Bar Height Metal Table Legs? The 87 Top Answers

Walk into a furniture store – inside or outside – and suddenly you have a series of decisions to make. Things you didn’t necessarily have to think about: whether you would prefer a softer or firmer cushion, what table size you need to accommodate your family and fit in a specific space, what stool height you need for your counter or bar.

The latter conundrum—bar-height versus counter-height chairs and stools—tends to cause a great deal of confusion for even the most seasoned home shoppers. Luckily, at Trex® Outdoor Furniture™ we can help demystify bar and counter stools and make the process of choosing the right height for your patio or outdoor living space as easy and painless as possible.

What different table heights are available?

There are three. Yes, three: standing height tables, counter height tables and standard dining height tables.

So what’s the difference?

Dining Height – You are probably most familiar with standard dining tables (i.e. your average dining table). They are the most popular and widely used – from patio tables to a casual breakfast table or a formal dining table set. Anyone can pull up a chair, feet touch the floor, and they are handicapped accessible.

Counter Height – Designed as a meeting point in the kitchen, for food prep, or as a place for guests to converse, the more casual counter height tables are well suited to small areas as their greater height makes the room feel more spacious.

Bar Height – If you imagine a pub with high tables and stools right next to the bar, think of a bar height table. They have small tabletops and are slightly higher than a counter-height table.

Comparing styles and sizes of Trex® Outdoor Furniture™

Five of our collections offer side and dining-height chairs, while three of our collections offer bar-height, counter-height and dining-height side chairs. Narrow your choices by comparing these collections:

yacht club

Inspired by the sea, the clean, straight lines of this collection are only available in dining height. The unique headboard and durable design add a special touch to your style on the water.

The seat height for the dining-height armchairs is 17 inches and the dining tables are 29 inches.

Surf City

The powder-coated aluminum frames and durable HDPE wood are the perfect blend of modern sophistication and timeless comfort, making the Surf City chairs ideal for decks, patios and outdoor spaces with contemporary design.

The Surf City Dining Chairs feature a seat height of 17.25 inches off the floor.

Counter Height Chairs in this collection have a seat height of 25 inches.

The seat height for the side and bar height chairs is 30 inches.

Monterey Bay

Inspired by the laid-back design of homes along the California coast, the chairs in the Monterey Bay collection are a dependable choice for casual outdoor entertaining.

Dining chairs measure 17 inches from floor to seat.

Counter height chairs have a seat height of 24.13 inches.

Bar height chair seats in this collection measure 30.13 inches from the floor.

cape cod

Add New England flair to your outdoor seating – each chair in the Cape Cod collection is constructed with the classic Adirondack slat design.

The seat height for the dining-height armchair is 17 inches.

The Adirondack recliner recliner measures 24.25 inches from floor to seat.

Bar height chairs in this collection have a seat height of 30.25 inches.

frequently asked Questions

How much space should I leave between the height of the seat and the bottom of the table?

The most important question! In general, you should allow about 9 to 13 inches from the bottom of the stool or chair to the bottom of the table. This ensures maximum comfort when you pull yourself up to the table and even allows you or your guests to cross your legs and slide in and out of the chair with ease. So using the measurements above, for a counter height table you would want the table to be around 35 inches high to allow for adequate space.

What are the three table sizes?

A bar height table generally measures in the 40 to 42 inch height range. A counter-height table is about 34 to 36 inches high, and standard dining tables are between 28 and 30 inches tall.

How do I choose chairs or stools for counter and bar tables?

For a bar-height table, like those in our Monterey Bay, Cape Cod and Surf City collections, choose 28″-33″ bar stools or chairs. For a counter-height table, you will need stools or chairs that are 24 to 27 inches high. In contrast, a standard dining chair measures between 16 and 19 inches from the floor to the top of the seat. As you can see in the section above, the seat heights for all of our chairs fall within these ranges. Again, look for a 9 to 13 inch gap between the table height and the seat height of the chair.

I worry about ordering stools that are either too high or too short. How can I make sure the stools I choose will go well with an existing table?

It’s not too difficult! If you’re not sure, get out a tape measure and use the guidelines above to check before you buy. If you buy stools or chairs that have the seat more than 13 inches from the table, your chairs will be too short to use properly.

Are there other considerations I should consider before buying bar stools?

Always choose a stool with a footrest. We design all of our stools with footrests so your feet can rest comfortably and not dangle in the air. If you’re measuring for an existing counter or bar height table, when choosing stools with armrests, make sure you consider those armrests’ height. Finally, to avoid crowding at the table, try to leave about 24 inches between chairs.

Sidebar Chart:

Download and print our “Quick Guide Before You Buy”.

Whether you’re looking for a new dining set or just looking for chairs, you’ve probably already noticed that tables and chairs come in different heights. When it comes to dining tables and seating, there are three common heights: standard, counter, and bar. Each height creates a different ambience. So if you know what you’re looking for, you can get the dining experience you want. It is also important to note that the height of a chair or stool is measured from the floor to the top of the seat and does not include the backrest.

standard height (dining height)

The standard height, also known as the dining height, is the shortest and most formal height. It’s probably the height you think of when someone says “dining table”. Standard height tables are approximately 30 inches high and dining room chairs are approximately 18 inches high. Due to the popularity of this height, there is a wider range of styles and shapes to choose from than counter and bar height sets.

counter height

Counter height is a popular height when you want to create a more casual feel and blur the line between sitting and standing, making this a good height for those who like to entertain. Counter height tables are approximately 36 inches high (the same height as a standard kitchen counter) and counter height stools are approximately 24 inches high. Choosing a counter-height set is a smart choice for smaller spaces for a number of reasons: counter-height tables often have compact square tops; Counter-height tables often feature shelves in the table base for storage; and counter height sets appear to take up less space due to their height. If you want to combine stools with your kitchen counter, you should use counter-height stools.

Bar height (pub height)

Bar height, also known as pub height, is the greatest common height and creates a very relaxed feeling with minimal difference between sitting and standing, making this height an excellent choice for those who enjoy entertaining. Bar tables are approximately 42″ tall and bar stools are approximately 30″ tall. If you want your table and bar to be the same height, a bar height table is your best choice. If you’re looking for stools to match your bar, choose bar-height stools; Counter-height stools are too short for a bar.

Comparison between standard height and counter height

Rectangular full height dining table Rectangular counter height dining table Square counter height dining table with base storage Rectangular full height dining table Square counter height dining table with base storage

Comparison of counter height and bar height

Tables are usually no more than a few pieces held together with dowels or tenons. Find some spare parts from a used table, add some anchors and you have everything you need to extend the height of a table. A portable table may even have detachable extensions for convenience. It’s a simple woodworking process that almost anyone can do.

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Common Heights

The table height is usually either chair or stool height. The height of the dining table is standardized at 30 inches to accommodate chair seats around 18 inches in size. Work and craft tables often rise to 36 inches to accommodate ottomans that are 30 inches high. In some cases, tables even rise to 42 inches to accommodate standing and working.

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video of the day

find parts

Browse local flea markets, used furniture stores, or even antique stores to find a table that might suffice for spares. Many legs are of a similar diameter or design and may work well in your extensions. Online retailers carry replacement parts for tables in a variety of designs and types. It is a safe bet that you will find replacement legs that are exactly what you are looking for.

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add extensions

What you need 4 table legs

miter saw

drilling machine

3/4 inch saw tooth bit

wood glue

3/4 x 6 inch dowel

hammer

Step 1: Cut and Adjust Figure out how much length you need and use a miter saw to cut extensions from the used legs or legs you ordered online. Depending on how they fit together, you may be able to cut all four extensions from a single leg. Step 2: Drill and Dowel Use a drill and a 3/4″ sawtooth bit to drill 3/4″ holes in the extensions that are at least 3″ deep. Turn your existing table upside down and remove all hardware from the underside of the legs. Use a drill/screwdriver fitted with the sawtooth bit to drill matching holes in the bottom of the legs. Advertisement Tip Since it can be difficult to drill straight holes freehand, use a dowel jig. With this little tool, you can drill straight holes anywhere you want. Step 3: Glue and Pound Apply wood glue to all holes. Insert 3/4 x 6 inch dowels into the four extensions. Insert the extended ends of the dowels into the holes in the legs. Use a hammer to hit them in the legs. Turn the table upright. Let the glue dry overnight.

dowel screws

Dowel screws are an alternative to wooden dowels. Dowel screws are not considered as strong as wooden dowels, but they are more convenient and easier to work with. Shoulder bolts look like bolts with pointed threads on both ends.

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Install dowel screws

Drill matching holes in your extensions and the underside of the table legs. Using locking pliers, thread the dowel screw halfway into the bottom of the leg. Screw the extension to the exposed end of the dowel screw on the table leg.

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Removable extensions

Depending on what your intentions are – for example a work table – you might want a sturdier extension. Four by four posts are the solution. It won’t be that pretty, but it will have an elephant on it, and they’re removable.

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Things you need 4-by-4 post

miter saw

3/4 x 1 1/2 inch pine

3/16 inch drill bit

drill driver

wood glue

2 inch screws

Step 1: Measure and Cut Measure and use a miter saw to cut extensions from a 4 by 4 post. Measure the thickness or diameter at the bottom of the table legs. Using the measurement, draw a footprint of the leg at the end of one of the extensions. Measure the width of the outer perimeter of the drawing. Use a table saw to rip out 1 1/4 inch thick pine to size. Step 3: Make an Enclosure Measure and cut four pieces of 1 1/4 inch pine to frame the drawing of the footprint at the end of the extension. The bottom of the leg should fit snugly in the footprint. Step 4: Screw on Using a 3/16″ drill bit and a drill/screwdriver, drill two evenly spaced holes in each of the four pieces of pine wood. Apply glue and screw them to the extensions with 2 inch screws. Step 5: Place the table Raise the table. Tuck an extension under each leg and allow the bottoms of the legs to sit in the pine pens. Tip If the dimensions of the extensions match closely enough, you can mount door hinges on them and fold them up for a shorter table at any time.

leg ending

Perhaps the simplest solution to gaining table height is to add a finial. This type of pre-made leg hardware attaches to the bottom of the leg to add a few inches. They come in different shapes and lengths. Choose one you like, flip the table over, drill guide holes in the ends of the legs and screw on.

How many can I bet? Is there room for one?

How to choose your table legs

Legs scaled for different heights and uses

Changing the dimensions of a particular style changes the proportions of the entire leg. At TableLegs.com, we carefully proportion each leg size to keep the overall look balanced. Each leg size within a given style is completely redesigned to fit coffee table, dining, kitchen or bathtub height.

Step 1. Choose your favorite style.

Determining which style of furniture best suits your project can be a very rewarding experience. Today’s most desirable styles are Mid-Century Modern, Country/Farmhouse and Square. Classic furniture designs like Mission, French Country, Sheraton, William and Mary and Shaker also remain timeless choices for many homes. Additional options like straight or spiral grooves add a touch of sophistication and charm.

Shop by style here

Step 2. Choose your leg height.

This is the easiest choice. Determining the best leg height depends on what you’re doing. Coffee table legs are typically 16 to 18 inches high, kickstand legs are often 24 to 26 inches high, desk or dining table legs are typically 28 to 29 inches high, and kitchen, bathroom, and bar legs range from 36″ to 42″ high . The thickness of your tabletop contributes to the overall height of the table, so keep that in mind as well.

Step 3. Determine your leg thickness.

An important aspect is the visual weight of your furniture. When building a tabletop, consider how thick the top is. Thick tops often look best with thick legs and vice versa. Depending on the project, sometimes a thicker top can go well with thinner legs. It all depends on what you find most visually appealing and what goes best with your existing furniture. Another consideration is the size of your tabletop. An 8 foot table top will look better with thicker legs, while a 6 foot table may look better with thinner legs.

More considerations

Be sure to measure before ordering. The most common mistake in leg selection is underestimating leg thickness. A 3½ inch thick table leg may not sound very thick, but it’s definitely on the thicker side!

When it comes to dining tables, the bigger the leg, the less space to sit. However, with a larger table, a larger leg looks better. We recommend ensuring each seat is 24″ to 28″ to allow for comfortable elbow room.

If you can’t find the perfect leg on our website, just ask us! We manufacture it for you, individually according to your specifications.

Shop custom services here

Styling and sizing your furniture can be a fun and rewarding experience. It makes your home look and feel the way you want it to. Our team does the designing, scaling, modifying, and editing, so you can just pick your favorite parts, adjust if needed, and assemble in a short amount of time. If you happen to take some photos of your build, please feel free to send them to us. We love seeing what our customers are doing.

Hardware for table leg attachment

I’ve tried a number of different fastening methods and have found that steel threaded inserts and furniture screws are my preferred method. I do not recommend using the brass or solid zinc (zinc plated is fine) threaded inserts. Brass looks good, but the threads can easily tear. Zinc looks bad and can also peel off easily. So get a good steel insert with an Allen head for installation. No screwdriver style head.

Almost any screw will do, as long as it fits your application. However, I love the flat aspect of the furniture connector style screws. They are black with a thin, broad head. A washing machine is therefore not required. This makes them almost invisible unless you crawl under your table. Much cleaner than a bright zinc head with a stack of washers.

How high should my table be and where do I mount my table legs?

A dining table should be 30 inches high. Make sure you order the correct legs based on your specific top. There is a big difference between a 1.5 inch top and a 3 inch top when the same legs are attached. Many steel bases come with adjustable feet to give you about 1/2 inch of play.

Most people want the ability to seat someone at both the ends of the table and the sides. So I recommend at least 16 inches from the end of the table to the front of the table leg to allow a chair to be pulled up. If your table is over 96 inches, you can reset that to 18-20 inches.

Mark your holes

Bistro tables are smaller, typically round tables that most would associate with a Parisian cafe. The word bistro has French and Russian origins. Some say it comes from the Russian word “bystro” which means fast. During the occupation of Paris in 1814, some said that Russian officers wanting quick service shouted: Bystro!

Others say the name comes from an aperitif or pre-dinner drink called a coffee liqueur bistrouille.

bistro tables

Bistro tables have their origins in smaller Parisian cafes, so-called bistros. A bistro probably grew out of apartments where tenants paid for board and lodging, but landlords supplemented their income by opening their kitchens to customers in the public. The food on the menu was kept simple.

Today a bistro is a small restaurant or pavement café with simple dishes and an informal atmosphere. Most likely French things will be served. Bistros were often small, unassuming establishments, and the tables also needed to be smaller in diameter, and so the bistro table was born.

Where to use them

Bistro tables are most commonly used as a small serving table. They are perfect for small meals like breakfast, lunch or hors d’oeuvres. A great place for bistro tables is on a porch or back patio as outdoor furniture when you have less space for a larger patio table.

While bistro tables are usually small round tables perfect for seating two to three people, they can come in other sizes. If you want to set up small spaces like a breakfast nook, you can find all shapes and sizes of bistro tables, such as thin and rectangular, square and the classic round bistro table.

While the common use is usually as a small patio dining table or in a breakfast nook, there are other places in your home where a bistro table can be used. If you choose the original round shape, they can be used as a table in your living room next to an armchair with a lamp, picture frame, candles or other decor.

A bistro table can serve as an entry table by your front door, with a vase of fresh flowers, a bowl for keys and jewelry. A bistro table could be a great addition to a mock office, perfect for someone who doesn’t work full-time from home but needs horizontal space for minimal work. Depending on the size and shape, it can also serve as a side table for living room furniture.

Another use of a long rectangular bistro table could be along the back of a couch, adding another dimension to your living room. A long, thin bistro table could also work well as a countertop in your kitchen, whether against the wall or as a counter with bar stools or chairs.

closing notes

Bistro tables are trending and create additional spaces in your home that can be used for a variety of purposes. Whether you use them for their intended purpose or create a different use and functionality in your home, bistro tables can make a great addition to a home or kitchen. Whether the table in your home is intended for indoor or outdoor use, you can always find a place for a bistro table.

If you are looking for a quality bistro table, check out all we have at California Dining & Barstools. Buy yours at one of our locations today!

Gone are the days when pub and bistro tables were limited to restaurants and recreational areas. If you are interested in home remodeling projects, you may have come across such furniture placed on a well manicured lawn or patio. Pub and bistro tables are also popular with people who live in smaller houses and apartments. Modern bistro furniture not only comes in a variety of materials, but also in a variety of colors to illuminate the space you use it in. They’ve come a long way from their meager beginnings across the pond.

What is bistro furniture?

This type of furniture first appeared in the 19th century and was intended to be used in a bistro, a small and intimate cafe or restaurant. Bistro tables and chairs typically seat two or three people, reflecting the smaller size of the cafe. Materials such as wood, aluminum, wrought iron and plastic have been used to make bistro tables and chairs over the years. Some bistro tabletops today are even made of mosaic tiles or colored glass to complement their surroundings.

Pub and bistro tables are available in different heights. Pub tables are taller, usually between 36 and 42 inches, and reserved for drinks and a small appetizer dish. Bistro furniture, on the other hand, is suitable for everyday use because it is the same height as a dining table.

History of tavern and bistro tables

While some think the name “bistro” was coined by Russian soldiers shouting “bystra” or “quickly bring my food” during the Napoleonic wars, others claim that it was derived from “bistreau”, an old French word that referring to an innkeeper.

The origin of the bistro can be traced back to the early 1800s when they began to emerge in France as families and small taverns attempted to supplement their income by providing food and wine to strangers. Aside from supplementing their income, bistros were ideal as the small tables and chairs on the sidewalks in front of the café could be easily folded away, saving the café owners paying for a permanent patio.

Bistro furniture was widespread in Europe but only made its way to America after the Civil War. Some of the first bistros were introduced in New York due to the heavy presence of European settlers and visitors. Bistro tables were made so that people could easily cross their legs underneath. They had no lip and were about 30 inches in diameter. Tables were often accompanied by mesh chairs and a five-foot umbrella for protection from the elements. Over time, the size and use of bistro furniture has evolved. It’s not uncommon to see pub or bistro tables as primary dining furniture, decorative corner furniture, or even as a work table. Since they are truly destined to live outdoors, people today often use them on their decks and porches to entertain themselves.

Commercial bar stools come in a variety of styles to offer comfort and versatility. While it is difficult to predict each customer’s seating preferences, designers can assume that there are different preferences among the general public between standard seats, cabs and high-tops. So what is high seating and what makes it different?

High seating includes tables and stools that are higher than a standard dining set and higher than banquettes. Typically, high-top seating is stationed near a bar, but offers seating vignettes away from potentially crowded bar areas.

What does sitting up mean?

The standard height of a restaurant table is between 28 and 30 inches. The standard height for chairs and benches is between 18 and 23 inches. When commercial seating is labeled as high tops, it means the stools or bar furniture are typically 30 inches or more in height. End tables should be at least 12 inches from the seat to the underside of the table top.

Beaufurn offers unique, durable and stylish high-top seating perfect for restaurants, hotels and universities. In particular, the unique combination of metal frame, upholstered seat and wooden back panel sets our Lotus-P apart from the crowd.

Read: New Designs in Commercial Bar Stools for Restaurants and Pubs

High seating versus bar stools?

High-top seating offers dining furniture that appeals to customers who prefer to sit on the higher level, which offers bar seating but doesn’t want to sit directly at a bar. “Tall” tables and chairs are typically placed near a bar and as an option to seating in cabins and standard seats.

When designing a restaurant or other dining space, it is best to have a variety of commercial seating options. Opting for tables and chairs of different heights will not only improve the aesthetics of your venue, but also increase the chances of keeping visitors happy and attracting repeat customers.

High seating is also a popular option in outdoor pools and in any outdoor setting.

What is High Top Seating on Opentable?

In the OpenTable app, high seating is one way to categorize your available tables under the floor plan setup. Typically, you’ll find seating in commercial restaurants described as regular, high-top, counter, outdoor, or bar seating. High top means taller tables and taller chairs, usually bar stool style but not positioned at the bar.

Why would anyone choose high top over standard?

High-top seating is typically located in areas where there is less foot traffic than bar seating. In home design or university settings, high tops are an easy way to add contemporary style. Typically, high seating is easy to maintain and arrange, but it can have a significant impact on your design space.

You may have read our table height guide recently and asked yourself, “But what size chair do I use with these tables?” Simply put, counter-height stools go with counter-height tables and bar-height stools go with bar-height tables. But of course, decision-making is never that easy, is it? Often chairs and stools aren’t listed as counter or bar height, and you’ll have to guess for yourself. If you’re looking for new chairs or stools for your break room, basement, kitchen or coffee shop, let this guide be your guide.

In short, the difference between standard, counter and bar stools is of course the height of the stool. Below we’ve highlighted the elevation ranges for each from shortest to greatest:

Standard chair height is 16″- 23″H at the seat

Counter height is 24″ – 27″H at the seat

The bar height at the seat is 28″ – 33″ H

First things first, we recommend that you first pull out your tape measure and start measuring the height of your bar, table or countertop. This will ensure you have the exact height of your table or countertop to know which bar stool type will fit best.

Once you know the height of your table or countertop, choose a matching stool that will put you at the perfect height. There is a style of stool suitable for every table.

Standard height chairs

How tall are standard height coffee stools?

Usually measure 16″ to 23″ tall at the seat

Ideal for traditional break or lunch tables

Easy to stack and transport

Available in upholstered and unupholstered versions

Standard-height chairs, also known as table-height chairs, are the easiest to choose because they are intended for use around a standard-height table that is 28 to 30 inches tall. Cafe chairs typically have a seat height of around 16 to 23 inches and can be found in almost any style. The word “standard” is used frequently, and this is an important distinction. So make sure you know which stool you need by measuring your table first. You don’t want to guess here!

Counter-height stool

How tall are bar stools?

Usually measure 24″ to 27″ high at the seat

Designed for counter tables 35″ to 39″ in height.

Ideal for built-in overhangs on counters

Shorter than stools and tables in restaurants or bars

Counter-height stools are taller than chairs, typically measuring 24″ – 27″ tall at the seat. These stools are designed for use at counter height tables that are between 35″ and 39″ tall. This type of stool is shorter than what you might see in a restaurant or bar, but counter-height stools are often ideal options for use in home settings or in office break rooms. A mix of standard and counter tables provide seating for employees and can provide a visually appealing change from the traditional break room.

Bar height stool

How tall are bar stools?

Usually measure 28″ to 33″ tall at the seat

Designed for counters and tables 41″ – 43″ in height.

Often a bit too high for counter height or bar

Commonly seen in bars and restaurants

Bar height stools are the tallest on this list, typically measuring between 28″ – 33″ tall at the seat. This style of seating is typically what you’ll find in restaurants and bars and is best used with bar height tables, which are 41″ – Are 43″ tall.

To learn more about what style of breakroom seating is best for your space, contact our furniture experts at (800) 558-1010. Shop some of our best-selling standard, counter and bar height stools below, or explore NBF’s various Signature Series collections to find a fit for your space.