Creating the Perfect Outdoor Patio Bar

There is no better place to have a cold beer with family and friends than an outdoor bar.  Turn your backyard into an entertainment zone with an outdoor bar.

What do you need to get set up for cold drinks and a good time?

Design

Figure out how you want to use your patio bar.  Do you want a place to relax and watch sports?  Do you plan to eat in the area?  Do you want an area to congregate with friends and mix socially?

How you want to use your bar space will determine how much area you need and the type of furniture you need.

If you want an outdoor to watch sports then you’re going to want a covered area to protect your electronics.

Bar

You can buy an outdoor bar from your local home improvement store. If you are the creative type you can make a bar with second-hand items.  Wood pallets, wine barrels, repurposed furniture, bricks, blocks, you name it.

For a classic Australian look, try a brick base with a hardwood bench top.  You might choose an all-wood bar with a glossy finish.  There are so many ideas, pick a style that suits you and the look you want to achieve.

Bar Stools & Tables

Along with your bar top, you need seating.  You can opt for bar tables, which are higher than regular tables, and allow you to include more seating.  If you plan to eat in the bar area, choose traditional dining tables that can stand up to being outside.

If you want an outdoor area to watch sports and movies, then comfortable chairs and couches are called for.

Bar Location

Your idea of how you want to use your bar will determine where you put it in your backyard.   Do you want to tuck it into a corner next to your outdoor BBQ, or do you want it near the kitchen?

Take a look at your yard to evaluate whether your lawn will hold up to the traffic, or you need to put down a hardscape.

Lighting

Very often it will be dark when you are entertaining.  The lighting you choose can be as influential as the layout.  You can install cabinet lighting or LEDs on the bar itself to make it pop.

Menu

Just like a commercial bar, you have to decide what you want to serve in your bar.  Will it be kegs of beer or mixed drinks?

If you want to serve liquor, keep your costs down by focusing on a few specialty drinks. You won’t have as many ingredients to buy, and you can develop expertise in pouring just the right mix.

Building Permits

If you decide to go all-out and build a bar and seating area, it might require a building permit.  Don’t neglect this, as you don’t want to have your entertainment area shut down, due to lack of a permit.

An outdoor bar is an ideal way to entertain in style and the comfort of your own home.