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Whether you're replacing your current barstools or buying new barstools for the first time, swivel bar stools should be on the top of your list to consider. Swivel barstools give you and your guests back and forth movement when you sit down. This is especially good if your bar is over a nice hardwood floor or a delicate carpet. Swivel barstools prevent your bar stools from being dragged back along the floor when you need to sit. Most bar stools are heavy, which prevents tipping, but can leave deep gouges in nice flooring when treated roughly.
The Perfect Swivel Bar Stools
The absolute perfect swivel barstools will depend on your décor and your family size. Most kitchen bar stools are sturdy, but it may be easier to live with a slightly more delicate design if you live alone or with another adult. If you have a large family, look for barstools that have nice thick legs and won't tip easily. Barstools are the perfect playground for kids who want to climb, whether you plan for their enthusiasm or not. Outdoor bar stools can withstand all kinds of weather conditions, so they can definitely withstand a beating from children and many styles look very attractive indoors. Bar stools that would do fine under normal circumstances can quickly end up with broken arms and footrests in a rambunctious family setting. Whether to buy fabric covered swivel barstools is also a consideration when you have children, as kids (and pets for that matter) are notorious for destroying expensive upholstery. Canvas sport team cushions can usually be treated to repel water, but vinyl is the best bet if you want no-hassle cushions.
Unless you're ordering from a company that caters specifically to restaurants and bars, most bar stools are designed for home use. Therefore, it's important to look for quality and durability now matter who's in your household. Be sure to check the warranty and manufacturer when you order online or buy from a furniture store. Whether you pick the perfect delicate wrought iron swivel barstool or a rough and tumble sports-themed barstool for the den, your sure to have a long lasting barstool when you shop with your lifestyle in mind.
With a new swivel, retro or rustic barstools can be as good as new. Make sure you remove your barstool covers or barstool cushions before you get started, as some swivels may still have a bit of grease on them.
* First, you will need to determine what kind of swivel to buy; this will probably be the hardest part of installing your new swivel. Start by measuring the distance between the screws on your current swivel. Don't measure diagonally across the center rivet, but measure from the center of each screw to the screw in the next slot. Don't worry if the swivels you see aren't exactly the same as your measurements, the elongated slot on the swivels will allow for some error. 5-1/4-inches is the industry standard for mounting screw hole patterns.
* Do you need a flat or tilted swivel? For barstools without backs, the swivel will always be flat. Barstools with backs can either have tilted or flat swivels. Your swivel is probably flat if the seat is flat to the floor, all sides of the plates on the swivel are equal distance from one another, and a level on the removed plate shows that it is level. Your swivel is tilted if it is not level.
* Don't worry if you can't find a swivel plate that is that exact same size as your old one; they can vary ¼-inch or so and will still be weight-bearing.
* Feel free to drill new holes in your barstool for your new swivel plate if you find a plate that is the same size as your current one with different screw holes.