I’ll be the first one to admit I used to get wrapped up in style and de-prioritize longevity (less so now, but still). Loving things that look good is not only my job but in my blood. But when it comes to things being left outdoors up here in Oregon, my #1 priority was to have it last so that it didn’t become my problem later (and obviously very bad for the environment). Now, if you are a normal person and you are good about “covering or storing your furniture” then you have more flexibility with your choices. But for these stools (that will be under a gazebo) I didn’t want to have to store them (y’all we need 10-12) nor cover them, so my search changed to “most durable” and “long-lasting” in addition to “classic + modern”. I’m a style snob and I need them to look good, appropriate for a farm-style BBQ area… that is getting admittedly kinda fancy. So today I’ll show you all that I considered before honing in on my real needs, at many different price points (from $50 each to $1,100 each). And you bet you’ll see what we ordered.
But first, and why this was more of a challenge, my biggest fear is that in 4 years, 3 of the 10 will be broken by my partying guests, and then what? What if they aren’t available anymore? What if they rotted even though they said they wouldn’t? Then we have 3 mismatched stools? Hell, no. And unlike indoor dining chairs, trust me outdoor furniture will not last as long unless you are vigilant about covering or storing (as mentioned, we are not). Similar to pets on furniture, I know that many of you will just say “Grow up and just join the rest of us” (ie. no pets on furniture and cover your outdoor furniture), but I’d rather find stools that can last a long time AND withstand the elements while looking good. Possible? (and I like to cuddle with my dogs…)
Fitzrovia Upholstered Counter Stool (Set of 2)
Now, as I was shopping these stood out for their affordability (making 12 of them $700). For classic stools that are super affordable, these had me at $57 each. Now that price point indicates it probably won’t last 10 years (I have no evidence of this, just being judgemental based on my experience) so this one isn’t for us, but y’all these are classic and nice for $57 each:)
We used these at my brother’s house and I LOVE them. They are at a higher price point ($700) and while I might have been able to get them partnered I was honestly still worried about wood outside for years. My only beef with these is that if you take off the cushion it’s just the webbing, meaning that you can’t use them without. I wish they had made the seat wood so if I didn’t want to have to deal with the cushions year-round in the rain I could just leave them out without the cushion.
If I wasn’t worried about upholstery outside (which I am) these are GREAT. Multiple finishes and so nice looking. Alas, not for me for this project, but I love these.
Ronaldo Polyethylene Wicker Outdoor Bar Stool
These were a solid option since they are plastic and wood (not natural material) meaning, they should last a lot longer. Very handsome and classic.
Lesley Metal Frame Patio Bar Stool
These don’t fit our style but I did appreciate that the “wood” is actually metal (which typically I would not like, but again for longevity maybe it’s better?).
Yvaine Franc Teak Patio Bar Stool
So pretty and very tempting. Do I think we can leave them outside for 10 years uncovered? Probably not. But I love.
Ruta Outdoor Counter Stool (Set of 2)
Now they are SOLID contenders. More affordable (2 for $350), metal, and has a nice classic shape. They look ergonomic and they come in a lot of colors. Stylistically are they as pretty as ones with upholstered seats or mixed material? NOPE. But they are good and look like they will last (but I have zero proof of that TBH).
Farrah Solid Back Outdoor Bar Stool (Set of 2)
Another solid contender that I showed Brian. More bistro style than farm, but classic nonetheless. You could always add cushions in the summer. I was very tempted by these…
Dark Green Metal Stackable Outdoor Barstool (Set Of 2)
For a second I thought maybe backless would be better so they could tuck underneath the counters. But they felt too contemporary for our gazebo kitchen.
I LOVE these, but there were two things wrong with them – $600 each (x 10 = $6k) and 10 weeks out. But they are classic, feel right for the more farm-like vibe and the color is fun. This brand (Fermob) is powder-coated and lasts a long time, but that price point is steep!
THE WINNERRR!!!!!
Modern Studio Plaza Lowback Bar Chair
As I was shopping I was like “Wait, what is that company that looks like wood and says they last forever” and I remembered Polywood. So I took a peek and not all styles were right for me but then BOOM, their modern low stool felt perfectly farm and classic. I loved the green (was tempted by black and white), but the best part is that they are guaranteed to last for 20 years. The “wood” slats allow water to go through and also feel farmlike at the same time. After hours of showing Brian all my options, he said “Oh yeah, get those” and I put 10 in my cart. At $200 a piece (not nothing, but felt appropriate) I felt really good about it. I did reach out via IG to see if they wanted to do a PR trade for my services and they did, but these are my stools no matter what. Also, they were made to order and still shipped within 2 weeks. I feel like once assembled and in place I’m not going to have to think about them for the rest of my life and all 10-12 of them (still figuring that out!) will LAST, will hold all of my friends easily, can be left outside year-round (still under the gazebo, but not covered). Plus, that pop of green will liven up the white outdoor kitchen. More to come, but I’m so excited to have the confidence that these will last forever (and are literally guaranteed to do so). You’ve seen their Adirondack chairs everywhere for a long time (sold by a lot of our favorite brands – VERY popular) but if you are in the market for outdoor chairs, stools, or sofas, check out Polywood. We are very excited 🙂
Opening Image Credits: Photo by Kaitlin Green
