Spending time outdoors is one of life’s simple pleasures. Lounging on the patio or deck with friends and family creates lasting memories. An outdoor bar area takes these special moments up a notch. Outdoor bar stools invite people to sit, relax, and linger outdoors. They transform a basic patio into an enticing oasis that draws people together.
When choosing outdoor bar stools, consider style, comfort, and functionality. An outdoor bar needs bar stools tailored to the space and that can withstand the elements. With many options available today, you can easily create a welcoming outdoor bar area perfect for entertaining.
Types of Outdoor Bar Stools
Several main types of outdoor bar stools are available to match any decor and suit different needs:
Outdoor Bar Stools with Backs
Bar stools with backs offer lumbar support. This makes them much more comfortable for lengthy sitting outdoors. Backless stools can strain your back over time. Look for bar stools with full or high backrests. Curved backs hug your spine for superior support. Some backs feature cushioned pads for extra relief.
Wicker Outdoor Bar Stools
Wicker bar stools are a fantastic choice for a breezy, beachy look. Resin wicker offers the aesthetic of natural wicker without maintenance. It resists moisture, mildew, cracks, and peeling. Hand-woven all-weather wicker is highly durable yet lightweight. Look for tightly woven construction without gaps where food and debris can collect.
Metal Outdoor Bar Stools
Sleek, streamlined metal stools have a contemporary vibe, perfect for modern exterior bars. Stainless steel, aluminum, and wrought iron resist rust and endure seasons of use. Metal bar stools often have rounded seats with small drainage holes to prevent water pooling. Look for electroplated finishes like powder coating for extra protection.
Wood Outdoor Bar Stools
Wood bar stools are classics that work with any outdoor aesthetic. Teak and eucalyptus are naturally weather-resistant woods ideal for outdoor use. Look for sustainably sourced woods treated for outdoor exposure. Wood bar stools often have contoured seats and high backrests for ergonomic support.
Plastic Outdoor Bar Stools
Plastic stools are the way to go for inexpensive, low-maintenance outdoor bar seating. Moulded plastic stools come in fun, lively colors that inject pops of brightness into outdoor bars. Recycled HDPE plastic makes highly durable, eco-friendly stools. Avoid cheap plastic that can crack or snap. High-quality plastic withstands years of seasonal use.
Outdoor Bar Stools with Arms
Bar stools with armrests offer handy support in getting on and off the stool. Arms also provide a comfortable spot to rest elbows during seating. Look for armrests at a natural height and distance from the body. Arms should not force your shoulders inward or outward.
Choosing Comfortable Outdoor Bar Stools
Comfort is a top priority for outdoor bar seating. After all, what good is an outdoor bar if the stools hurt your back after 10 minutes? Prioritize ergonomic support and cushioning to keep guests happy for hours.
Seat Height
The standard bar stool height is 30 inches. This leaves enough bar counter clearance for standing guests while suiting the average body. For more comfort, look for seat heights adjustable from 24 to 30 inches to serve more people. Bar counters 42-45 inches high pair well with 30-inch stools.
Seat Width
The ideal seat width is about 20 inches. This leaves room to shift positions without feeling squeezed. Seats less than 18 inches wide often feel cramped. Look for seats contoured to support your hips and thighs properly.
Backrests
As mentioned, backrests provide essential lumbar support that is lacking on backless stools. Look for contoured backs with built-in curves to support your spine’s natural S-shape. Cushioned back pads offer extra relief for extended sitting.
Armrests
Armrests allow you to relax your shoulders and arms during seating. This reduces tension in the back, neck, and spine. The optimal armrest height aligns with your forearms at a 90-degree angle. Look for padded armrest covers for extra comfort.
Cushions
Thick foam cushions make sitting for hours pleasant. Waterproof cushions and fabric repel moisture and prevent moulds or mildew. Removable, washable cushion covers simplify maintenance. Ties secure the cushions firmly in place when not in use.
Adjustability
Look for seat height adjustability and swivel functions to accommodate more body types. Adjustable backs let you tweak the recline angle for maximum support, and some bar stools even feature adjustable armrests to customize the fit.
Choosing Durable Outdoor Bar Stools
Outdoor bar stools must endure sun, rain, snow, and humidity year after year. Select all-weather materials that resist wear, tear, rust, and rot. Carefully inspect construction for structural integrity and hardware durability.
Frame Construction
The frame supports the entire weight load of the stool. Steel, aluminum, resin, and hardwood frames hold up best outside. Check for thick 2- to 3-inch wide legs and crossbars at least 1/2-inch diameter for stability. Avoid hollow plastic legs prone to snapping.
Weight Capacity
Look for substantial 300 to 500-lb weight capacities. Sturdy frames, thick cushions, and reinforced mounting points indicate excellent strength. Bar stools should have no flex or wobble when you sit. Weaker stools creak and shake under body weight.
Hardware
Exposed hardware like bolts, screws, and fasteners should be marine-grade stainless steel or powder-coated metal. These resist rust and loosening over years of use. Avoid plastic mounting hardware that easily cracks.
Finish
Powder-coated, electroplated, and anodized finishes strongly adhere to the base material and seal out moisture. Wicker should be tightly woven synthetic resin, not gaps and holes. Look for UV protection in finishes to prevent fading.
Weather Resistance
Premium outdoor bar stools utilize all-weather materials like weatherproof wicker, anodized aluminum, SunbrellaTM fabric, and anti-mildew foam. Wood and metal parts should have protective finishes. Waterproof glue secures joints.
Drainage
Bar stool seats should be contoured or have small drain holes. This prevents rainwater pooling. Excess standing water leads to mold, discoloration, and damage over time. Proper drainage extends the usable life of your stools.
Weight
Lightweight stools of less than 15 lbs make rearranging and storing easier when not in use. Heavier stools stay firmly planted on the ground. Look for solid resin or wood frames under 30 kg for the best durability-to-weight ratio.
Getting the Right Size Outdoor Bar Stools
Measure your outdoor bar space before selecting stools. Leave ample room for knees, thighs, and elbows so guests don’t feel cramped. Measure the traffic space between the bar area and other furniture, too.
Quantity
Provide ample aligned seating space at the bar. Allow for 28-32 inches per stool. Bar counters 42 inches high pair well with standard 30-inch stools. For narrower counters, consider backless or slim stools. Have a few extra on hand for gatherings.
Arrangement
Arrange stools evenly spaced in a row facing the bar counter. Avoid tight clusters that limit legroom. Leave enough space behind stools for safe traffic flow without crowded bottlenecks. Angle corner stools slightly toward the inside.
Clearances
Leave at least 10 inches of clearance behind the stools for standing room. Account for knee and leg room under the bar – about 8 inches of overhang. Side-by-side stools need 8-12 inches of elbow room clearance. Measure correctly for spacious seating.
Swivel
Swivel seats allow easy entry and exit without bumping neighbors. They also let you pivot as needed to chat with companions. Limit swivel near the corners for safety. Locking swivels keep stools stationary when not in use.
Counter Height
The standard counter height is 42 inches, designed for use with 30-inch bar stools. For taller individuals, consider a 45-inch counter paired with adjustable stools. Just ensure the minimum seat height aligns appropriately with the counter height.
Stylish Outdoor Bar Stool Ideas
Now comes the fun part – choosing your bar stool style! Think about your outdoor decor and the vibe you want to achieve. Here are some stylish outdoor bar stool ideas:
Modern and Sleek
Clean lines and slim profiles give modern outdoor bar stools a trendy, contemporary edge. Metals like stainless steel or chrome and neat woven wicker create a minimalist allure—accent with brightly colored fabric cushions for pop.
Luxury Resort Style
Capture the essence of exotic destinations with woven banana leaf stools or rattan in an espresso finish. White frames with neutral upholstery evoke breezy tropical sophistication. Add vibrantly patterned cushions for punches of color.
Industrial Style
Industrial is super famous for outdoor bars and patios. Black metal stools with exposed hardware and minimal cushions complement concrete, wood, and wrought iron elements. Try weathered finishes on the frames for an authentic factory feel.
Farmhouse Charm
Select wood seats in oak or acacia tones paired with galvanized metal legs for a cozy farmhouse vibe. White and pale blue cushions enhance the rustic country charm. To tie it all together, hang a cute wooden sign above the bar area.
Sophisticated Elegance
Create an elegant outdoor lounge with woven wicker stools featuring dark brown frames and ivory cushions. For sophisticated flair, add gold accents on the stool hardware and matching throw pillows. Lush potted plants complete the upscale ambiance.
Bohemian Style
Free-spirited bohemian spaces welcome mix-and-match stool styles like woven wicker seats, floral cushions, and brightly painted legs. Fun global touches like pompom trim, colorful tassels, and eclectic patterns keep the vibe relaxed and carefree.
Timeless Classic
Please keep it simple and classic with all-weather wicker stools featuring neutral cushions. Match the cushion colors to other patio furniture for a cohesive look. This versatile style works with any outdoor decor and never goes out of style.
Choose stool finishes, fabrics, and colors that flow with your backyard decor and design aesthetic. Mix and match complementary styles for eclectic flair. Most importantly, select comfortable stools tailored to your space that invite people to linger outdoors.
Final Thoughts
The ideal outdoor bar stools effortlessly blend form and function. Take the time to find weatherproof stools offering supportive comfort, functionality, and style tailored to your space. Arrange stools carefully to create a welcoming layout, facilitating conversation and connection. Place your outdoor oasis steps away by incorporating a well-equipped bar with comfortable chairs for lounging outdoors.
FAQs
How do I clean outdoor bar stools?
Use a soft bristle brush, mild soap, and water to clean wicker, metal, or plastic. Spot-clean cushions with upholstery cleaner. For wood stools, reapply protective treatments each season. Inspect hardware and re-tighten as needed.
How do I weatherproof outdoor bar stools?
Look for stools made with all-weather materials like powder-coated aluminum, stainless steel hardware, weather-resistant glue, and waterproof fabric. Apply UV protective treatments to wood and fabric. Choose lounge cushions with drainage holes. Use furniture covers during harsh weather.
What is the best height for outdoor bar stools?
The standard bar stool height is 30 inches. This pairs well with 42- to 45-inch high counters. Choose stools with adjustable seat heights between 24 and 30 inches for more versatility to accommodate more people.
How much weight can outdoor bar stools hold?
Quality outdoor bar stools have weight capacities between 300 and 500 pounds. Heavier individuals may require special order bariatric stools rated for 700+ pounds. Do a weight test when the stools arrive to ensure they are sturdy and stable.
Should outdoor bar stools have arms?
Arms provide handy leverage when getting seated and extra comfort resting elbows. However, armless stools tuck more neatly under counters when not in use. For small spaces, backless armless stools maximize room. Add arms for main seating areas.
