Although some of our bar stools arrive fully assembled and ready to use, the vast majority require a small amount of straightforward assembly. In this handy video and guide, we'll take you through the simple six-stage process of assembling a standard gas lift stool, from unpacking the components through to enjoying the finished product.
Stools are usually delivered either as singles or in pairs. If you order an odd number of stools that are normally supplied in pairs, we will carefully split and repackage the box to ensure your stool arrives in perfect condition.
Typically, a gas lift bar stool consists of four or five components. As illustrated below, these include a base, decorative collar, stem featuring the footrest and gas lift lever, hydraulic gas lift column, seat pad, and the required screws with an Allen key. Conveniently, the Allen key is usually the only tool you'll need.
Whilst there may be minor differences between individual models, the general assembly process is very straightforward and should only take a few minutes to complete.
Assembly Stages 1–3
Begin by unpacking all of the components and laying them out on a clean floor surface.
As shown in Figure 1, place the round base flat side down so that the protective ring is resting on the floor and the central hole is facing upwards.
If your stool includes a decorative collar, place it over the raised hole in the base. If your chosen design does not include a collar, simply move on to the next step.
As illustrated in Figure 3, insert the hydraulic gas lift column into the hole in the base, passing through the collar if fitted. Some stools feature a small plastic protective cap on the gas lift cylinder. This must be removed before assembly can continue.
Once removed, you'll see a small activation pin on the top of the gas lift. This engages the height-adjustment and swivel mechanisms once the stool is assembled.
Assembly Stages 4–6
Next, attach the seat to the main stem assembly. We recommend placing the seat upside down on a soft surface and locating the four fixing holes on the underside.
As shown in Figure 5, position the stem upside down onto the seat so that the fixing plate aligns with the four screw holes. Most designs feature an integrated footrest, so ensure it is facing the correct direction before securing the screws.
Insert all four screws and finger-tighten them first. This allows you to make any final adjustments before fully tightening them with the supplied Allen key. Once aligned correctly, tighten all screws securely.
Lift the assembled seat and stem section and lower it onto the hydraulic gas lift column, ensuring it remains upright and centred.
To engage the gas lift mechanism, sit on the stool and gently operate the lever beneath the seat. While seated, lightly bounce up and down until the mechanism activates. Once engaged, the seat should lower slightly.
Stand up and pull the lever again. The seat should rise smoothly, confirming that the stool has been assembled correctly.
Having successfully completed these steps, you will now have a fully functional bar stool. Ready to use immediately, the stool can be adjusted to your preferred height and positioned in your chosen space where it is sure to become a welcome addition.
If you need any additional assistance, our customer services team will be happy to guide you through the process. In the meantime, here are some common assembly mistakes to avoid:
6 Assembly Mistakes to Avoid
1. Not Removing the Protective Cap from the Gas Cylinder
Many stools feature a protective cap on the hydraulic cylinder. If present, it must be removed before assembly. Failure to do so can prevent the height-adjustment mechanism from functioning correctly.
2. Not Tightening Screws Evenly
Always loosely fit all screws first before fully tightening them. This ensures everything aligns correctly and prevents difficulty fitting the remaining screws.
3. Not Positioning the Seat Correctly
The seat should always face the same direction as the footrest. Many stool columns are angled slightly to provide a comfortable seating position, which can help identify the correct orientation.
4. Not Removing the Screws from a Flat Base
Some flat-base stools are supplied with screws already attached to the base. These must be removed and used during assembly.
5. Not Positioning the Spacers Correctly
Some models include spacers between the seat and fixing plate. Larger spacers usually belong at the front, with smaller spacers at the rear. Incorrect positioning can cause the seat to tilt forward.
6. Not Adjusting the Footrest on Certain Designs
Selected stools, such as the Deluxe High Back Stool and Eve Bar Stool, include an additional grub screw within the footrest assembly. This must be tightened before the stool is used.
