What is the Difference in Height of Patio Chairs?

Patio chairs range in height from lounge chairs, at the lowest end of the height spectrum, to bar chairs, at the tallest end of the height spectrum. All except lounge chairs are designed for you to sit comfortably at a table of a coordinated height and size. Does this Spark an idea?

Types

There are four main types of patio chairs based on their height. These are lounge chairs, dining-height chairs, counter-height chairs and bar-height chairs.

Lounge Patio Chair

A lounge patio chair sits closest to the ground and is used for sunbathing or reading. You can purchase an accent table to coordinate with a lounge chair, but there is no standard height for either the chair or the table.

Dining Height Patio Chair

The seat of a patio dining-height chair measures approximately 18 inches high and coordinates with a regular height dining table measuring 28 to 30 inches high.

Counter Height Patio Chair

The seat of a counter-height chair measures around 24 to 26 inches high and coordinates with a counter or counter-height table measuring 36 inches high.

Bar Height Patio Chair

The seat of a bar-height chair measures around 30 to 31 inches high and is coordinates with a bar or bar table measuring 42 inches high. These chairs are also referred to as bistro or pub-height chairs.

How to Build a Kitchen Island Bar Table

Building your own kitchen island bar table may sound like a difficult project, but you can make it easier by re-purposing a few items rather than starting from scratch. By constructing the base for your island out of old cabinets, you can save yourself the hassle of having to build your own frame. Once you have the basic structure of your island completed, you simply need to add the details you desire such as a bar table. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Select one or more cabinets to use as the base for your kitchen island. If you want your island and bar table to be fairly wide, you may need to use two or three identical cabinets. The height of the cabinets you select should be approximately equal to the desired height of your kitchen island -- you will build on to the island to form your bar table.

2

Slide the cabinets up against each other so the sides are flush and all of the cabinets are facing the same direction. Inspect the cabinets you have chosen to ensure that they are sound. Tighten any loose screws with a screwdriver.

3

Attach the cabinets to each other. Open the cabinet doors and drive wood screws through the side panel of one cabinet into the side panel of the adjacent cabinet. Use wood screws about 1/2-inch shorter than the width of the two side panels combined.

4

Measure the length and depth of the flat surface formed by the combined tops of the cabinets using a measuring tape. You will use these measurements to cut the butcher block for the top of your island and to construct your bar table.

5

Use a circular saw to cut a piece of 2-by-6-inch hardwood to the length measurement you just determined. Stand the piece of 2-by-6-inch hardwood upright on its narrow edge along the back of the cabinets. Secure the hardwood in place by driving 2-inch wood screws at a downward angle through the back side of the hardwood into the cabinet tops below.

6

Cut a sheet of butcher block to serve as the kitchen island countertop. Use the length of the island and the depth of the flat surface formed by the cabinet tops to cut the butcher block. Since you already installed the 2-by-6-inch piece of hardwood along the back of the cabinets, you will need to subtract its width from the depth measurement when cutting your butcher block.

7

Lay the butcher block flat on top of the cabinets so the back edge is flush with the piece of hardwood you just installed. Drive 3-inch wood screws through the upright hardwood board into the butcher block and through the top of the butcher block into the cabinets below.

8

Cut another piece of butcher block to the length of the island and the desired width of the bar table. This piece of butcher block will serve as the bar table component of your kitchen island.

9

Measure the height from the floor to the top edge of the piece of 2-by-6-inch hardwood installed on top of the cabinets. Use the circular saw to cut two pieces of 3-by-3-inch hardwood to this measurement. These two pieces of hardwood will serve as the legs for your bar table.

10

Lay the piece of butcher block designated for the bar tabletop upside down on a flat surface. Stand the two table legs upright in each of the corners along one of the long edges. Drive 2-inch wood screws at an angle through the table legs into the butcher block to secure them in place.

11

Flip the bar tabletop over and move it into position so the long edge opposite the table legs is supported by the piece of 2-by-6-inch hardwood you installed earlier. Align the edges of the butcher block and the piece of hardwood, then drive 3-inch wood screws through the butcher block into the hardwood every four inches to attach it securely.

12

Paint or stain the two pieces of butcher block along with the 2-by-6-inch hardwood and the two table legs to match the cabinets you used as the base for your kitchen island. Once the paint has dried, apply two or three coats of clear varnish or polyurethane to the butcher block. One coat is sufficient for the pieces of hardwood.

How to Build a Backyard Wooden Bar Table

If you have an outdoor space that you intend to use for a backyard bar, a wooden bar table should be near the top of your to-do list. By building your own wooden bar table, you can customize it to suit the space as well as your needs. By building your own wooden bar table, you can avoid the cost of purchasing from a furniture retailer. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Use a measuring tape to measure the space you intend to fill with your wooden bar table. Measure the height of your existing bar so you can build your bar table to match. Determine the length and width dimensions of the table, and record them on a sheet of paper.

2

Cut the tabletop from a sheet of 1-inch hardwood with a table saw. Refer to the measurements you took earlier, and cut the tabletop with the length and width measurements for your table.

3

Use the table saw to cut four pieces of two-by-four hardwood to construct the support frame for the table legs. Cut two pieces of hardwood to the length of the tabletop, minus 2 inches. Cut the remaining two pieces of hardwood to the width of the bar table, minus 6 inches.

4

Lay the tabletop flat on the ground, and arrange the four pieces of hardwood you just cut in a rectangular shape on top of it. Position all the boards so they are approximately 1 inch from the sides of the tabletop. The shorter boards should be sandwiched between the ends of the longer boards, and all the edges should be aligned.

5

Secure the two-by-four hardwood frame by driving 3-inch wood screws through the longer boards into the shorter boards. Attach the frame to the tabletop by driving 2-inch wood screws at a downward angle through the boards into the underside of the tabletop.

6

Cut four equal-length 4- by 4-inch hardwood posts for the table legs. To decide what length to cut these boards, refer to the height measurement you determined earlier. Subtract 1 inch from this measurement to account for the thickness of the tabletop.

7

Place the four table legs you just cut upright in the corners of the hardwood frame you just attached to the tabletop. The outside edges of each table leg should be flush with the adjacent sides of the hardwood frame. The top of each table leg should lie flat against the underside of the tabletop.

8

Drive 3-inch wood screws through the hardwood frame into the sides of the table legs, to secure them in place. For extra stability, drive 2-inch wood screws at a downward angle through the inside edges of the table legs into the underside of the tabletop.

9

Paint or stain your wooden bar table to match your backyard bar. Once the paint or stain has dried, apply two or three coats of clear varnish or polyurethane to protect the bar table from water damage.

How to Cut Bar Stool Legs

Bar stools are both functional and aesthetically pleasing in a home or public setting with a bar. Homeowners look to shorten bar stool legs if they do not have a bar of the correct height to match the stool. Cutting the legs of a bar stool allows you to sit at a table or counter of lower height comfortably. Bar stools come in a variety of styles ranging from plain and backless to ornate tall armchairs. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Determine the proper height for the area you will use the bar stool. The standard height is 10 to 12 inches from the underside of a table or counter to the top of the seat. Typical counter stools measure 24 to 26 inches from the floor to the top of the seat. Dining chairs measure 18 to 20 inches from the floor to the top of the seat.

2

Measure from the top of the seat down the leg and mark each bar stool leg with a professional crayon.

3

Measure from the floor up to the mark and cut a flat piece of wood or sturdy piece of cardboard to the same height. Place the cardboard or wood from the floor up the leg of the bar stool and mark the leg. Move around the leg to leave marks on all sides. You will have a mark that encircles the leg.

4

Turn the chair upside down and slip a hose clamp over each leg. Align the bottom edge of the hose clamp with the top edge of the line and tighten the clamp with a screwdriver. The hose clamp will provide a raised guideline and keep the leg from splitting while cutting.

5

Place the chair on its side and cut along the bottom edge of the hose clamp on the guideline with a handsaw. Place the handsaw on the line and pull back and forth until the waste portion of the leg falls away. Repeat for each leg.

6

Tape the edges of four 8 to 10 inch long pieces of 60-grit sandpaper on a flat and level floor. Position the sandpaper so it lines up with the bar stool legs. Place the bar stool on the sandpaper and move the bar stool back and forth while applying pressure to the bar stool. This will remove the rough edges from the cut legs and keep them level.

7

Turn the bar stool upside down and apply self-sticking protective felt pads to the bottom of the chair legs. Felt pads protect both the floor and the chair leg from wear.

What Is the Proper Height for Kitchen Bar Stools?

There are many uses for stools in the kitchen, but there are also many different heights of counters and bars, and their appropriate stools may be confused. Check the height of your countertop or bar top before purchasing any kitchen stools. Does this Spark an idea?

Bar Height

A typical bar is about 40 inches to 42 inches tall. For such a bar height, a bar stool should be about 30 inches tall to the top of the seat. A raised breakfast bar in a kitchen or a bar-height table will require bar-height stools so that people can eat and drink comfortably.

Counter Height

Standard kitchen counters are 36 inches high. Counter-height bar stools are 24 inches to 26 inches high. These kinds of counter stools are perfect if you have a kitchen island or peninsula where you want people to be able to eat and gather. A bar-height stool would be too tall in this situation.

Kitchen Chair

In comparison, kitchen tables are usually only 28 to 30 inches tall, so kitchen chair seats are usually only 18 inches off the ground. While perfectly comfortable at a dining table, a kitchen chair is much too short for kitchen counters or bars.

Kitchen Island Ideas for Small Kitchens

A kitchen island is a detached counter surface in a kitchen that permits access from all sides. Islands provide additional space for socializing, food prep, cooking or eating. In large kitchens, islands are typically permanent fixtures in the center of the room. Movable islands and carts are a more appropriate option for a small kitchen. Does this Spark an idea?

Movable Kitchen Cart

A kitchen cart is a small, movable island. Select a kitchen cart that is compact, but provides extra storage, utility and work space. For example, carts with wood or stainless steel bars beneath can hold kitchen towels or pot holders. Purchase large clothespins to clip desired accessories onto the bars. Roll your cart into a storage area when it is not in use to save space.

Multipurpose Wine Cart

Created for storage in room corners or on outdoor patios, wine carts work well in small kitchens because the tiny surface area is usually just large enough to hold a few beverages at a time. Wine carts are identical to kitchen carts and islands, but also include wine storage space at the base of the units. Shelving may also be included for drink mixers and other bar accessories. If the primary purpose of your island is food prep, store cutting boards underneath the wine cart for easy access. With only two legs and a pair of wheels, the wine cart is sturdy enough for use on marble and polished hardwood floors.

Kitchen Island Table

If you are looking for an island large enough for a seated meal, but still suited to a small kitchen, try an island table. Kitchen island tables have no shelves or bars underneath so that there is room for seating. Although stools or chairs are usually made to be stored underneath the table, make sure that you have walking room behind each chair when the table is in use. Kitchen island tables are also useful in displaying appetizers during house parties and events.

How to Make a Chair the Height of the Counter

Gone are the days when all meals were taken around dining room tables of a standard height. Whether you sit at a pub-style table, a counter-high bar or a custom-made table, you'll need chairs to match. If you've already picked out the chairs of your dreams, you may still adapt them to work with your counter. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Measure the height of your counter from its bottom edge. Subtract 10 to 12 inches from the bottom edge of the counter to determine the ideal height for your seat. Give yourself slightly more leg room if your counter has a large overhang.

2

Select chair legs designed for "bar height" tables, if your counter is 40 to 42 inches high. Opt for "counter height" chair legs if the counter is 35 to 36 inches high. Use "extra-tall" or "spectator" chair legs for a table that is 45 to 48 inches tall. Select a material and color that coordinates with the chair plan. Opt for a swivel-style chair base if you prefer to move while sitting.

3

Detach the standard-length legs from your chair, either unscrewing them by forcefully turning the leg or sawing them off with a hand saw. Sand and varnish or paint the chair, if necessary, while it is detached from its base. Start with heavy gauge sandpaper and progress toward finer paper. Finish sanding with moistened, very fine sandpaper for a glossy look. Follow the manufacturer's instructions completely for all drying times of any paint or varnish.

4

Work with another person to hold the chair atop your new, counter-high chair legs in order to test the height. Measure the distance from the seat to the bottom of the counter to confirm it is sufficient. Screw a thin shim of wood to the bottom of the seat if the new legs are not quite long enough. Sand down the exposed side of the shim for a smooth finish. Attach the legs to the base of the seat or the shim using the drill.