Introducing Your Perfect DIY Project: A Versatile Outdoor Wooden Bar
Are you ready to take your outdoor entertaining space to new heights? We’ve got just the DIY endeavor for you – building a versatile outdoor wooden bar. Picture this bar as the centerpiece of your patio, the focal point of your gatherings, and the perfect place to unwind with a drink in hand. Our easy-to-follow, step-by-step PDF guide will walk you through the entire process, with attention to detail, customization options, and guidance for beginners and experienced woodworkers alike. No matter where you choose to place it – in a garden, by the pool, or on a tropical beach – this plan will bring your dream outdoor wooden bar to life.
The Essential DIY Plan: What Sets This Wooden Bar Apart
Selecting a reliable and adaptable plan is crucial for any DIY project. Our outdoor wooden bar plan outshines others with its versatility, user-friendly instructions, and thoughtful design. The plan incorporates a spacious work area and a practical U-shaped serving counter, ensuring optimal functionality and aesthetic appeal in any outdoor setting. We break down each step, guiding you toward success no matter your woodworking experience level.
Embracing Simplicity: Achievable Woodworking with Easy Cuts
The beauty of this project lies in its simplicity. Our plan focuses on straightforward cuts using common construction materials and accessible tools. This approach makes the building process more accessible while maintaining the high-quality design and final product your outdoor space deserves. Delight in the satisfaction of seeing your outdoor wooden bar take shape, one simple cut at a time.
The Power of a Step-By-Step PDF Guide: DIY Success in the Palm of Your Hand
A thorough, well-laid-out plan is the key ingredient in turning your DIY dreams into reality. Our detailed yet easy-to-understand step-by-step PDF guide serves as a blueprint, ensuring your vision aligns with the bar you create. Whether indoors or outdoors, this guide acts as a roadmap to a successful and rewarding DIY project.
Unleash Your Creativity with DIY Woodworking: A Personal Touch
Building your outdoor wooden bar is not only about adding a functional element to your living space; it’s also an opportunity to explore your creativity. As you follow our plan, you can tailor your project to reflect your personal style and preferences. From a sleek, modern look to a rustic, classic feel, the power to bring your vision to life is in your hands.
Complementary DIY Projects: Elevate Your Outdoor Living Space
An inviting and functional outdoor space involves more than just the bar. Your backyard paradise can include complementing elements that work together to create a cohesive atmosphere. Our range of DIY plans and suggestions can help transform your outdoor area into a stunning entertainment space that echoes the craftsmanship of your wooden bar. Explore accessories and furniture ideas like a comfortable seating arrangement, ambient lighting, or additional storage for the bar to complete your dream space.
The Charm of a U-Shaped Serving Counter: Enhancing Your Hosting Capabilities
One of the standout features of our wooden bar plan is the U-shaped serving counter. This design element is more than just aesthetically pleasing; it’s a smart solution to enhance your hosting capabilities. The U-shape allows you to serve guests from all sides, making your gatherings more inclusive and interactive. Whether it’s a bustling party or a quiet get-together, this unique serving counter ensures that you’re always at the center of the action.
Ready, Set, Build: Committing to Your DIY Journey
As you prepare to embark on your DIY journey, remember that your chosen project is more than just installing an outdoor bar – it’s a testament to your creativity and craftsmanship. With the help of our step-by-step PDF guide, common construction materials, and your personal touch, you will have a stunning and unique wooden bar that will serve as a focal point in your outdoor living space. So, grab your tools and get ready to create, enjoy, and proudly showcase your fantastic DIY outdoor wooden bar.
Time to build
About 8 hours
Total cost of build
About $400
Skill level required
Beginner
Download the PDF plans
Bar PDF plans
What is included in the PDF download?
- Easy to read step by step instructions
- Material list
- Tools needed
- Helpful links to materials and tools needed
Bar Dimensions
Recommend tools and materials
Available with purchase of DIY PDF plan. Thank you for your support!
Lumber shopping list and cut list
Available with purchase of DIY PDF plan. Thank you for your support!
Step 1: Assemble the Initial Frame Pieces
First, take two 35 inch 2×4 lumber pieces and two 36-3/4 inch 2×4 lumber pieces and arrange them as shown below. Add glue to the areas of the 2x4s that will be joined together, predrill (to prevent wood splitting), and add 3.5 inch screws.
Repeat to make an identical second frame piece for a total of two pieces.
Step 2: Assemble Additional Frame Pieces
Next, take two 35 inch 2×4 lumber pieces and two 24 inch 2×4 lumber pieces and arrange them as shown below. Add glue to the areas of the 2x4s that will be joined together, predrill, and add 3.5 inch screws.
Repeat to make an identical second frame piece for a total of two pieces.
Step 3: Construct the Bar Base
Next, take three 42 in 4×6 lumber pieces and the two larger frame pieces you just assembled and arranged them as shown below.
Add glue to all areas that will be joined together.
Predrill holes and add 3.5 inch screws to all areas that need to be joined.
Next, take two more 35 inch 2×4 lumber pieces and add them to the outdoor bar frame as shown in the last picture in this step. Again, add glue, predrill, and add 3.5 inch screws.
Step 4: Attach Smaller Frames and Additional Supports
Next, take the other smaller 38 in x 24 in frame pieces you assembled in the previous steps and add them to the main frame of the bar. When adding, indent by 2 inches as shown below.
Secure the frame pieces with glue, predrilling, and screws.
Next, take two more 42 inch 4×6 lumber pieces and add them to the main frame as shown in the last picture of this step. Make sure to add glue, predrill, and add screws.
Step 5: Install the Siding for the Outdoor Bar Frame
Next, add the siding pieces.
Take eighteen 36-3/4 2×4 lumber pieces and eighteen 24 2×4 lumber pieces and add them to the outdoor bar frame as shown below.
Begin by attaching the first 2x4s about 3-13/16 (or about 4 inches) away from the top of the bar frame as shown below.
The remaining pieces need to be about 5/16 inches apart.
To space out the pieces evenly you can use a spacer. This spacer can be cut from a scrap piece of wood on hand.
As before, glue, predrill, and add screws.
Step 6: Attach Angled and Horizontal Support Beams
Next, add two 40-7/16 in 2×4 pieces that are cut at 60-degrees on one end and one 84 inch 2×4 lumber piece to the frame of the bar as shown below.
As before, predrill, add glue, and add 3.5 inch screws.
Step 7: Attach the Bar Top
Next, add two 93 inch 2×10 lumber pieces and two 24 inch 2×12 lumber pieces to the bar frame as shown below.
Add glue to all areas that will hold up the bar top, including the parts of the top that will join to the other bar top planks.
As before, predrill, add plenty of glue, and add screws.
The screw pattern I have in the photo is just one way to secure the top.
These screw holes can later be covered up to have a flush and clean looking surface.
I would also recommend using some sort of clamp or vice to bring all the bar top board together to minimize the gaps. This will make the bar top look more clean and nice.
Step 8: Install the Work Surface and Shelf
Install the working surface and a shelf below it.
Take two 80 inch 2×4 lumber pieces and one 80 inch long 2×12 lumber pieces to make the shelve. Cut 3-1/2 inch x 1-1/2 inch indents on both ends of the 2×12 lumber piece as shown below. Next, attach the frame of the shelve to the shelve top using glue and 3.5 inch screws. I indent the shelve frame 2x4s by 1 inch on each side as shown below.
Next, assemble to DIY bar work surface. Take two 80 inch 2×4 lumber pieces and three 14-3/4 inch long 2×4 lumber pieces. Arrange them as shown below and attach with 3.5 inch screws and glue. Next, attach one 80 inch 2×12 lumber piece (with 1-1/2 inch x 3-1/2 inch indentations on both ends) and one 80 inch 2×10 lumber piece to the working surface frame using glue and 3.5 inch screws.
Step 9: Secure the Work Surface and Shelf to the Bar Frame
Next, attach the working surface and the shelve to the main bar frame.
Install the working surface at 38-3/16 inches off the ground. This makes for a comfortable working surface. Attach the shelf at 19 inches off the ground. The shelf and work counter heights can be adjusted to suit your needs an preference. Secure the shelf and working counter by adding screws directly through the bar siding. Add glue and predrill to prevent wood from splitting.
Step 10: Install the Bar Footrest
Next, install the bar footrest. This can be a little tricky as there are many pipe and fitting options and each on has slightly different measurements. The ideal “center to center” length of the footrest pipe set up needs to be 80-1/2 inches long.
In this example I am using a 79-3/8 inch long 1 inch diameter steel pipe, with two 1 inch 90-degree elbow joints, two 1 inch flanges, and two four inch steel pipes for the assembly.
I highly recommend that you lay everything out at the hardware store and test out all the connections so that your center to center length is 80-1/2 inches. Most hardware stores will cut and thread the pipes for you.
Install the footrest by adding screws to secure it in place as shown below.
Step 11: Sanding and Prepping the Outdoor Wooden Bar for Staining or Painting
Ensure your DIY bar project has a flawlessly smooth finish by diligently sanding and prepping the wooden surface before applying your choice of stain or paint.
Detailed guide:
1. Begin by removing any screws, nails, or hardware that might obstruct your sanding process. Ensure the wood surface is free of any debris or imperfections.
2. Equip yourself with the appropriate safety gear, including gloves, goggles, and a dust mask to protect from wood particles and sanding debris.
3. Start sanding with a coarse-grit sandpaper (60-80 grit) to remove any roughness or uneven areas. Use an electric hand sander or sanding block for larger surfaces to ensure consistent results.
4. Progress to a medium-grit sandpaper (100-150 grit) to further smooth the wood surface and remove any scratches left by the coarser sandpaper.
5. Finish with a fine-grit sandpaper (180-220 grit) to create a perfectly smooth surface that’s ready for staining or painting.
6. After sanding, wipe down the wood surface with a soft cloth or tack cloth to remove any remaining dust or particles. You may also use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove dust.
7. If opting for staining, apply a wood conditioner as per the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure even absorption of the stain.
Step 12: Staining Guide for Your Outdoor Wooden Bar
Enhance the natural wood grain of your DIY outdoor bar by following this step-by-step guide to applying a wood stain.
Detailed guide:
1. Select a high-quality wood stain in your desired color. Note that oil-based stains provide depth and richness, while water-based stains are eco-friendly and faster drying.
2. Don a pair of gloves and shake or stir the stain well before use.
3. Test the stain on a scrap piece of the same wood or an inconspicuous area of the bar to ensure the color aligns with your expectations.
4. Apply the stain with a high-quality brush, following the wood’s grain. Move in long and even strokes to prevent overlapping.
5. Allow the stain to penetrate the wood surface for the time specified on the stain’s label (typically 5-15 minutes).
6. Wipe off any excess stain with a clean, lint-free cloth to ensure an even finish. Always follow the direction of the wood grain while wiping.
7. Allow the stain to fully dry, as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
8. Assess the color of the stain. If a darker shade is desired, repeat the staining process.
9. To protect the stained wood surface, apply a clear wood sealant or topcoat, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Step 13: Painting Guide for Your Outdoor Wooden Bar
Give your DIY outdoor wooden bar a fresh and vibrant look with this comprehensive guide for painting your project.
Detailed guide:
1. Select a high-quality outdoor paint that’s designed for wood surfaces.
2. Prime the wood surface using an appropriate wood primer, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Priming prepares the wood for painting and ensures better adhesion, resulting in a long-lasting, vibrant paint job.
3. Allow the primer to fully dry before proceeding to the painting stage.
4. When the primer is dry, stir the paint well and pour it into a paint tray.
5. Use a high-quality brush or paint roller to apply the paint evenly on the wood surface. Work in long, even strokes while following the wood grain, and avoid overloading the brush or roller with paint.
6. Allow the first coat of paint to dry thoroughly, as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
7. Assess the coverage after the first coat. If a second coat is needed, be sure to lightly sand and wipe down the surface between coats for a smooth, even finish.
8. Apply a second coat of paint, if necessary, and allow it to dry as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
9. Once the paint has dried, you may choose to apply a clear wood sealant or topcoat for additional protection, ensuring long-lasting beauty and durability.