Metal bar stools for cafes

Counter space is the scarcest floor in a cafe, and a stool that sticks 24 inches into the aisle takes more of it than one that sticks out 19. These 121 metal bar stools list depth, width, and seat height, so you can compare footprints before you compare finishes.

Depth sets the aisle

The ladder-back metal bar stool stands 42 inches tall on a footprint of 17 1/4 by 19 inches. A bar stool elsewhere on the shelf stands 43 inches tall on 21 3/4 by 23 3/4. The difference is nearly five inches of depth. Put a 36 inch service aisle behind the counter and that gap is the part a tray passes through.

Seat height comes first

The heights listed most often are 30 and 31 inches, then 29 1/2 and 30 1/4, with some at 28 1/2. A bar of 40 to 42 inches wants stools of about 29 to 31, so most of this shelf fits. Subtract 10 to 12 inches from the height of your ledge to find the number to hunt for. A lower ledge is the job of counter stools.

Backs and seats

Padded and bucket backs dominate, 31 and 29 stools respectively, while curved, interchangeable, and ladder backs make up the remainder. Padded backs appear on 60 stools in all. Vinyl seats are on 100 stools, wood on 50, and fabric on 28. For more of the padded kind, see upholstered bar stools.

Swivel is on 18 stools. Plan a gap of 24 to 30 inches between seat centers so the neighbors can turn without touching. On a 96 inch ledge that is three stools at 30 inches or four at 24. Arms are on 10.

Metal inside, wood-look, and the curb

Indoor use is listed on 120 of these stools. Wood-look finishes appear on 11 frames, and a metal finish swatch from samples shows the difference far better than a photo. For the sidewalk, use patio bar stools.

A non-swivel metal stool carries a seven-year warranty against defects in materials and workmanship, and a swivel metal stool carries one year; the details are at warranty. Single stools range from $91 to $316.

Mark the ledge in cafe plans and see how many stools fit along it before you total the order.