Bar Stools 101

Many home owners and bar owners alike are always looking for great deals on furnishings. The key factors are price, durability and of course looks. Barstools have become increasingly popular over the years, not just in bars and pubs, but in individuals houses also. They are often found in kitchens, perfect for a breakfast bar or a kitchen counter. They can sometimes be quite costly though, especially if you are looking at made to measure barstools.

If you are on a budget then unfinished barstools could well be the answer to your prayers. Not only are they substantially cheaper than fully finished, or tailor-made barstools, but if you are fortunate they can sometimes even appreciate in value over time. This makes them a fantastic investment.

So what exactly is an unfinished barstool? Obviously most barstools are constructed from some sort of wood; usually they are made from oak, or sometimes ash. This is due to the fact that they are such versatile materials. Once the stools are made they are usually finished with a wood stain, a varnish or even a type of paint.

Unfinished barstools are stools that have been constructed, but not yet had any stain or paint applied to them. They have many advantages over their finished counterparts. Each unfinished piece is completely individual as every tree has a different grain. The fact that no paint has been applied means that the grain of each stool can still be seen. If you wish you can even create your own design on the stools, making them even more unique.

If you desire to design your unfinished barstools with your own artistic flair, you can do so the minute you receive delivery of them. They are already prepped and ready to go. It is wise to give them a thorough clean before doing so though.

If, like many do, you prefer to leave them in their natural state, then be sure to clean the stools on a regular basis. This ensures that the beauty of the wood’s grain can always been seen clearly. Any good wood cleaner will make sure this job is carried out efficiently. Proper maintenance guarantees that your purchase will stay looking unique and traditional for many years to come.

There are many benefits to purchasing unfinished barstools rather than the finished versions. The cost of them is far lower than other finished products. This can be paramount if you are a home owner on a budget, or a business starting up where every penny counts. The natural look that they give cannot be found in any finished models. If your financial position or your tastes change, further down the line the stools can be given a unique design of your own choosing.

There are many different locations for you to obtain unfinished barstools. There are a plethora of specialist shops and retailers. They will all offer a variety of shapes, styles and sizes of stool, something to suit all tastes. There are even now a number of websites that will retail a variety of these unique products.

How to Finish an Unfinished Bar Stool

If you love do it yourself activities, you can purchase an unfinished bar stool to save money and be able to create a stool that can meet your design requirements. You can get stools made from ash, oak, and cherry. Once you’ve decided on a color or stain, you can now start working on your stools. Before you finish a stool, you have to ensure that it is free from any defects and it is completely dry. You should also prepare eye protection and gloves since some finishing can be hazardous.

If you have unfinished cherry bar stools, it is best to leave them as they are because as the wood ages, their natural beauty comes out. However, if you still want to finish them, you can use a stain finish, and make sure to pick the gel with a heavy pigment. You see, cheery wood tends to darken over time, and the stain will naturally do the same.

Meanwhile, for unfinished oak stools, the ideal finish of choice is lacquer. You will need to apply many coats of lacquer since it is much thinner than that of a varnish. Since lacquer dries out quickly, you have to control the temperature. You can also go for a stain finish if you want to, but you have to apply multiple coats. Apart from that, it is also a good idea to blend some powdered or liquid dyes to customize the color.

For an ash wood stool, it is highly advised to use wax, preferably the cucumber plant wax. This is because wax is resistant to mildew, dirt, grease, and spills. It is important that you do a thorough spot check before working on an unfinished bar stool. You can do this by placing a little of the finish on an inconspicuous area and allow it to dry. If you like the result, you can proceed, but if not, find another type of finish. Always read the instructions first that come with the finish to get the best results.

Related Posts:

• The Advantages of Folding Barstools
• Key Factors in Choosing Oak Bar Stools