A Glossary of terms associated with Bar Stools

Alucompact Layered Laminate  A high-pressure layered laminate with aluminum sheeting inserted during the layering phase, which provides strong structural stability.

Bar Stool  The typical height of a bar stool is between 29 inches and 31 inches.

Bauhaus  A German school of art and design in the early to mid 20^th century that emphasized the concept that form follows function.  Furniture in this style is marked by clean, simple lines that are often hard-edged.

Bentwood  The process by which wood or rattan is softened by steam and bent around molds into a desired shape.

Cane  Split rattan that is used in an open weave for chair seats and backs.

Counter Stool  The typical height of a counter bar stool is between 24 inches and 31 inches.

Finish  A protective coating applied to wood furniture.  May also refer to the combination of the protective coating and the color effect applied to wood or metal which will make up your bar stool.

Lacquer  In a general sense, lacquer is a clear or colored coating that dries by solvent evaporation and often a curing process as well that produces a hard, durable finish in any sheen lever from matte to high gloss, and that can be further polished as required.

Laminate  A material constructed by uniting (bonding or gluing) two or more layers of material together, ideal for a hard wearing and easy to clean bar stool. 

MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard)  An engineered wood product formed by breaking down softwood into wood fibers, combining it with wax and resin, and forming panels by applying high temperature and pressure.  A building material similar in application to plywood but made up of separate fibers, not wood veneers.  It is denser than normal particle board.

Microfiber  A more traditional bar stool material made from fibre  with strands less than one denier.  Microfiber is a blend of polyester and polyamide.  Fabrics made with microfibers are exceptionally soft and hold their shape well.  Microfibers used in tablecloths, furniture and car interiors are designed to repel liquids and consequently are difficult to stain.

Mid Century Modern  A design style that emerged in the mid 20^th century characterized by clean, simple lines, whether geometric or organic.  The movement embraced modern technology and focused on a very livable style.

Modernism  Historically, approximately 1880 through the mid 20^th century.  Modernism is a philosophy of design that encompasses several styles (Arts & Crafts, Art Nouveau, Art Deco, International, Mid Century Modern).  A unifying theme of these diverse styles is a rejection of traditional forms.  Each sub-style appeared to be a radical departure from the established forms and styles of their respective eras.

Pedestal Table  A table that features a center pedestal support instead of four legs.

Polycarbonate  A particular group of thermoplastic polymers.  They are easily worked, moulded and transformed; as such, these plastics are very widely used in the modern chemical industry.  Their interesting features (temperature resistance, impact resistance and optical properties) position them between commodity plastics and engineering plastics.  Polycarbonate is becoming more common in house wares as well as laboratories and industry, especially in applications where any of its main features – high impact resistance, temperature resistance, optical properties – are required.

Promosedia International Chair Exhibition  An annual trade fair held in Udine, Italy dedicated entirely to residential and contract seating made in the Fruili Venezia Guilia region of northeast Italy, celebrating the areas heritage while looking forward to future innovation.  Udine is the “chair capital of the world,” producing 44 million chairs annually.  Promosedia bestows awards in both contract and residential seating.

Theater Seating  Modular reclining chairs that can be joined at the arms, either flush or in an arch, and are designed for optimal screen viewing in a home theater.

Wenge (pronounced “when-gay”)  A tropical timber of the Wenge tree from Africa, very dark & dense with a coarse grain and a pattern of nearly black grain separated by dark brown grains.  The term can also be used to define a color that is a dark, rich brown with copper accents, a classic bar stool finish.

Wood Stain  A wood stain is a sub-category of paint, consisting of a pigment suspended in a "vehicle" of solvent and binding agent.  It is formulated to impart or transport the pigment into the pores of the surface rather than creating a film on the top of the surface.  Stains do not provide a surface coating.  Transparent varnishes or surface films are applied afterwards.

Wood Veneer  In woodworking, veneer refers to thin slices of wood usually thinner than 3 mm (1/8 inch) that are usually glued and pressed onto core panels (typically wood, particle board or MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) to produce flat panels such as doors, tops and side panels for cabinets, floors and parts of furniture.