How to Assemble and Dismantle Your Gas Lift Bar Stool

As a leading supplier of gas lift bar stools in the UK, it goes without saying that two of the most common questions we receive are:

1. How to Assemble a Gas Lift Bar Stool
2. How to Dismantle a Gas Lift Bar Stool

In this blog, we’re going to look at both, including simple instructions and all the tools you’ll need. The majority of gas lift stools come just a few components which slot together in minutes for effortless bar stool assembly or disassembly. 

Starting with an introduction to gas lift bar stools and how they work, feel free to scroll down to the easy to follow step-by-step guide if you’re currently stuck in the middle of assembling a bar stool and need the answer fast!

What is a gas lift bar stool?

You may have seen the term ‘gas lift’ when browsing on our website, but what does this mean? Many of our bar stools have an adjustable height feature meaning the seat can be raised or lowered to any height between the lowest and height reach of the column. A gas lift bar stool comprises a hydraulic cylinder that makes up the main column of the stool, which is then part covered by the footrest. The exact range of adjustment can vary depending on the specific design and manufacturer of the stool. However, most stools have a range of around 8-10 inches (20-25 cm) of height adjustment.

Customers find them useful for ease when getting on and off, especially when they have family members or various ages/ sizes. For example, the stools can be raised higher for young children or a smaller individual to reach your breakfast bar.

How Do Gas Lift Bar Stools Work?

Gas lift bar stools work to easily alter the height on a bar stool. One of the most popular gas lift options for bar stools works using a piston. This is where compressed gas is forced through a valve into the back of a piston, which in turn forces the height of the bar stool upwards. The valve will then stay closed until the gas lift handle is released and weight applied to the stool. Applying weight to the stool forces the gas back out, relieving the pressure in the stool and causing it to lower. 

Is There a Difference Between Gas Lift and Hydraulic Bar Stools?

No, there is no difference between a gas lift and a hydraulic bar stool. Ultimately, they are both terms used for adjustable height bar stools and the mechanism that lowers or raises them.

How to assemble a gas lift bar stool

When ordering from Lakeland Furniture, you will receive all parts and tools needed to assemble your stool.

Bar Stool Parts

1. 1x Seat
2. 1x Footrest
3. 1x Hydraulic stem
4. 1x Decorative Collar
5. 1x Circular Floor Base
6. 4x Bolts
7. 1x Allan Key

Method

1. Place Circular Base on the Floor.
2. Place Decorative Collar over the Circular Base.
3. Remove protective black cap from Gas Lift column and place through the Decorative Collar into the Circular Floor Base. Once assembled, place to one side while you complete Step 4.
4. Using the Allen Key, attach your Footrest to the Seat with the 4x Bolts provided.
5. Place the now attached Footrest and Seat onto the Gas Lift column.
6. Put some pressure or sit on the bar stool to connect the two sections.

For more information, watch our video on How to Assemble a Gas Lift Bar Stool below:

 

 

3 Assembly Mistakes to Avoid

1. Not removing the protective cap

On our height adjustable stools there is a protective cap on the gas cylinder which needs to be removed before assembling. Not removing the cap can prevent the height adjustment mechanism from working once you’ve put the stool together.

2. Not tightening screws evenly

All the screws should be fastened loosely at first, and then tightened completely once they have been properly aligned. If you insert one screw all the way before tightening any of the others then this can result in the screws not lining up with their holes.

3. Not aligning the footrest and seat correctly

When attaching the seat to the foot rest, you should ensure that the footrest and seat are aligned and facing in the same direction before you tighten the screws.

How to dismantle a gas lift bar stool

Similarly to the above, one of our most commonly asked questions at customer care is how do I dismantle a gas lift bar stool? Whether this is to move house, to change the seat on your stool or to replace faulty parts, follow this quick and easy guide.

First things first, you should get to grips with the parts that make up your bar stool to ensure you keep track of everything. If you assembled the stool, you will be familiar with the parts. To refresh your memory, here's what you'll generally be working with:

Bar Stool Parts

1. 1x Seat
2. 1x Footrest
3. 1x Gas Lift column (with protective black cap)
4. 1x Decorative Collar
5. 1x Circular Floor Base
6. 4x Bolts
7. 1x Allen Key

You will need to dig out the Allen key you used to assemble the stool or find one from your toolbox which fits. Bear in mind that bar stools are held securely together due to the compression joints. Specifically, the gas lift column slots into the hole on the round base, where it locks into place with a compression joint for a solid construction. These can seem difficult to disassemble but if you follow these easy steps, you should have no problem. For dismantling a gas lift bar stool, you will also need:

      8. 1 x Hammer or rubber mallet

Tip: using a rubber mallet will reduce any damage to the bar stool during the dismantling process. This is especially important if you are moving your stool to a new house and generally want to keep it in good condition!

Method

      1. Remove the seat

Start by removing the seat from the top of the base using the provided Allen key. Then, you'll need to store the seat away in a safe and suitable place - consider wrapping in bubble wrap if transporting.

      2. Remove the Gas lift column

Turn the full base upside down. Using a rubber mallet, knock the gas lift section from inside the circular base unit. Gently tap on the footrest to release from the gas lift.

Now, it's time to remove the Gas Lift column which contains the hydraulic gas mechanism. You'll need to turn the stool upside down to do this. Hold the column with your hand just above the base. Then, use the hammer/mallet to firmly tap the protruding metal end of the column. Do not accidently hit the black clip in the centre! You should find that the central column slides right out. 

Tip: you can always try spraying a little WD40 into the joint if it causes any difficulty.

      3. Remove the footrest 

Turn the stool the right way up and hold the footrest between your legs. Then, using the mallet again, tap around the orange gas lift button. You should find that the base easily slides out. Try tapping the other side if it doesn't work the first time.

For more information, watch our video on How to Dismantle Your Gas Lift Bar Stool below:

 

 

Why is my gas lift bar stool not working?

Sometimes, your gas lift column may stop working and therefore your gas lift bar stool will no longer raise or lower. Occasionally, you may see signs of the oncoming deterioration if your bar stool is lowering or raising without you touching it. Over time, it may simply be the case that with continued use the mechanism has worn out.

Bar Stool Gas Lift Replacement

Replacing the height adjusting mechanism is as simple as following the above instructions on how to dismantle a bar stool, and replacing the gas lift column. Then simply reassemble your bar stool once the old gas lift has been replaced with the new one. For more in depth instructions, read our guide to replacing the gas lift on a bar stool. 

Can I Purchase Bar Stool Spare Parts?

If you are still covered by our 1 year manufacturing warranty and your gas lift breaks, please contact our customer support team (01617680821). If you are no longer within your 1 year warranty period, we do sell replacement bar stool parts. You can buy a specific part such as the gas lift, or you can purchase a complete replacement base for even greater ease.

 

Bar Stool Assembly Instructions and more!

So, that rounds up our easy guide on how to assemble or dismantle your gas lift bar stool. If you require any more expert information or guides about bar stools, check out our other blog posts or contact our helpful customer support team today.

Finally, if you’re in the market for replacement parts or even a set of new adjustable height bar stools to upgrade your home decor, shop our range of gas lift bar stools here.