If you’ve seen plastic stools — in parks, homes, or shops — you may have noticed a round hole right in the seat’s center. It looks like a simple design choice, but it actually solves several problems.
Primarily, the hole prevents suction when chairs are stacked. Without it, smooth plastic surfaces stick together, making it hard to separate one stool from a pile. The hole lets air flow and makes stacking and unstacking easy.
It also serves as a built-in handle for carrying. Instead of awkwardly grabbing legs or edges, you grip the hole and carry the stool with ease.
That hole helps water drain off the seat as well. Rain or cleaning water won’t collect and form puddles but drains quickly through the hole, ensuring the seat stays dry.
For manufacturers, the hole means less plastic is needed and cooling time shortens during production, increasing efficiency. This also makes the stool lighter, cutting transportation costs and minimizing plastic waste.
Finally, it adds a bit of fun—kids enjoy playing with it, making the stool more than just a seat.
The next time you use a plastic stool, notice how that small hole makes your life easier in many ways.
