The three basic parts of a bar are the counter, backbar, and underbar. The counter is the customer-facing surface, the backbar is the area behind it for display and storage, and the underbar is the workspace and equipment area below it.
What are the three basic parts of a bar?
These names describe where each component sits and what it does. Some design articles use bar top for counter, bar back for backbar, and bar base for underbar. The terminology is not established as a universal classification, so location and function are the clearest guides.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
The counter: the customer-facing surface
The counter, also called the bar top, is where drinks are served and customers interact with staff. Its design affects the service interface: consider material, height, depth, seating or standing arrangements, and how much usable space customers and staff need.
Wood, glass, and metal are possible surface materials, but no single material is established as best. Weigh the intended appearance against durability, spill and wear exposure, cleaning demands, and the venue’s maintenance capacity.
#1 Best Overall
- If you want repeat business from your restaurant, bar or café patrons then great seating is a must. This bucket seat metal barstool is great for commercial spaces but also provides a chic, stylish look for your kitchen or dining room.
- Commercial grade swivel bucket barstool with mid-back holds up to 500 pounds
- Upholstered seat with rounded welt accent, CAL 117 fire retardant foam, 18 gauge steel frame, 18.5" chrome foot ring, swivel floor glides
- Traditional style barstool for restaurant, bar, lounge, kitchen or dining room
- PRODUCT MEASUREMENTS: 18.5"W x 18.5"D x 42.5"H; Seat Size: 18.5"W x 15.5"D x 31"H; Back Size: 18.25"W x 12.5"H
The backbar: display and storage behind the counter
The backbar, sometimes called the bar back, is the area behind the counter. It can display beverage selections and hold supplies or equipment. Plan the space so display does not crowd out practical storage, and place commonly used items where staff can reach them.
The underbar: equipment and storage below the counter
The underbar, also called the bar base, is the workspace beneath the counter. Depending on the operation, it may accommodate storage, sinks, coolers, or ice bins. A speed rail for fast-moving bottles is another possible feature; whether it fits depends on the layout and service needs.
Rank #2
- If you want repeat business from your restaurant, bar or café patrons then great seating is a must. This ladder back metal barstool is great for commercial spaces but also provides a chic, stylish look for your kitchen or dining room.
- Classic kitchen dining stool: ladder back stool with comfortably curved back, 2.5" thick cushioned seat
- High Quality Commercial Grade: 18 gauge steel frame holds 500 pounds, welded support bars with footrest, long lasting powder coated frame finish with protective floor glides
- Traditional style barstool for restaurant, bar, lounge, kitchen or dining room
- PRODUCT MEASUREMENTS: Overall Size: 17"W x 18"D x 42.25"H; Seat Size: 16.75"W x 16.5"D x 31"H; Back Size: 15"W x 12"H
Start with the tasks staff perform and the equipment those tasks require. Then check that supplies are accessible and that the proposed arrangement fits the venue’s workflow.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
How to plan the three parts together
- Customer comfort and interaction: consider counter height and usable depth, plus the intended seating or standing arrangement.
- Durability and upkeep: match the counter surface to expected wear, spills, cleaning, and available maintenance.
- Storage and access: balance backbar display with useful storage and reachable supplies.
- Equipment and workflow: decide what the underbar must hold and whether staff can access it while completing their tasks.
These are planning considerations, not construction specifications. One explanatory article gives example figures of 42 inches for bar-top height and 24–30 inches for depth; it also gives examples of 24–30 inches deep and 36–42 inches high for the bar base and bar back. Those figures are examples from that article, not verified universal standards or code requirements.
Rank #3
- Pack of 2: Form and function blend seamlessly in this round, swivel seat barstool that will be right at home in multiple aesthetics from industrial to vintage. A sturdy double ring construction and durable upholstery, this bar height stool is a must have.
- Stylish rounded accent welt
- 18 Gauge steel frame for strength
- Versatile swivel barstool for home and business use
- PRODUCT MEASUREMENTS: Overall Size: 20.5"W x 20.5"D x 30.25"H; Seat Size: 14"W x 14"D
Before settling dimensions or equipment, identify the venue’s jurisdiction and project scope. Building, accessibility, plumbing, electrical, and food-service requirements may apply, and these general descriptions do not determine what rules govern a particular project.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- LADDER BACK RESTAURANT BARSTOOL: Adds functional, stylish, and durable functional, stylish, and durable seating to any home or patio bar, restaurant, kitchen, bistro, or other commercial or residential space
- COMFORTABLE AND STYLISH: Boasting a ladder back design, black vinyl upholstery, and 2.5" thick, foam padded seat, this barstool is as comfortable as it is attractive, enhancing any establishment with on-trend style
- ARMLESS CONVENIENCE: Armless design allows you to tuck away these barstools under the bar to free up much needed floor space when not in use so you can clean your restaurant with ease
- COMMERCIAL GRADE CONSTRUCTION: Sturdy frame is stabilized using a support bar which doubles as a convenient footrest, and the simple, lightweight design with protective floor glides allows for easy movement around the bar
- BAR HEIGHT STOOL: Measures 17"W x 18"D x 42.25"H with a durable 18-gauge steel frame that grants the chairs its 500 lb. static weight capacity
Rank #4
- STYLISH BAR STOOLS: The TRINITY heavy-duty chrome swivel stool 2-pack is built with comfort and style in mind; Sturdy construction and stylish high gloss chrome finish make them perfect for your kitchen counter, garage, workshop, and more
- 300 POUND WEIGHT CAPACITY: Weight capacity for each bar stool is 300 pounds; Sturdy double ring construction of the legs and the frame provides both strength and stability; Feet levelers make these counter height bar stools stable on any surface
- STRONG CONSTRUCTION AND EASY MAINTENANCE: The sturdy steel frame of the bar height stools is finished in a high gloss chrome that provides a retro look and helps with maintenance as it makes the surface easy to clean; Great to use as a shop stool as well
- FEATURES AND DIMENSIONS: Chrome finish and black cushion matches bar and kitchen decor; Foam padded faux leather cushion provides comfort and is flame retardant; Assembled dimensions for bar chairs: 15.8" Diameter x 30" Height; Recommended for indoor use
- EASY ASSEMBLY: Assembly for these bar stools can be completed in as little as 20 minutes; Includes all parts and instructions to assemble 2 stools; Box Weight 30.2 pounds
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
