In The World Of Bar Stools Wood Remains King

When most people think of bar stools wood is the first material that comes to mind. Traditionally, stools have been made of wood, and only in more recent times have upholstered or padded stools become popular.

Wood bar stools come in a great range of heights, usually between 24" and 34", although there are a few shorter or taller models. Many are adjustable, allowing you to set the height precisely as desired. You will, of course, need to select seating that is at the proper height for the table or counter at which they will be placed.

Those in the 24" - 26" inch range are generally called counter height. These are usually the perfect height for use at a dining table or a breakfast nook with a dropped counter. Those in the 28" - 30" range are considered the classic height for bar stools, and work best for dining counters that are at the same height as your kitchen counters or for free standing bars. Taller ones of 34" - 36" are most commonly used with pub tables or bars that have a greater height than standard ones.

Some styles are backless, while others are high backed and still others have only a minimal back piece. They are also available with or without arms. You probably will want to choose the armless style if you plan to slide them under the counter or table. However, you may also opt for the styles with arms if you have enough clearance to put them in place without scuffing the wood.

Seat styles are quite varied. Some, called saddle seat styles, resemble a small bench. Others may be square, round, or shaped like a chair. You can also find them with upholstered seats, although it is more common to use a removable cushion with wooden stools.

Traditional styling is very popular, with many wooden stools displaying "Old English" influences such as dark, heavy woods and spindle backs. However, many contemporary styles are also available, as well as mission, Shaker, and rustic styles.

Wood allows the flexibility to choose the exact stain or paint to match existing decor with ease. The most popular finishes are oak, walnut, cherry, and mahogany. They can also be found already painted in limited colors, such as white, black, and red. Unfinished or "nude" styles allow you to easily apply paint or stain to create a true custom piece.

Some styles are stationary, meaning that the seats remain in place at all times. Swivel styles let the occupant turn the seat to arise more easily, and some will automatically return to face forward as soon as he or she has risen.

For outdoor use, many people who prefer wood bar stools opt for those made of plantation teak. Most of these come from plantations in Indonesia founded in the nineteenth century. Teak will weather to a beautiful shade of gray if left untreated, so to retain the color it will be necessary to finish it twice a year.

Many stools, particularly in the middle price range or below, arrive in what is called knock down packaging. This means that you will typically need to attach the legs and the back to the seat. Some legs will screw directly into the bottom of the seat, while others are mounted with metal plates that must be attached. Either way, it is not difficult to assemble the stool, although an electric screwdriver will make the chore go much faster. The back usually is screwed into the seat by two or more long screws.

Knock down packaging reduces the cost to the manufacturer, and therefore to the consumer. Boxes can be smaller and less expensive to ship. Retailers can also store more stools in the same amount of space. Consumers can transport their purchases easier, since they will not need to provide a special truck to get them home.

The disadvantages of knock down packaging include the time and effort the buyer must spend to assemble them and the risk that parts could be missing, thus delaying enjoyment of the purchase. Also, some assembly required furniture does not have a way to camouflage the screws used to attach the back to the seat and therefore may not be as attractive. Buyers should always try to examine a floor sample before buying so that any such flaws can be recognized.

Regardless of whether you choose completely assembled or knock down bar stools wood is still the easiest material to match with existing furnishings. The wide range of stains available, plus the option to paint them for a true custom look, means that consumers can easily find what they need.