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Outdoor Swivel Bar Stools: Buying Guide and The 7 Best Brands for 2024

By Jayme Muller

January 5, 2024

Furniture is vital in sprucing up a home’s interior… So why not give your outdoor space the same treatment?

Including furniture in your backyard design is a fantastic way to create a comfortable and functional spot for outdoor hosting!

Patio bar stools are a popular choice in this regard… Which is why there are so many options available.

In this article, we’ll narrow down these options and focus on outdoor swivel bar stools specifically.

With a wide range of motion… Outdoor swivel bar stools allow you to spin with ease to face the action, no matter where it’s taking place. You’ll never miss a moment!

swivel bar chairs at bar island on patio

We’ve compiled a list of some of the best outdoor swivel bar stools… But before we dive in, let’s start with a quick guide on how to buy the perfect seats.

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Considerations for your Outdoor Swivel Bar Stools

There are so many bar outdoor seating options… You’ll want to make sure you’ve refined your search criteria, and filtered your options down to the absolute best for your outdoor bar.

To do this, there are a number of points to consider.

Are Your Outdoor Swivel Bar Stools the Correct Height?

First, you’ll want to ensure that your outdoor swivel bar stools are the correct counter height.

If you have an outdoor kitchen bar or bar table, it’s important that you search only for bar height patio chairs.

Height is doubly important when selecting a bar stool with armrests… These should easily slide under a bar height table or countertop when not in use.

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What Material Should Your Outdoor Bar Height Swivel Chairs Be?

The material of your outdoor chairs will impact both aesthetics and durability… So it’s vital to choose wisely!

Climate plays a large role in choosing the perfect material… If you live in a cold or wet area, durable materials like resin wicker or rattan, marine grade aluminum, 304 stainless steel, or recycled plastic will be the most apt at holding up to the elements.

If you live in a dry, arid locale, wood (like acacia or outdoor teak swivel bar stools) may hold up… But even so, we generally wouldn’t recommend this.

Even minimal exposure to moisture can cause warping, swelling, and rotting… Not to mention, termites pose a huge risk to wooden furniture outdoors.

No matter the material you choose… Your outdoor bar height swivel chairs should complement the aesthetics of your outdoor living space, so keep visual appeal in mind while you search!

Are Your Outdoor Swivel Bar Stools Comfortable? 

bar seating on deck

Lastly, don’t forget to consider comfort when choosing outdoor swivel bar stools!

You’ll want your guests to enjoy time spent in your backyard… And comfy seating will definitely work in favor of this.

To boost comfort, consider outdoor swivel bar stools with arms, backrests, foot rests, adjustable height, or even cushions… Though what you choose truly comes down to your preferences!

Alright, with these considerations in mind… Let’s take a look at our top picks for outdoor swivel bar stools.

The Best Bar Height Outdoor Swivel Chairs

To compile our list of the best outdoor swivel bar stools… We included a variety of top rated products touted for their comfort and durability (among other features).

Let’s see what each product has to offer.

OUR TOP OUTDOOR BAR STOOL SWIVEL PICKS

  1. Best Metal Swivel Bar Stool Outdoor: Holland Bar Stool Co. Jackie Stainless Steel Swivel Outdoor Bar Stool 
  2. Best Outdoor Wicker Bar Stools Swivel: GDFStudio Outdoor Wicker Swivel Bar Stool 
  3. Best Comfort Outdoor Swivel Chairs Bar Height: Phi Villa Patio Swivel Bar Stools Set of 2 
  4. Best Backless Outdoor Swivel Bar Chair: Darlee Outdoor Living Backless Cast Aluminum Swivel Bar Stool
  5. Best Affordable Outdoor Swivel Bar Stool Set: RST Brands Outdoor Swivel Bar Stools Set of 2
  6. Best Splurge Outdoor Patio Bar Stools Swivel: Berlin Gardens Cozi Back Swivel Bar Chair 
  7. Best Overall Outdoor Counter Height Swivel Bar Stools: Polywood Nautical Curveback Adirondack Swivel Bar Chair

1. Best Metal: Holland Bar Stool Co. Jackie Stainless Steel Outdoor Armless Swivel Bar Stools

FEATURES

Seat Height: 30″

Overall Dimensions: 18” D x 18” W x 44” H

Material: 304 Stainless Steel Frame with Marine Grade Vinyl Padded Seat

Stools Included: 1

Price: $449.00

What We Like
  • Full 304 stainless steel frame.
  • Padded Permacool marine grade vinyl seat.
What We Don’t Like
  • Would like to see a longer structural warranty.
  • The stainless steel backrest may get too hot in warm weather.

First on our list is a metal outdoor swivel bar height chair from Holland Bar Stool Co.

This sleek, modern outdoor swivel bar stool has a fully 304 stainless steel metal frame (including a full stainless steel backrest and built in footrest).

This is fantastic! This chair will aptly hold up to the elements, no matter where you are.

Not to mention, it will look great alongside a modern outdoor kitchen!

For added comfort, there’s an upholstered, padded seat made of marine grade vinyl with Permacool technology (so it won’t get too hot on warm days)…. There are six neutral color options for this.

This outdoor patio chair measures in at 18” D x 18” W x 44” H, with a 30” seat height (though there’s also 25” or 36” seat height stools available).

A lifetime warranty covers the 52 ball bearing swivel… And the structural frame is covered for five years.

Currently, this outdoor metal swivel bar stool costs $449.00.

2. Best Wicker: GDFStudio Resin Wicker Outdoor Swivel Bar Stools

Features

Seat Height: 29” (with cushion)

Overall Dimensions: 22” D x 24” W x 43” H

Material: Multi-Brown PE Wicker with Foam Cushions

Stools Included: 1

Price: $204.00

What We Like
  • Full back, arm, and foot rests for additional comfort.
  • Weather resistant seat cushion. 
What We Don’t Like
  • Short warranty.
  • No options for color customization.

If metal bar stools won’t fit your backyard design… A wicker seat may be a better choice.

GDFStudio offers a high quality Multi-Brown PE wicker outdoor swivel bar stool, which would look great in a rustic space!

The espresso colored, plastic wicker is built over a strong powder coated steel frame… It’s treated for outdoor use, so it should be sufficient at holding up to the elements (and protecting the frame from rust and corrosion).

This swivel bar stool features a full backrest, armrests, and built in foot rests.

As well as this, a “high density, quick drying” foam cushion rests on the seat for extra comfort. GDFStudio claims it’s mold and mildew-resistant, and you can unzip the cushion cover to easily machine wash if needed.

Dimensions for this arm chair measure in at 22” D x 24” W x 43” H. The seat height (with cushion) is 29,” and the height of the arms is 35.75.”

There’s a 90 day limited warranty on this outdoor bar swivel chair… But GDFStudio claims the chair will hold up for years.

If you’re interested… You can purchase it for $204.00.

Perfect Hangout Spot

Add swivel bar stools to your outdoor kitchen bar island! Use our free 3D design tool to design yours today.

3. Best Comfort: Phi Villa Patio Swivel Bar Stools Set of Two

PHI VILLA Patio Swivel Bar Stools
Features

Seat Height: 29.9”

Overall Dimensions: 26.4” D x 23.3” W x 51.4” H

Material: Powder Coated Metal Frame with Textilene Sling Fabric Seat

Stools Included: 2

Price: $199.00

What We Like
  • Breathable textilene seat and back for additional comfort.
  • Affordable option for what you get.
What We Don’t Like
  • Grade of metal used for the frame is unclear.
  • Short warranty.

If you’re looking for a super comfortable outdoor swivel bar stool dining set… Phi Villa’s Patio Swivel Bar Stools are highly reviewed in this regard!

This set of two outdoor swivel bar stools have a black, powder coated metal frame with foot and armrests… And a full, brown textilene sling fabric seat and backrest.

The seat and backrest are well ventilated, so you won’t get too hot sitting on these bar stools even at the peak of summer. Plus, the full fabric seat will provide a soft place to rest your back.

The minimalist finish and neutral colors would certainly complement any outdoor space, regardless of aesthetic!

Our only concern is with the frame material… It’s unclear what grade of metal is used here.

Phi Villa states that these outdoor dining stools are adequate for “long-lasting use,” but if they’re not made with marine grade aluminum or 304 stainless steel… Once that powder coating chips, these stools may not hold up to moisture and humidity. It’s worth confirming these details!

Dimensions for this swivel chair are 26.4” D x 23.2” W x 51.4” H. The seat height is 29.9,” and the arm height is 37.4.”

There’s a one year warranty covering Phi Villa’s bar stools set… Which cost $199.00 for two (though you can also get an outdoor swivel bar stools set of 4 for $399.00).

4. Best Backless: Darlee Backless Cast Aluminum Swivel Outdoor Bar Stool

Darlee Classic Cast Aluminum Round Backless Patio Swivel Bar Stool
Features

Seat Height: 30”

Overall Dimensions: 16.5” D x 16.5” W x 30” H

Material: Cast Aluminum Frame with Antique Bronze Powder Coating and a Polyester Cushion

Stools Included: 1

Price: $264.59

What We Like
  • Unique antique bronze finish.
  • Moisture resistant cushion.
What We Don’t Like
  • Shorter warranty.
  • No alternative color options.

We’ve talked a lot about outdoor swivel bar stools with backs… But what if you’re looking for a backless counter stool?

Well… Darlee Outdoor Living has a backless swivel bar stool that may pique your interest!

Their 16.5” D x 16.5” W x 30” H round backless patio swivel bar stool features a full cast aluminum frame with antique bronze powder coating… Topped with a moisture resistant polyester cushion.

There may be no back or armrests… But there’s still a foot rest built into the frame.

These seats appeal more to a vintage aesthetic, if that’s what you’re looking for!

As far as durability… The cast aluminum frame is resistant to rust, but if the powder coating chips, it may still be susceptible to corrosion (so keep this in mind).

There’s a one year warranty covering the chair and cushion.

At the time of writing… One bar stool goes for $264.59.

5. Best Affordable: RST Outdoor Adjustable Barstools Set of Two

RST Outdoor barstools
Features

Seat Height: Between 26” and 34”

Overall Dimensions: 15” D x 15” W x 26”-34” H

Material: Powder Coated Aluminum Frame with Resin Wicker Seat

Stools Included: 2

Price: $99.99

What We Like
  • Extremely affordable for what you get.
  • Air lift adjustable seat height.
What We Don’t Like
  • Shorter warranty.
  • Frame may be susceptible to corrosion over time.

If you have a tighter budget… Let’s talk about a highly reviewed, affordable bar stool set from RST Brands.

These bistro dining chairs have a woven, espresso resin wicker seat with a low, curved back.

The seat sits on a powder coated aluminum frame with a built in footrest. As with the bar stools from Darlee… This powder coated aluminum frame may be susceptible to corrosion over time (which is likely why RST recommends keeping these stools covered when not in use)!

Aesthetics aren’t a concern here… The industrial stand and rustic wicker seat combo would truly complement any outdoor space!

Dimensions for these bar stools are 15” D x 15” W, with an adjustable seat height between 26” and 34.”

As with many of the other offerings… These outdoor backless swivel bar stools are covered by a one year warranty.

Price wise… These outdoor adjustable swivel bar stools cost just $99.99 for a two chair set!

6. Best Splurge: Berlin Gardens Cozi Extra Tall Bar Stools Outdoor Swivel

Features

Seat Height: 30”

Overall Dimensions: 32” D x 28” W x 54.5” H

Material: Polyresin with Optional Sunbrella Fabric Cushion

Stools Included: 1

Price: $968.00 – $1,040.00

What We Like
  • Robust 20 year warranty.
  • Made with durable polyresin to withstand the elements.
What We Don’t Like
  • May not be budget friendly for the average homeowner.
  • Bold color options won’t complement every outdoor space.

Now, let’s shift our attention to the other end of the spectrum… And look at some outdoor bar height swivel stools that are worth splurging on!

At first glance… The Berlin Gardens swivel bar chair doesn’t appear drastically different from the others on our list.

It has a full Adirondack-style, slatted back, arm rests, and a built-in footrest.

It’s similarly sized to many of the bar stools we’ve listed… At 32” D x 28” W x 54.5” H (with a 30” seat height and 38.5” armrests).

But still, it’s hundreds of dollars more than the other bar stools on our list… Let’s see why.

For starters, it’s made with full polyresin construction (96% composed of recycled plastics).

This means it’s eco-friendly, easy to maintain, and extremely durable! It will hold up in any and all climate conditions.

And it has some of the most unique finish options, with over 50 bold color combos to choose from!

Plus, you have the option to choose from a plethora of Sunbrella Fabric cushions, if you want to include some extra padding.

As for the warranty… This swivel bar stool has the most robust yet. It’s covered for 20 years!

So how much does it cost, exactly?

At the time of writing, you can purchase for $968.00 (without a cushion) or $1,040.00 (with a cushion).

7. Best Overall: Polywood Nautical Adirondack Curveback Swivel Bar Chair

Features

Seat Height: 29.25”

Overall Dimensions: 28.88” D x 28.25” W x 54.58” H

Material: Polywood Lumber

Stools Included: 1

Price: $619.00 – $709.00

What We Like
  • Full, durable Polywood Lumber construction.
  • Fair price for what you get.
  • Robust warranty.
What We Don’t Like
  • Adirondack style seat may not appeal to everyone.

The moment we’ve all been waiting for… What is the absolute best recommendation for outdoor swivel bar stools?

It’s Polywood’s Nautical Adirondack Curveback Swivel Bar Chair!

This tall outdoor swivel bar stool measures 28.88” D x 28.25” W x 54.58” H.

It features an oversized seat, high back, armrests, and footrests (with a 29.25” seat height and 37.75” arm rests).

As with the Berlin Gardens’ bar stool… Polywood’s swivel chair is made with durable, easy-to-maintain recycled plastics (and their patio furniture is also backed by a 20 year warranty).

However, there are a few key facets that give Polywood’s heavy duty outdoor swivel bar stools an edge.

First, the seven neutral color options are better suited to fit a variety of outdoor living spaces. This chair will look great anywhere!

And more importantly, Polywood’s chair is a slightly more cost effective solution, with nearly all of the same great features.

Depending on the color you choose, it’ll cost between $619.00 and $709.00 (approximately $300 less than the Berlin Gardens’ stools)!

 

Alright, that concludes our list of the top outdoor swivel bar stools.

Even though we do recommend Polywood as the best, you really can’t go wrong with any of these outdoor bar swivel stools. The best for you really depends on your personal wants and needs!

But whatever direction you choose to take… There’s one more factor to consider.

Where will you place your outdoor swivel bar stools?

A BBQ Island for Your Swivel Bar Height Outdoor Chairs

bar seating featured image

Now, you have some direction on what swivel bar stools outdoors to include in your backyard design.

But where will you get the most enjoyment from them?

If we could make a suggestion… There’s really no better place for your swivel outdoor bar chairs than at an outdoor kitchen bar (which will double as an outdoor dining table and gathering space)!

Whether you’re dining al fresco, kicking back and relaxing with guests, or simply enjoying the natural scenery and fresh air… An outdoor kitchen bar is a fantastic, all in one solution for elevating your back patio.

With an outdoor grill station and brand new bistro chairs, you can bring your kitchen and dining room outdoors…

And swiveling counter height bar stools are the perfect accompaniment for allowing your guests to feel involved wherever the action is happening!

Including a built in grill, outdoor refrigerator, pizza oven, outdoor sink, or other appliances will certainly leave your guests enamored with your backyard… And an outdoor bar with swivel chairs will only enhance their experience!

If you’re feeling intrigued… You can check out our Learning Hub to learn more about how an outdoor grill station can enhance your backyard hosting.

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FAQ

An outdoor swivel bar stool is a taller, bar height seat (typically with a seat height around 30”). These seats swivel on an axis, allowing you to easily turn in your chair without having to stand up and move the chair itself.

A seat or counter chair is a shorter piece of furniture, better for sitting at dining tables with lower heights. These typically are stationary, and don’t have a swivel mechanism.

The average price of outdoor swivel bar stools tends to be between $100 and $900.

The cost depends on a number of factors, including material, special features, and overall build quality.

Outdoor swivel bar stools allow you to easily rotate in your seat to face different directions, without having to stand up and physically move the chair itself.

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