Choosing the Best Bar Stools for Outdoor Spaces

Bar stools can take a basic outdoor area and make it extraordinary – but only if the seats fit your style and space perfectly. It can be tempting to buy cheaper seats for your home (after all, outdoor seating takes quite a beating through the seasons!), but choosing to invest in quality seating can actually save you money and comfort.

But here's the thing – outdoor bar stools will deal with challenges that indoor furniture never has to. Sun, rain, temperature swings, and constant use mean you need to choose furniture that’s designed to last.

The good news? When you know what types of seating to look for, you can find bar stools that look amazing and stand up to whatever your outdoor lifestyle throws at them.

 

What Are The Best Materials for Outdoor Barstools?

When it comes to outdoor bar stools, material choice matters more than you might think. This isn’t just about looks – the material will play a role in the longevity and safety of your seating. It may not seem important now, but when a barstool suddenly breaks, you could be risking big injuries (and bruised egos!)

 

Poly Lumber Bar Stools

Recycled plastic bar stools have become the gold standard for outdoor furniture, and for good reason. These aren't the flimsy plastic chairs of the past – we're talking about durable, substantial pieces that look and feel like quality wood furniture.

The benefits are nice: these bar stools are completely weather-resistant and require little to no maintenance. Plus, because of their unique design, they won't splinter, crack, or fade.

This makes them safe around children and pets – no sharp edges or rough surfaces to worry about. Plus, you're making an environmentally responsible choice by supporting furniture made from recycled materials.

 

Powder-Coated Metal

Aluminum and steel bar stools with powder coating give off that sleek, contemporary look people love in outdoor settings. They're rust-resistant and incredibly durable when properly treated.

But take note: metal comes with some drawbacks for outdoor use. These stools can become painfully hot in direct sunlight, making them uncomfortable or even unsafe to touch during peak summer hours. They can also pose safety concerns around children when temperatures rise or the seat becomes damaged.

 

Teak Wood

There’s a reason that teak wood is so popular for outdoor seating – it looks great and timeless.

But teak also requires heavy maintenance to make sure the wood doesn’t crack, rot, or splinter. This means time cleaning, oiling, and protecting season after season. If you're not committed to ongoing care, teak can become gray and weathered relatively quickly.

 

How Do You Choose the Right Height for Your Space?

Getting the height right will enhance the comfort and functionality of your seating. Get it wrong, and you could end up with beautiful bar stools that are awkward and uncomfortable to use.

 

Counter-Height Stools (22-24 inches)

Counter-height stools are great for outdoor counters, kitchen islands, or lower bar setups. These work great for casual dining and food prep areas where you want a more relaxed feel.

 

 

Counter height is especially popular for family-friendly outdoor areas as they’re easier for children to use safely – while still feeling like a bar stool.

 

Bar-Height Stools (28-33 inches)

Bar-height stools are the standard choice for traditional bar tables and high-top dining areas.

 

 

This height gives you more of a classic bar atmosphere for entertaining, while still being good for older children to use safely. Plus, it’s just high enough that they work well on rooftop decks, balconies, or anywhere you want to take advantage of views.

 

Pro Tip: Use The 10-12 Inch Rule

No matter which height you choose, you’ll want to make sure that there's at least 10-12 inches of legroom between the stool seat and the underside of your bar or table.

Why? This rule of thumb will help avoid that cramped feeling and allows people to sit comfortably without their knees hitting the table edge.

 

Focus on Comfort for Extended Use

The most beautiful bar stools in the world won't work if nobody wants to sit on it!  Outdoor entertaining is meant to involve long, lingering conversations over food and drinks – so choosing a seating option that is comfortable matters.

 

Seat Design Is Important For Comfort

Sit in a variety of bar stools, and you’ll find that contoured seats are great for extended sitting. Look for seats that provide gentle curves that support your body naturally, rather than flat surfaces that can become uncomfortable after 20-30 minutes.

 

Backless stools offer a sleek, minimalist look and take up less space, but they're generally less comfortable for long periods. This is why you’ll often find these at restaurants or bars where people come and go more quickly.

Full-back stools provide much better lumbar support and encourage people to linger comfortably. If you're creating a space for serious entertaining or family meals, the extra comfort is usually worth the slightly larger footprint.

 

Shape Options for Every Style

Different seat shapes serve different functions and aesthetics, so shop around and find the right one for your needs.

 

Round Seats

A great example of a rounded seat is our Birch Bar Height Stool. This bar stool features a classic round seat that works well in traditional and casual settings. Round seats tend to be comfortable for most people and create a softer, more welcoming visual impression.

 

Rectangular Seats

Options like our Lehigh Bar Height Stool offer more surface area, which many people find more comfortable for extended sitting. The rectangular shape also tends to look more substantial and works well with traditional Adirondack bar furniture styling.

 

 

Square Seats

Want something a bit more unique? Our Summit Square Bar Height Stool gives off a contemporary look with its square seat design. Square seats offer good surface area while maintaining clean, geometric lines that work beautifully in modern outdoor settings.

 

 

Comfort Features to Think About

Footrests are great for adding a bit of extra comfort, especially with taller bar stools. They provide support and help prevent leg fatigue during longer sitting sessions. Look for footrests that are positioned at a natural height and offer stable support.

Armrests can be wonderful for relaxation and provide extra stability when getting on and off the stool. However, they do take up more space and can limit how closely you can position stools around a bar.

 

Match Your Seating to Your Outdoor Aesthetic

Your bar stools should feel like a natural extension of your outdoor design vision, not an afterthought. The right style choice can tie your entire outdoor space together beautifully.

 

Modern & Sleek? Go Contemporary

For contemporary outdoor spaces that emphasize clean lines and minimalist design, consider options like the Weatherly Counter Height Side Chair. The Weatherly collection offers a contemporary feel with horizontal board patterns without overwhelming the space.

 

Modern styles work particularly well in urban settings, with contemporary architecture, or anywhere you want to create a more upscale atmosphere.

 

Rustic & Coastal? Think Adirondack

If your outdoor area leans toward coastal charm or rustic appeal, Adirondack-style pieces like the Hamilton Deck Chair in Bar Height capture that classic outdoor living aesthetic perfectly.

Our Hamilton collection takes the iconic Adirondack chair design and applies it to bar-height seating, creating pieces that feel both familiar and fresh. This style works beautifully with coastal decor!

 

Vibrant & Fun? Get Creative!

Don't forget that outdoor spaces are perfect for incorporating color and personality. Our Shoreline Bar Stool comes in vibrant colors that can add energy and joy to your space. 

You can choose bold accent colors or fun tropical hues – a colorful bar stool is an easy way to turn an outdoor area into a fun gathering space people will definitely remember!

 

Practical Considerations for Outdoor Use

• Weather Resistance: Choose bar stools specifically designed for outdoor use with materials that won't deteriorate in sun, rain, or temperature fluctuations. Look for UV inhibitors in plastic furniture. 
• Maintenance Requirements: Think about how much upkeep you're willing to commit to. Recycled plastic furniture requires little maintenance beyond occasional cleaning.
• Storage and Flexibility: Consider whether you'll need to store your bar stools. Some designs stack for easy storage, while others might be heavy enough to leave in place year-round.
• Weight and Stability: Outdoor furniture needs to balance portability with wind resistance. Very lightweight stools might blow around in storms!

 

Creating Your Perfect Outdoor Bar Setup Starts with Highwood USA

The right bar stools can upgrade your outdoor area immediately. So don’t risk investing in seating that can’t keep up with your social calendar!

Investing in well-made bar stools designed specifically for outdoor use helps create a space where people want to gather. Plus, you’ll enjoy the savings as you don’t have to replace them over the years.

Ready to find the perfect bar stools for your outdoor space? Shop Highwood USA’s full collection of high-quality bar stools and other outdoor furniture today!