Are you a wicker enjoyer and would like an outdoor bar stool in the same style? We have some useful information for you.
Outdoor stools can come in handy on multiple occasions. You can use them whenever there’s a special occasion at home, and you need extra seats for guests or even for yourself if you want to wind off and take a break from life once in a while. Still, it can be a bit tricky to buy a wicker outdoor bar stool that has good quality, is stylish, and is comfortable.
If you don’t know which stool you should buy, this article is for you. We’ll describe the different aspects and elements every buyer should take into account before buying outdoor wicker bar sets in general. So let’s read on and explore important elements to consider when buying wicker outdoor bar stools!
1. Materials
Wicker is made from different materials, rattan, and willow, some of the most common. You may also find bamboo, reed, and even synthetic wicker. While all options are durable and resistant to some degree, bamboo is often deemed as one of the most resistant materials in nature, and the same applies to wicker. When it comes to synthetic fabrics, polypropylene plastic (PP) is one of the strongest options you can choose from. It can be even more durable than certain woods, assuring years of utility.
Another aspect you may want to consider is finding a weather and water-proof stool. This way, you can leave it outside without worrying about it becoming damaged over time, especially if you live in an area with unstable weather.
2. Seat Height
Most wicker outdoor bar stools appear to have the same height, but that isn’t necessarily true. It’s essential to get stools that allow you to sit comfortably, which means it should be balanced to keep your legs in a comfortable position.
Try to explore different options and vendors until you find a seat height that you think is appropriate for you. You should also take into account other factors, such as leg clearance and overall preferred seat height. This way, you’ll be able to find the perfect wicker outdoor bar stool with backs or without back for you.
A short stool may have an overall height of 17-23 inches, while a tall stool is around 34-36 inches. There are options in-between. It’s all a matter of exploring your choices until you find the correct one.
3. Functionality
It’s important to consider several sub-elements when it comes to functionality. Here are some of the essential ones:
Armrests: Bar stools in outdoor bar sets may or may not include armrests, which means that you can choose to include them or not. It doesn’t add much to the functionality of the seat, but some people may find it useful to keep themselves supported while sitting.
Backrest: Backrests are another optional feature that can add more comfort to the user. Wicker outdoor back stools with backs are as common as those without them, but the price may be a bit elevated for the former. Either way, it’s easier to sit on a stool with a backrest, but it’s not necessary, as stools aren’t meant for people to remain seated for a long time.
Swivel: Would you prefer a stationary stool or one with a swivel? An outdoor wicker swivel bar stool with a swivel may make it easier for you to move as you continue engaging with your peers. Stationary stools are equally comfortable, but being able to move while sitting contributes to your ease positively.
If you take into account these aspects while purchasing your stool, it’ll be easier for you to find out the right choice for you. There are no correct answers, as everyone’s preferences are different. It’s all subjective and depends on what you’d like and think will be more comfortable for you and your potential guests.
4. Cushions
It’s fairly common to find wicker outdoor stools without cushions, as it helps make the overall style stand out. However, there are tons of options that do include cushions and greatly improve your comfort. Some people consider it to be more important than the actual chairs, but a stool doesn’t necessarily need a cushion to be comfortable, but it can truly make the seat more welcoming.
Still, while some stools may already be cushioned, you always have the option to buy them separately or even make them yourself if you want to make them even more comfortable. There’s a huge difference between a cushioned seat and a seat without a cushion.
Although this isn’t relevant to the “comfort” topic, adding cushions to your stools is another opportunity to enhance a particular style and enhance the atmosphere of the place.
5. Maintenance
Outdoor furniture is meant to be durable and low-maintenance, but not all of them are built in the same way. Hence, it’s essential to look for wicker outdoor bar stools built for longevity and ease of use. You’ll still need to care for them, but it won’t be necessary to do it frequently or be complicated.
We recommend looking for stools with UV, water, and weather resistance. It’s not very complicated to find options with protection against these three problems, but keep in mind that each one will add a few extra bucks to the price.
6. Price
Last but not least, you should always take into account the price when purchasing anything, not only wicker bar stools. A high-quality stool won’t need to be replaced for a long time and will remain useful for several years. Keep in mind that the price isn’t always a reflection of the product’s quality; you should always take a look at the materials and overall functions and see if the price range is appropriate for it.
There are costs for all budgets and preferences. It’s easy to find stools under $100, while others may be over $300 and above. You’ll have to explore for a while until you find an option that looks appropriately priced and has been built to be durable and resistant to most conditions.
