What Every Stool Shopper Should Know

There are many facts every stool-shopper should know. Some may surprise you. Many you already know from experience. All are important enough to review before you buy another stool, or as you evaluate what's around the house.

Stepstools are different sizes. Know the extra reach you need to access your top cabinet shelves and the top of the refrigerator. Have a friend or family member measure how much extra height you need, and write it down. Buy a stepstool that gives you that range. If another member of the family is going to use it, buy one that fits the smaller person.

Like ladders, modernisland stools have weight limits. Don't purchase something you cannot use. Find one that is right for you. The weight rating is generally stamped on the stool. If you don't locate it, check the box. If a stool bends or breaks because the person using it is heavier than the rating, it's not the manufacturer's fault. Avoid injury; pay the extra for a rating of 500 pounds to cover the additional weight of what's being lifted up or down.

More facts every stool-shopper should know involves anti-skid covering like the ones used in shoes. Think of the car when you are driving on a slippery surface like ice, snow, or rain. If your tires have a lot of tread, or better yet, are surfaced with anti-skid design, it is easier to maintain control. Tennis shoes provide the same kind of resistance to keep you standing straight and slide-free. Your bare feet or socks, however, offer no resistance. You might go sliding.

It's been said that nothing beats the smell of real leather. That may be true in a new car. For a stool, nothing beats the ease of cleaning faux leather covering. It's much better than genuine leather for a stool back or seat. Real leather absorbs sweat and drink stains quickly and holds them. When it starts cracking and tearing from age, it is expensive to repair. Go with the faux leather when available.

Durable modernbar stools, with good support and balance, are necessary as a person ages. It gets harder to lift the knee to get the foot to the next step. Balance is not what it used to be. Vision and distance perception have changed for the worse. As a minimum, have a two-step stool with a shorter distance between the steps. Anti-skid covering should be on both steps and the feet of the stool. Side handles will provide a safe hold, and a railing of some sort around the front will protect against falling.

Having a stool with a bright color that contrasts with its surrounding will help the user know his/her position while on the stool, and while stepping down and off. Also, the stool should be a size that fits the user. The feet should fit the stool, and the body should be within its width.

Plastic stools don't weather well. If left outside, they may break and shatter when used again. In addition, they are light and more prone to tip for heavier people. If using a plastic stool for a small child, look for the same safety features as you do for the elderly. Facts every stool-shopper should know include the ability to have anti-skid covering on plastic stools, top and bottom.