Wooden Bar Stools

When the purchase of a wooden bar stool is decided upon, the next decision is "where do I start". The choices are seemingly endless. Some points to consider:

• Where will the wooden bar stools be?
• Will they be exposed to weather?
• Do we need a back rest?
• Do we want real wood?
• Leather or vinyl?
• Cloth or rattan?
• Tall or short?

The list could go on and on. This is an indication of just how large the choices are when it comes to making that selection. Most important is probably how much the wooden bar stools will cost. That will probably depend on the area of your home that they will dwell in.

The styles of the stools are as varied as the prices and choices of location. If they will reside in a contemporary home, ones without backs may be just what effect is being sought. If they are going to sit alongside the bar in the recreation room, perhaps a backrest would be advisable. How long will people sit on them would probably determine the need for a backrest.

Sitting at the kitchen bar for a quick meal may require a stain proof seat, such as vinyl, while in a more formal area, leather could be the choice.

Different styles of wooden stools can come without backs, with backs and even designed in the style of captains chairs or Windsor chairs. Arm rests are not unusual for stools that will reside in your entertainment area that will seat your friends and family for extended periods. Arm rests make the seat a lot more comfortable then dangling arms.

What about the type of wood? Here again choices vary with style and price. A simple cherry finish stool that is constructed of pine or some other less expensive wood can be found for twenty to thirty dollars at some home improvement stores.

How high is the bar that the stools are going to be placed? A kitchen breakfast bar will require a much lower bar stool than that which will reside next to the entertainment bar. Some of the bar stools are as high as forty eight inches. This would certainly not fit next to your kitchen counter. Other heights include thirty and thirty six inch heights.

Wooden bar stools can be constructed from beech, pine, mahogany and other woods. The finishes range from a light natural to espresso finishes for a more dramatic look. Leather seating adds the luxury and long life that most will be looking for when a great deal of money is spent.

If you are planning to place your new seating outdoors, you may want to choose very carefully. Wood that is constantly exposed to humidity or even very dry conditions can warp or crack. For the most part, wooden bar stools should be in a climate controlled area of the home. It is a much safer place that will lengthen the life span of the furniture. Other materials are available for outdoor entertaining. If it is a temporary outdoor function, there should not be a problem.

As you begin your shopping expedition, it may benefit you to visit your home stores or fine furniture stores to begin your search. You will then have a chance to sit on the stools, and check the comfort. It will also give you an idea of the height.

A footrest on a bar stool is a given. If feet are constantly scraping on the wood, you will eventually damage the finish. It would be best to find stools that have a brass or other metal plate over the foot rest to protect it. This will save you time and money for refinishing the stools.

After visiting furniture stores, go home and turn on the computer. Do this with makers and model numbers listed. Compare some of the web prices with what you saw in the stores. You can often save money that way. Also check on shipping costs. Many of the stools are mass manufactured and sold by different companies. Shipping and handling can vary greatly on the internet. Also check for warranties and return policies. If you are buying the wooden bar stools sight unseen, you are buying what you "think" you want. You won't be sure until it gets there.