Outdoor Bar Stool Sizes

While an outdoor bar is often a natural gathering spot for family, friends, or even a simple after-dinner drink by yourself, it is the bar stools that are one of the most important bar essentials. For this reason, you want to ensure that your outdoor bar stools provide comfortable seating that can accommodate you and your guests while fitting into your outdoor space. Use this guide to better understand outdoor bar stool sizes so you can make an informed purchase.

In This Guide:

What is an Outdoor Bar Stool?
How to Measure for Outdoor Bar Stools
Outdoor Bar Stool Sizes

What Is an Outdoor Bar Stool?

Patio bars are a fantastic option for entertaining guests, especially if you have limited outdoor space. This is because both bar tables and bar stools take up less space than regular dining tables and chairs – they are built to be taller, slimmer, and the tables only need to accommodate drinks. They are fantastic for entertaining, but you must ensure that you have sufficient comfortable seating for your guests.

How to Measure for Outdoor Bar Stools

In order to correctly measure a bar stool, you must calculate the height from the floor to the top of the seat. This number will give you an idea of where the outdoor bar stool will sit in relation to the counter or bar. The height of the seat from the floor of a bar stool is usually between 30" and 36". This number fits well at a standard bar that measures around 40–46" tall.

To measure for bar stools:

Step 1:For measurement A, begin by measuring your bar height – from the top edge to the floor.

Step 2: For measurement B, decide how many inches you would like between your lap and the underside of the bar/counter. Most commonly, the top of the outdoor bar stool seat should measure around 10" from the bottom side of the counter.

Step 3:Subtract measurement B from measurement A to obtain the ideal height for your outdoor bar stools.

Step 4:If you have a bar or counter, measure the distance from end to end to determine the number of bar stools you will be able to fit. You should allow at least 6" of arm room between each stool.

Important Considerations

• If your bar is next to a wall, leave 14" between the wall and the center of the bar stool closest to it.
• For bar stools with arms or swivels, allow at least 8" between each one.
• To figure out how many patio bar stools you will need, account for a minimum of 26" and a maximum of 30" between each seat to ensure each guest has enough room to maneuver.
• The surface height of the counter or bar should be 10" and 12" higher than your seating.

Outdoor Bar Stool Sizes

Both indoor and outdoor bar stools come in a large range of sizes, which can make it challenging to choose the right one for your bar space – especially if yours is custom built. It is imperative that you first learn about the different outdoor bar stool sizes, and then how to measure the dimensions to pick the best one. For more information on measuring bar stools, read our guide: Bar Stool Dimensions: How to Choose the Right Ones.

Short:A short outdoor bar stool measures between 16" and 23" tall – closer to the size of a standard dining chair height. These would work best paired with a lower bar, island, or countertop of between 32" and 33" high. Short bar stools are also ideal if your patio is short on space.

Counter-Height: Counter-height outdoor bar stools come in at between 24" and 27" from the floor to the seat, and are often used with 35–37" high counter tops. These more casual counter-height stools are shorter than bar stools, although people often confuse the two terms.

Bar-Height: Bar-height outdoor bar stools are slightly taller than counter-height stools with an average height of between 28" and 33". They are meant to be used under a bar or a bar table of between 41" and 42" tall. These are the most common type of bar stool available.

Extra-Tall:Extra-tall outdoor bar stools measure between 34" and 40" high and are also known as "spectator stools" thanks to their elevated height. These bar stools work well for tall tables between 44" and 47" high. It is not common to find countertops of this height, making these more specialized stools.

Adjustable-Height:As the name would suggest, adjustable height outdoor bar stools can be raised and lowered to a number of heights. They are ideal for bars and countertops with unique measurements and for those who prefer to adjust the height of their own seat.

With a better understanding of outdoor bar stool sizes, you can now find the right set to match the style of your patio and comfortably seat your guests.