twice before you buy your outdoor bar stools. Doing this will give you the precise measurement you need to pick the right size and height for your outdoor bar stool.

The seat height, which is the name given to the distance between the floor and the set of an outdoor bar stool, is usually in the range of 30 to 36 inches. If you want a bar stool with this seat height, a 40 to 46 inches standard bar or bar table will pair perfectly with it.

Choose The Width That Would Suit Your Needs

You should prioritize two things when choosing the width of your outdoor bar stools; your space and comfort. Bigger is always better when it comes to outdoor bar stools. And this is because you will be more comfortable.

However, this is only if you have the available space to cater to the width size you choose. It’s the width of your bar stools that will determine their size. It will also determine the number of stools you can fit into your outdoor space.

The width sizes of most outdoor bar stools are 15, 17, and 21 inches. So, if you have a small outdoor area, you should consider going for 15 inches. And if comfort is your primary concern, you should go for 17 or 21 inches bar stools.

It doesn’t matter the width size you go for: you must put at least 6 inches of space between each bar stool. This will allow each person sitting on the bar stool enough space to do all they want. This is also how you will know how many outdoor bar stools you buy.

Which Style Would Best Fit Your Outdoor Area?

Outdoor bar stools come in different styles. Any style you decide to go for must suit your outdoor area requirements. Here are some of the most common outdoor bar stool styles to get you started.

  • Back And Backless: Backless outdoor bar stools come with round or rectangular sets. You should go for a backless outdoor bar stool if you want to push your bar stools under the table or counter when not in use and you have tiny outdoor space. They are also the perfect option for storage. This is because they are lightweight. On the other hand, outdoor bar stools with back support are more comfortable. However, they take up more space than backless outdoor bar stools. Also, you can’t easily store them unless you buy stackable ones.
  • Swivel And Stationery: You should consider going for outdoor bar stools with swivel features because they can be bulky sometimes. With the swivel feature, people on your outdoor bar stool won’t have to draw them away from the bar table or scoot back as they sit. All you have to do is swivel your bar stool in your direction and jump right in. However, swivel bar stools will take up more of your outdoor space than stationary bar stools would, particularly if they have no arms. So, you must consider your available space before going for them.
  • Arm And Armless: Like outdoor bar stools with back support, the ones with arms are more convenient and provide more support. They also take up more space than armless outdoor bar stools. So, you must measure your bar or table’s height adequately if you want to go for outdoor bar stools with arms. You must also ensure that the arms easily fit underneath the counter or bar table when not using the stools.

Select the Material That Suit Your Needs

Undoubtedly, outdoor bar stools are made using various materials. However, the ideal outdoor bar stools are made using weather-resistant, sturdy, and durable materials. The most common materials are plastic, steel, resin, wood, aluminum, and teak.

People usually go for metal bar stools because of their modern look. They are also sturdy and durable. However, you must choose the ones resistant to corrosion to prevent rust.

Wood materials are also ideal for bar stools, but you must maintain them regularly. Although metal and wood materials are excellent options for outdoor bar stools, they are both heavy. So, it would be best to consider this factor before going for these materials.

Resin and plastic outdoor bar stools are also attractive and attractive. They also come in various designs and colors. These bar stool materials are lightweight, naturally waterproof, comfortable, and affordable.

If you want your outdoor bar stools to have cushions, go for the ones with both weather- and fire-resistant properties, such as high-quality sunbrella, acrylics, and polyester.

Final Thoughts 

Choosing a suitable outdoor bar stool might seem challenging. However, it is a rewarding experience when you know what you are looking for. Some factors should influence your decision when buying your outdoor bar stools. These factors include the size/height of your bar stool, its width, and the style that best fits your outdoor area. They will also help to make a better-informed decision when buying bar stools for your outdoor area.  If you follow this ultimate guide, you will choose the right outdoor bar stools for your outdoor space.


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This post was last modified on August 21, 2022 1:00 pm

Susan Lu

I'm a professionally trained product reviewer. Every piece of content is based on real user experiences and hundred hours of research.

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