Stools Factory

Counter Height vs. Bar Height: Getting the Specification Right
The height difference between counter stools and bar stools is one of the most common sourcing mistakes, and it generates returns. Counter height stools — designed for kitchen counters and island benches — typically have a seat height of 61–66cm, pairing with surfaces around 90cm high. Bar height stools are designed for traditional bar counters at around 105–110cm, requiring seat heights of 73–79cm. The problem arises when buyers or their customers assume these are interchangeable. They're not. A bar stool at a kitchen counter leaves users sitting uncomfortably high; a counter stool at a bar leaves them too low. When building a stool range, stocking both height options — or offering adjustable-height variants — eliminates this friction point entirely. Adjustable-height models with gas-lift mechanisms solve the problem cleanly for residential buyers who aren't certain of their counter height.
Footrest Placement and Why It Matters More Than It Looks
Footrests on bar stools are often treated as a design detail, but they have a genuine ergonomic function. Sitting at counter or bar height without foot support places significant load on the underside of the thighs, which becomes uncomfortable within 20–30 minutes. A well-positioned footrest at around 25–30cm below the seat height takes that pressure off and allows users to sit comfortably for longer. The footrest rail height and depth from the seat front are the two variables that determine whether it actually functions well. Footrests positioned too low force users to reach down; too close to the seat depth and users can't rest their feet naturally. For commercial buyers sourcing stools for restaurant and bar use, footrest durability — particularly the finish on a metal rail that will see regular shoe contact — is also worth specifying explicitly.
Weight Capacity and Structural Testing for Stools
Stools have a structural challenge that chairs don't face to the same degree: the load is concentrated on a smaller base, and the leverage forces on the joints when someone shifts their weight or leans are proportionally higher. EN13761 is the relevant European standard for seating in working positions, covering static load, fatigue, and drop tests. For commercial applications — particularly bar and restaurant environments — asking for EN13761 test reports is reasonable and tells you whether the stool will perform reliably under the weight range and usage patterns you expect. Weight capacity ratings in product listings vary in how they're arrived at; a figure backed by independent test certification is more meaningful than a manufacturer's stated figure alone. For residential retail, EN13761 compliance is increasingly expected even outside Europe, particularly among buyers supplying markets with strong consumer protection frameworks.