Bar stools get more wear than almost any other seat in a restaurant: guests climb on and off, drag them across the floor and rest their feet on the rungs all night. A commercial bar stool needs a stronger frame than a home stool and the right height for your bar. This guide covers the choices that matter, with examples from our in-stock commercial bar stools.
Start with height
Most of our stools are bar height, with a seat height of about 29–31″ for bars and high-tops that are 40–42″ tall. Counter surfaces around 36″ need counter stools with a 24–26″ seat. Leave about 10–12″ between the seat and the underside of the bar. Every product page lists seat height; our bar stool height guide covers the details.
Backs, backless or swivel
- Stools with backs suit guests who stay for a meal or a long evening, such as at a restaurant bar or hotel lounge. The Hudson Bar Stool has an upholstered seat and back on a “wood grain” metal frame.
- Backless stools tuck fully under a counter and keep aisles clear in tight spaces. The Whitby Backless Stool and Holloway Backless Stool adjust across a range of seat heights. See backless stools.
- Swivel stools make it easier to turn and to get in and out at a crowded bar. The Kingsley Swivel Bar Stool has an upholstered swivel seat, and the Lennox Bar Stool is offered with a fixed or swivel seat. See swivel bar stools.
Frame materials
| Frame | Look and feel | Indoor or outdoor | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solid wood | Warm and traditional; many are stained to order in your finish | Indoor | Harlow Bar Stool, Garnet Bar Stool |
| Metal | Welded frames, easy to clean; “wood grain” finishes give a wood look | Indoor | Quarry Bar Stool, Rockwell Bar Stool |
| Aluminum | Light, does not rust, stacks | Indoor and outdoor | Shoreline Bar Stool, Sandbar Bar Stool |
Wood frame bar stools use solid European beechwood. Some come pre-stained and ship quickly, such as the Orchard Bar Stool in walnut; others are stained to order and ship in 2–3 weeks, and the Garnet Bar Stool is offered in nine wood finishes. Metal frame bar stools have welded frames that hold up to constant use. For patios and rooftops, choose outdoor bar stools with aluminum frames.
Seat options
- Upholstered seats are more comfortable for longer stays. Faux leather wipes clean easily. See upholstered bar stools.
- Wood seats are the easiest to maintain in high-turnover bars and breweries. The Morrow Bar Stool pairs a metal frame with a solid oak seat and back.
- HPL seats and backs give a wood-grain look with a durable, wipeable laminate surface, as on the Crestwood Bar Stool.
Footrests, spacing and fit
Stools with a built-in footrest help at high-tops without a foot rail. Plan about 24″ of bar length per stool, center to center, and a little more for swivel stools, stools with arms or wide seats. Check the stool’s width and depth on the product page against your bar length and aisle space.
Match your dining chairs
Many stools have a matching dining chair, so the bar and dining room share one look: for example the Quarry, Milford, Rockwell, Harlow and Shoreline families. See our restaurant chair buying guide.
Ordering
Every stool is tested to 400 lbs, built to meet ANSI/BIFMA standards and ships fully assembled. Most have a 4-piece minimum per item, and finishes and options of the same stool can be mixed. The per-stool price drops automatically at 6, 20, 60 and 100 pieces. In-stock stools typically ship in 2–3 days from order and payment; stained-to-order frames ship in 2–3 weeks.
Frequently asked questions
What makes a bar stool commercial grade?
It is built and tested for heavy use in a business. Our bar stools are tested to 400 lbs and built to meet ANSI/BIFMA standards, with welded metal frames or solid beechwood frames.
Should I choose bar stools with backs or backless?
Stools with backs are more comfortable for longer stays. Backless stools tuck under the counter and save space in tight areas.
Are swivel bar stools a good idea for a restaurant?
They make it easier for guests to turn and get in and out at a busy bar. Allow a little more space per stool.
What seat height do I need for a 42-inch bar?
A bar stool with a seat height of about 29–31 inches, leaving about 10–12 inches between the seat and the underside of the bar.
Can bar stools be used outdoors?
Only stools marked Indoor/Outdoor, such as our aluminum-frame bar stools. Wood frame stools are for indoor use.
Shop commercial bar stools with the seat height listed on every product, or contact us for a volume quote on 100+ stools.