Extra Tall Bar Stools
Extra tall bar stools are easy enough to find pretty much anywhere that sells bar stools. But what is the height at which it becomes “extra tall” and how do you know what size you really need?
First, a few basics. Stores sell stools in heights that range from 18 inches up to 36 inches and beyond. Generally speaking, they fall into 4 groupings based on height.
Small Stools are 18 inches in height and perfect for the professional office (such as what your doctor or dentist might use) where you just need desk-high seating or where the ability to scoot around without getting up is the goal. These are also ideal for low height or custom-built counters.
Counter Stools range in height from 24 to 28 inches with 24″ being the most popular. These are the perfect height for most kitchen counters that are all one level or for businesses that have low counters.
Bar Stools range from 29 to 32 inches with 30″ being the most popular. These are for the higher kitchen eating counters as well as business counters that are between 40 and 44 inches tall.
Extra Tall Bar Stools are anything 36 inches and taller with the 36″ height being the most popular choice. These are generally for bars and tall table seating and are perfect for home or commercial settings.
So how do you know what height of stool you should get for your counter or bar? The general rule of thumb is to have the stool height anywhere from 8 to 14 inches below the bottom of the counter where they will be used. This will allow plenty of leg room for most individuals.
Extra tall bar stools would then be for counters that are 44 inches and higher … 36″ for the stool plus at least 8″ of space for your legs. If your counter or bartop happens to be higher than 50 inches (36″ plus 14″) then you would need to find a manufacturer that makes custom bar stools.
The great thing about bar stools is that most manufacturers have a wide if not comprehensive range of styles and colors for basically all the heights. Some are more suited to the shorter or extra tall ones but most styles are available for whatever height you need.
From the plain backless metal legs and round barely-cushion seat to the more elaborate wrought iron or wooden armed chair stools, you are likely to find whatever you are looking for. Most stores sell stools either individually or in groups of two so you can even mix and match easily if you want to.
When choosing your bar stools be sure to take into consideration by whom and how often they will be used. If you are setting up a business and will be having a constant flow of traffic through your establishment, be sure to choose something hardy and extra sturdy that can stand up to the constant use.
If you are buying stools for your kitchen counter seating area, then the make up of your family will have an impact on the wisest choice for this area. Everybody loves to swivel on a stool at a counter, but if you have small children swivel stools might not be a good idea right now. For family dining where it is basically eat and run, you can usually opt for lower quality stools since they won’t be occupied for long and comfort is not a major concern.
But if you are outfitting the bar in your rec room or wanting some chairs for your tall table outdoor on the patio, then it is time to go all out in what you spend on your bar stools. In this type of setting, it is mostly adults and the time spent in this seating arrangement often lasts for several hours so be sure to choose something more comfortable.
This would be the time to look at the armed models, the more fancy looking ones like rattan or wicker or leather, and only seats with cushions will do. An adult home setting will generally see less traffic and abuse so spending more money is not an issue since the stools will likely last longer.
So measure your counter and determine what height range your seating should be. Then do some research and buy the perfect extra tall bar stools for your particular setting.
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