Materials used is important, probably the most important, because this will ultimately dictate the longevity of the product. Furniture (typically) is used for supporting objects, usually bodies. For this reason, the product needs to be strong, durable and resistant to wear and tear. Sometimes it even should be waterproof especially when being used with small children who don’t have the balance or dexterity to move and control liquids at the same time. The construction of the product, as well, needs to be considered because even with the best materials if the construction (stitching, quality of nails, placement of support brackets, etc.) isn’t done correctly or well, the quality of the materials won’t matter (as it will fall apart regardless). When purchasing this type of product consider material that is either hard (like wood) if possible because this is easier to clean up especially with children. If cushioning is a must then the foam within the product should be high quality to avoid faster breakdown of the padding. The material used to cover the foam should be waterproof and be made of higher thread count in order to provide a tougher surface. Because people will be sliding on and off of these products (due to their height) the material will break down faster than with a standard seat. Finally, make sure that the product has tighter fastens where the nails or screws are nailed in/screwed in so that the sliding off and on movement doesn’t wiggle either free causing the seat to break. Especially with this kind of product, due to it’s height, as the fall will be further than it would be with standard seats.

Durability goes hand in hand with the materials used. Because this product is being used for sitting on the durability is very important. This product isn’t an inexpensive one. Quality bar stools require a little extra spending and therefore if this product breaks down easily it will, once again, cost a bit to replace it. The wood used should be real wood and not particle board (particle board being real wood but broken down into tiny chips and put back together to form a weaker material). Wood is naturally porous which makes the product easier to dent and chip but it is stronger in regards to the fact that screws and nails will stay in place better than with cheaper materials. The fabrics being used should be high quality and durable. Higher thread count, as mentioned above, tend to be tougher, however, are a little firmer in feel which may not be as comfortable. The material, as well, should be waterproof as mentioned above. The foam used should be a denser, better quality foam. Foam, because it is springy and light, will break down easier than most materials. When this happens the seat will get closer and closer to the underlying material (wood or metal) and lose its comfort. The foam should be high quality and dense in order to prolong this. Finally, the construction of the product is important. If the screw holes or nail holes are too wide for the nail or screw then the seat will be less secure and start to wobble. Wobbling is not only dangerous but will also encourage that hole to become even bigger and will eventually cause the nail or screw to fall out and the seat to break down. Consider its construction as well before purchasing this product.

The style of the seat will define your individual style. Buying something only for its durability will leave the buyer, more than likely, with a product they are unhappy with. The size of the product as well will make a difference because depending on the space (and as islands are usually included for a space-saving alternative) the width and length of the stool is going to matter. If this is purchased and it doesn’t fit in the space then it will need to be returned. Let’s hope the company has a good return policy (discussed more below in the warranty section). There are hydraulic options that are ideal for different body types but are also a little more versatile in that they can be moved without fear that the product will be too tall/too short. Those renting may want to consider this alternative as renting usually includes moving more frequently and potentially ending up temporarily with different counter types. There are also numerous styles available including more traditional and classic to modern, contemporary and industrial. The space the product is going into should reflect the style of the product being purchased in order to be happy with the product.

The manufacturer of the product should be a reliable one with a good return policy, warranty policy, and customer service. They should be around for over 10 years, this is so that the buyer will know that the company is sound and there is less of a chance that the company won’t be there in a year in case of a need to return the product. It should have a good reputation for making a superior product as well. Any company will have their kinks and flaws but it is important that the company has worked through them in order to have provided a better and upgraded product. This product is holding the weight of the buyer’s body in order to support it while in rest if this product fails the person on it could potentially get very hurt. The product needs to be made of quality materials and be supported by a good company. This is very important. Finally, though this is not necessarily the top priority, the location of the manufacturer can be beneficial as they would have a better idea of the demographics of the general population and potentially provide a product that is better suited for that demographic. Choosing a product made by a reliable company will only help in the long run and should always be considered when buying this type of product.

Warranty and return policy is important because this will dictate whether the buyer will end up with a product that works for them. If the product is poorly made, returning the product for a better one is desirable. Even if the product is quality but the buyer ended up with a defective one or a broken part, the warranty and return policy will help with this. It would be a bad situation if the buyer bought this product, spent the money and then ended up with something that doesn’t work. The return policy and warranty also reflect the quality of the company that the product is coming from as well. If the company seems to be a little questionable in regards to returns and warranty claims then the buyer should seriously consider if they want to buy from the company. This could save the buyer a whole lot of trouble and frustration in the long run.