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How to Create an Outdoor Bar
Looking for a fun outdoor project for this summer that can make your backyard even more enjoyable? Build an outdoor bar!
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Your outdoor bar can be simple and basic, or you can pull out all the stops to create your dream outdoor entertainment destination. Today, we’re going to take a closer look at what you’ll need to do to build the perfect outdoor escape in your yard so that you can enjoy even more fun with your friends and family this summer.
Preparing Your Yard
Before you can break ground on your dream bar, there’s bound to be some prep work you need to address before getting started. If you already have a deck or patio and you plan on putting your bar on top of it, you’re already ahead of the game. But, if your yard is all grass, you’ll need to figure out where you’ll place your bar and what you’ll place it on.
Unless your backyard is perfectly level, you might have a hard time finding a place that provides a sturdy footing for the bar. If you’re placing a bar on unlevel ground, you’re also opening Pandora’s Box for your guests. Nobody wants to see Aunt Edna twist her ankle walking to the bar for a glass of wine.
If your bar will be a permanent fixture, you’ll want to build a deck or patio. Depending on how large and involved your bar project is going to be and how comfortable you are with building it yourself, you may choose to do all the work yourself.
If the project seems a bit over your head, hire a qualified contractor to build a deck or patio for the bar. Be aware that construction workers can end up trampling your gardens or bushes. You’ll want to get assurances that your plants will be protected as much as possible.
Ideas for Building Your Outdoor Bar
Now, for the fun part. Once you know where you’ll place your bar, it’s time to start brainstorming your plans for your bar. Keep in mind that the bar only needs to be as fancy as its surroundings. If you have a modest yard, there’s no need for a million-dollar bar. Pallet bars are exceptionally popular, and they’re an excellent way to add a modest and rustic social hub to your yard.
Conversely, if you have a storybook backyard, your new bar should reflect that and add even more beauty to the space. If you’re unsure of your vision, that’s fine, too. There are plenty of excellent outdoor bar ideas online.
As you begin to conceptualize your outdoor escape, you’ll have plenty of questions to answer. One of the first decisions you need to make is how people will use the bar.
Do you need separate seating, or will there be barstool seating at the bar? Will the bar serve as a place for people to congregate, enjoying drinks and conversation? Or, do you need a working bar where you can dispense beer or make cocktails?
Where will you place your liquor bottles to keep them out of the sunshine? This is especially important with wines which need to be kept at a constant temperature. You don’t want your California Red to turn because it was kept out in the open too long.
As you begin to answer these questions, you’ll start to develop a more complete picture of how your outdoor bar will look. Most people will find that they’ll be able to tackle their outdoor bar project on their own, but if you have grand plans in your head, you may want to consult with a contractor to see what will be needed to execute the project and discuss if professional help is needed.
Incorporate a Grill or Pizza Oven Into the Bar Design
One evergreen trend that seems to pop up in design magazines year after year is a fully realized outdoor entertainment space where you’re able to hang out, prepare drinks for your guests, and cook a delicious meal.
With a built-in grill or pizza oven in your bar, you’ll be able to control every aspect of the outdoor experience and prepare a delicious meal exactly the way you like it. Who needs to drop hundreds of dollars on a nice meal in a restaurant when you have the perfect outdoor escape, complete with a grill or pizza oven, here in your backyard.
Care for a slice with your wine? An outdoor pizza oven is one of the most fun and interactive things you can include in your outdoor bar. Consider creating a space with a large stone countertop, which works perfectly as a pizza prep counter. Making pizza is fun for the whole family, and you’ll be able to pop it into the oven and watch it cook as you enjoy a cocktail at the bar.
Many homeowners prefer to include a grill as part of their outdoor bar. Some people choose to build the grill directly into the bar, which offers a more polished look. Or, you can place the grill next to the bar, so you still have the flexibility to move the grill elsewhere if you need to.
Installing a grill or oven to your home bar is typically a job for professionals, so you may want to consult a contractor or outdoor patio specialist as you plan your outdoor escape.
Other Considerations
As you continue to think of all the possibilities for your outdoor bar, there are bound to be some questions you’ll want to address before you get started. By figuring these issues out ahead of time, you won’t be scrambling for solutions after you’ve already started building.
- How will you light the bar at night?
- Will you need electricity to power blenders or other appliances?
- Will you have outdoor refrigeration?
- How will you protect the contents of the bar during storms?
- Will you add a fire pit or outdoor fireplace to keep guests warm on cool evenings?
- If the bar is wooden, how will you protect it from the elements?
- Do you need storage for bottles and mixers on the bar?
- Do you plan on hanging a TV behind the bar or integrating speakers for music?
Once you have answers to these important questions, you’ll be well on your way to building the perfect outdoor bar for you to enjoy with your family and friends.
About the Author Laura Bennett
Hello, I’m Laura Bennett. I love nature especially when it comes to flowers and different kinds of plants. I started a very small garden behind my house and I named it Humid Garden. So, I created this blog to provide aspiring and inspiring thoughts about gardening for gardeners and anyone who has the intention of keeping a garden.
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