June 18, 2011. Paul Hixon
You may have a harder time deciding on patio seating than you used to, as there are so many more options than ever before. The choice between style, shape, size and option means you can find the exact outdoor bar stool you need, but you have to look for a bit longer.
There are some ways you can narrow the search though. By measuring what you will be using the seating for and where it will be, you can help yourself choose the right style. For example, seating for an outdoor casual bar might be different than seating for an outdoor meal.
Having an outdoor meal generally involves eating at a table much like the one in your kitchen or dining room, so outdoor bar chairs much like those in your kitchen or dining will work best.
For seating at an outdoor bar for entertaining guests, stools which are similar to those found in a pub will work great.
Now you’ve decided how you will primarily use the stools for and know what kind of stool will work best, it is time to decide the style of stool to buy. Stools made of aluminum, heavy plastic or wood are generally popular because they are more heavy duty and withstand the elements. Hot sun or rain will not damage them as easily as stools made of flimsy material.
Many folks like bar stools with cushioning as well, but this might be difficult for patio bar stools. If you live in a place where it might rain or there is heavy moisture in the air, the cushions will rot from the inside out. You will either need cushions which can be removed or to place the chairs inside much of the time.
This leads to another consideration: where you will store the chairs during the off season. In areas where it snows during the winter, you need to consider where the stools will be stored and buy stools small enough to fit.
Updated June 18, 2011. Published March 2, 2011. Paul Hixon
