We tested and analyzed hundreds of stools and picked out 15 best outdoor bar stools and made a professional review with the help of experts.
Specifically, outdoor bar stools are harder to choose compared with indoor types, for different considerations such as waterproof or dustproof need to be taken.
Apart from the appearance and common features, there are also many functions that best outdoor bar stools be endowed.
Now, it is time to share the reviews and expert guides we made for you.
Picking the Best Outdoor Bar Stools on the Market
| Photo | Title | Buy |
|---|---|---|
 | Outdoor Patio Bar Stools Swivel - SUPER DEAL Adjustable Pub | Buy On Amazon.com |
 | Outdoor Bar Stools Cushions - Crosley Furniture Palm Harbor | Buy On Amazon.com |
Why Bar Stools For Outdoor Activities?
Probably you are the outdoor type and enjoy inviting friends over to hold a party in your yard. Or maybe you love having dinner with your family on the patio. Then you will find bar stools a good choice to add style and functionality to your outdoor activities.
Bar stools are often lightweight, and thus it is easy to move them. Also, the simple structure of bar stools makes them convenient for high traffic use in a party or an outdoor exhibition. Besides, bar stools vary in design, so it is easy to find the stylish ones that match the surroundings.
How To Choose The Best Outdoor Bar Stools
First, you will need to know the basics of choosing the perfect bar stools.
Height
A bar stool usually comes with a bar or counter, so it is important to make sure their heights match perfectly to provide comfort. It is advisable to select bar stools that are 9 to 12 inches lower than the bar top or countertop.
Style
Make sure the design of the bar stools goes well with the style of the surroundings. A super modern bar stool may look weird in a rustic environment.
Comfort
Usually, a swivel bar stool with a back, a cushioned seat, and a footrest is more comfortable and convenient. But do not miss the ergonomic bar stools that provide comfort even without these extras. Also, you may need proper spacing to sit more comfortably, so make sure the bar stools are not too big and occupy too much room. Taking the size of the seat and the base into account will help.
Seating capacity or comfort
Chances are that you may need to provide seating for a lot of people in a relatively small area. If seating capacity outweighs comfort for you, it is better to choose bar stools with smaller seats and bases.
Budget
Big-budget bar stools often come with more choices. But no need to worry even if you are on a tight budget. There is a variety of cheap bar stools that offer good quality.
Assembly
Bar stools are delivered either fully assembled or ready to assemble. Both categories have pros and cons.
Fully assembled bar stools can save your time and effort, especially when you are not interested in DIY, However, such bar stools are prone to damage during delivery.
Bar stools that require assembly are preferable if you enjoy making things. If not, some products provide expert assembly, if you are willing to pay for that. However, you may find that the hardware enclosed does not match your bar stools or is inadequate. And make sure you do well in assembling them, or you may find them wobbly.
Weight capacity
High weight capacity is a plus, in case someone heavyset comes by and wants to try your stylish bar stools. By the way, bar stools with seats larger in size tend to be more comfortable for the chubby group.
15 Best Outdoor Bar Stools Reviews
Here we have reviewed some of the best bar stools and we have listed some top recommendations.
Though we have listed assembly as a disadvantage, whether it is a pro or a con really depends on how you value the process.
#1. Stackable Outdoor Bar Stools – UrbanMod 24 Inch Bar Stools
Editor Rating: 4.9
This bar stool can well meet most of your needs for outdoor uses. Made from heavy-duty galvanized steel, these bar stools will hardly rust and are quite sturdy. They come in different colors, so no matter you want low-profile bar stools that blend well in your garden or colored ones that dot your patio with vitality.
Also, you can also use them indoors or stack and store them indoors. Their weight capacity of 330 lbs means that they can hold almost people of all sizes. Plus, don’t forget that except the ones with wooden seats, they are fairly easy to clean. This frees you from troubles in keeping them tidy.
Pros:
- A lifetime warranty
- Fit for diverse occasions
- Scratch-resistant
- Foot glides preventing floor from marring
- No need to assemble
- Hand holes in seating area providing convenience
- Easy storage to save space
Cons:
- Low-quality wooden seat providing less comfort and hard to clean
- Sold in a set of 4, thus a limitation on the number
- Not all parts rustproof
- Non-swivel
#2. Outdoor Plastic Wicker Bar Stools – Stewart Outdoor Wicker Bar Stools
Editor Rating: 4.1
These hand-woven Polyethylene wicker bar stools are designed especially for outdoor use. Their powder coated steel frame can well protect them from rusting. They can withstand many weather conditions.
Do not worry about having no other wicker furniture-it is OK for outdoor furniture to differ in material and texture. And no doubt that they are lightweight so you can easily move them. Plus, as you can see from the picture, their high backs, wide armrests and footrests will offer you extra comfort.
Pros:
- Weather-resistant
- Comfortable with a high back, wide armrests and footrests
- Sturdy and durable
- Easily blending in the surroundings
Cons:
- Assembly required
#3. Outdoor Backless Metal Bar Stool – Flash Furniture Backless Metal Bar Stool
Editor Rating: 4.5
These bar stools have a modern industrial appearance that can easily touch your outdoor settings. They are constructed of galvanized steel, so they will not suffer from humid weather too easily. With a drain hole in the middle, the seats are less prone to rusting.
But do not go so far as to leave it in the wet climate for too long. And make sure to take regular care of them so they can last longer. Besides, these all-weather use bar stools have protective floor glides, so they will not do damage to the hard surface you put them on.
Pros:
- Popular square seat with a drain hole preventing rusting
- Various colors available
- Stackable for saving room
- Sturdy
- No assembly required
Cons:
- Beware of chromatic aberration when selecting colored ones
- Non-swivel backless seat
#4. Outdoor Bar stool with Back – Flash Furniture 4 Pk. 30” High Copper Metal Indoor
Editor Rating: 4.1
These bar stools are also designed for all-weather uses. Also, it is advisable not to expose it to the wet climate for long periods of time. The copper powder coat finish can well protect them from rusting and there is also a drain hole on the seat in case the rain stays on the seats and causes damage to them. They are lightweight so you can easily move them to wherever you like.
Pros:
- A curved back and footrest offering comfort
- Suitable for both indoor and outdoor setting
- Rubber glides preventing damage to the floor
- Available in both counter height and bar height
- Lightweight for moving
Cons:
- Non-swivel seats with no cushion
- Seat base not big enough to offer complete comfort when reclining back
#5. Outdoor Counter Chairs – Outdoor Interiors Stools
Editor rating: 3.9
These bar stools do take pride in their materials-sustainable plantation grown Brazilian eucalyptus. With high quality dense hardwoods, these bar stools are capable of satisfying your needs for outdoor seating. They impervious to the heat and the wet.
They are quite strong and durable. In places with a harsh climate, it will do the bar stools good to protect them with furniture covers. Another bonus is that these bar stools are produced by Outdoor Interiors, a manufacturer that specializes in outdoor furniture made with teak, eucalyptus and stone with mixed materials and boasts their excellent customer service.
Pros:
- Footrests set at two heights for extra comfort
- Comfortable with no cushion required
- Designed for indoor and outdoor purposes
Cons:
- Assembly required
- Higher price
#6. Outdoor Bar Chairs With Backs – Sundale Outdoor 2 Pcs All Weather Patio Furniture
Editor Rating: 4.0
The aluminum frame of these bar stools, together with their rattan wicker, makes them durable for outdoor uses. You do not even need to worry about them when you leave them outside on rainy days. But it is better to take the comfy cushions back indoors when it rains. With little care, these bar stools can last pretty long in the elements. Plus, they are fairly easy to move.
Pros:
- Welded construction
- Set of bar table and bar stools available
- Made from weather-resistant materials
- Comfortable thick cushions available in various colors
- Designed for years of use
Cons:
- Assembly required
#7. Outdoor High Bar Stools – Flash Furniture 24” High Black Metal
Editor Rating: 4.2
The galvanized steel construction works together with the black powder coat finish to help the bar stools last in outdoor settings. With a simple, low-profile design, they can easily blend in with a wide range of furnishing styles. The colored pieces will surely rev up your patio.
For longevity, it is better to take regular care of them so that they won’t suffer too much from constant wet weather. Besides, these bar stools are sturdy, with a weight capacity of 500 lbs.
Pros:
- A weight capacity of 500lbs
- Available in various colors
- Designed for all-weather use
- Firm and sturdy
Cons:
- Beware delivery problems
- Metal seats might be cold to sit on
#8. Bar Stools For Outdoor Bar – Andeworld Set of 4 Tolix-Style
Editor Rating: 4.6
These are multi-function bar stools designed for both indoor and outdoor uses. You can choose between swivel and non-swivel seats and among the heights of 24 inches, 26 inches and 30 inches.
Also, you may choose among those with high backs, those with low backs and the backless ones-you name it. These rich choices make them easy to match your outdoor settings.
Pros:
- A weight capacity of 300lbs
- Detachable back
- Stackable once the backs are detached
- Rubber on the feet avoiding scratches on the floor
- Extra support underneath the seat
- Swivel and non-swivel seating available at 24″, 26″ and 30″
Cons:
- Minimum assembly required
- Low backs might be not supportive enough to some people
#9. Tall Outdoor Bar Stools – Adams Manufacturing Real Comfort
Editor Rating: 4.3
Plants secrete resins because they can protect them well from injury. And these bar stools are made from high quality resin material, which is lightweight and durable.
Thanks to this material, these bar stools will hardly rust or rot. Therefore, they are recommendable for outdoor uses.
Besides, these bar stools can remain bright and charming in the sun as they have UV-inhibitor. Another bonus is that these bar stools boast a patent for their ergonomic seating design, which increases your sense of comfort.
Pros:
- Extra comfort from patented ergonomic contoured seating
- Lightweight and high-quality resin materials reducing the chances of rusting or rotting
- UV-inhibitor allowing of bright and beautiful colors
- Stackable for room-saving storage
- Easy to clean
- Fully assembled
Cons:
- Beware of sharp edges, especially when you have kids around
- Non-swivel backless seat
#10. Outdoor Patio Bar Stools Swivel – SUPER DEAL Adjustable Pub
The materials these bar stools employ are wicker elements and chrome steel. Therefore, they have fewer chances of suffering from the elements.
While protecting the furniture against weather conditions, these materials also promises longevity. Plus, the UV fade-resistance woven wicker will keep the elegant rustic look of the bar stools.
Pros:
- 360-degree swivel seat with a stylish back
- Adjustable height from 24″ to 32″
- Wicker elements and chrome steel allowing of outdoor uses
- High-quality, lightweight and durable
- Wide base offering extra stability
Cons:
- Low-back seat with no cushion
- Lack of choice in color
#11. Folding Outdoor Bar Chairs – Tangkula 4 PCS Folding Patio Chair
Editor Rating: 4.7
If you are looking for bar stools for camping or travelling, these are a good choice since you can fold them for convenient carriage.
Constructed of PE wicker and steel frame, these bar stools work well in outdoor settings. Also, PE rattan is non-toxic and eco-friendly. Besides, they guarantee good customer service.
Pros:
- Foldaway for easy storage and carriage
- Fully assembled
- Durable and sturdy
- Good customer service
- Weather-resistant, harmless and environment-friendly materials
Cons:
- Only one color available
- Non-swivel seat
#12. Best Outdoor Bar Set With Stools – Best Choice Products All-Weather Outdoor
Editor Rating: 3.9
These are hand-woven wicker bar stools with a durable aluminum frame. They promise to stand the elements and remain sturdy. Unlike many other wicker bar stools, they have the 360-degree swivel function so you can comfortably have fac-to-face conversations with people around you. Also, they offer extra comfort with cushions and ergonomic armrests.
Pros:
- 360-degree swivel function
- All-weather use
- Seats with a back and a cushion
- Ergonomic armrests for extra comfort
Cons:
- Offered in only one color
- Questionable quality of the ball bearings
#13. Outdoor Furniture Bar Chairs – Atlantic Foldable Outdoor Wood Bar Stool
Editor Rating: 4.1
These bar stools are constructed of Acacia wood, which bestows on them weather-resistance. They are folding for easy storage and convenient transportation. Their natural color will well blend int with the outdoor settings.
Pros:
- Weather-resistant materials
- Easy to match other settings
- Foldaway for easy storage and convenient transportation
- Fully assembled
Cons:
- Low-back, armless seat with no cushion offered
- Might be wobbly
#14. Outdoor Bar Stools Cushions – Crosley Furniture Palm Harbor
Editor Rating: 4.0
Benefitting from the UV-resistant resin wicker and durable steel frame, these bar stools are doing well in outdoor use. With no back or armrest, kids can easily have fun with them.
Pros:
- Durable in all-weather use
- Easy to blend in with any style of decoration
- Attractive and sturdy
Cons:
- Assembly required
- Only one color available
- Backless non-swivel seat with no cushion provided
#15. Modern Outdoor Bar Stools – 2xhome Clear 25″ Seat Height Barstool
These bar stools are made from crystal clear transparent polycarbonate, which is stronger than acrylic. Invisible material gives it a modern and contemporary look, which also adds great fun to your interior or exterior decoration. If intending to take a sun bath outdoors, you can also place it outdoors for fun, the strong UV-protected material will protect it from getting broken for long-time use.
Pros:
- Unique modern design
- For indoor and outdoor uses
- Strong plastic frame
- Affordable price
Cons:
- Assembly required
- Potential to scratch
- Not as comfortable as cushioned ones
Extra Tips On Best Outdoor Bar Stools
Now that you have learned how to choose a bar stool, here are some extra tips on choosing the right materials for outdoor bar stools. In an open environment, weather-resistant bar stools are more recommendable, especially when the furniture is completely exposed to the elements.
Bar stools made of materials suitable for spaces prone to weather conditions will bestow on you added durability and easy maintenance. Plus, it is a good idea to read the following instructions and select dual-purpose pieces, so that you can use the bar stools both indoor and outdoor. Now, here are the tips we provide.
Wood
Why Should You Choose Wood Type?
Wood has long been used to construct furniture for both indoor and outdoor purposes. Wood bar stools can well fit into the nature and lend warm and casual beauty to modern settings. It is also a good pick if you want to place your bar stools on a hard surface.
What Type Of Wood Is Best?
Still, beware of the specific type of wood employed. If you are to place the bar stools in an outdoor are immune from weather conditions, you can get away with a softwood like pine.
Other popular choices include teak, eucalyptus, and cedar. Teak is relatively more expensive, but it is weather-proof. Eucalyptus is less expensive and can last long with careful maintenance. Cedar, with a protective coating and regular upkeep, can last for decades.
Good construction
Of course, equally important is to choose well-constructed wooden pieces for long-time use. Check if the joints are sturdy.
Metal
Why Choose Metal?
Rustproof metal-constructed bar stools are also recommendable. Both metal and resin are a good choice if the bar stools are on soft ground. And by the way, resin bar stools perform excellently in damp locations.
What Type Of Metal Should You Choose?
The most commonly employed types of metal are powder-coated aluminum and steel. Aluminum-made bar stools are lightweight, rustproof, corrosion-resistant, and cool in sunlight. More importantly, it cleans easily, which will save you much time.
If you want stronger bar stools, steel comes to mind. But steel is subject to rust, so a protective coat is preferable.
Wrought iron is a very strong material and fits into formal surroundings. Likewise, it requires extra care to prevent it from rusting and corrosion.
Plastic
Advanced techniques in processing help plastic regain popularity nowadays. It can be used to make bar stools that fit into literally all the styles. Plastic bar stools can withstand all weather conditions and they vary in color to meet your diverse needs for different settings or to add color to your backyard. Besides, they are often light enough for you to move them around.
Wicker
Wicker is not a specific type of material but an ancient technique for weaving fibers. Traditionally, people weave such natural materials as rushes, rattan, willow, etc. into functional shapes. Now manufacturers also use recycled materials like rolled paper or resin.
Wicker furniture is a good choice for outdoor use, but remember that organic materials are not suitable since moisture and sunlight may cause damage to them.
When your wicker bar stools get wet, please dry them to prolong their life, or you will have to take pains to choose new ones. Wicker bar stools for outdoor use usually have an aluminum frame to help them last longer.
