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A backyard can be just a backyard, or it has the potential to turn into the ultimate seasonal oasis. Don’t you want more than just a lawn to mow? Turn your backyard into an entertainment zone with a DIY outdoor bar and everything you need to have a good time without leaving your property.
Below, we’re sharing everything you need to get set up for cold drinks, a comfortable place to relax, and a good time.
Essential Components for Your DIY Outdoor Bar
Before you start, here are the supplies you’ll want to gather to create the ultimate DIY outdoor bar area.
- The bar and its stools: Get a sturdy bar and seats that fit comfortably.
- Bar tools: Remember the essentials for a good drink, like a cocktail shaker, bottle opener, wine key, muddler, strainer, etc.
- Drinkware: Stock up with beer mugs and wine, martini, and cocktail glasses.
- Lighting: Brighten things up with overhead lighting and set the mood with ground lighting.
- Refrigerator: There’s nothing worse than a warm drink, so ensure you have an outdoor refrigerator like the EcoFlow GLACIER Portable Refrigerator to keep your drinks and ingredients cool.
- Power Source: You’ll need a power supply for the lights and any extra appliances you want to keep outside, like a blender for frozen drinks. A power station, such as the EcoFlow DELTA 2 Portable Power Station, is an excellent off-grid option to power your equipment, including a traditional mini fridge/freezer outside in your yard.
10 Inspiring DIY Outdoor Bar Ideas
Are you looking for inspiration to create your own DIY outdoor bar? Look no further than these ten exciting ideas to get your creative juices flowing.
1. Dual-Purpose Pub Shed
If you have the room, create a multi-purpose pub shed that easily transitions into a place to relax and entertain. You can put it away as needed for bad weather or cold seasons and open it when the mood strikes you, knowing your hideaway is protected when not in use.
2. Backyard Movie Bar
Turn your outdoor bar into a movie theatre with comfy chairs, a projector screen, and plenty of snacks. Stock it with popcorn and candy to complete the movie experience.
3. DIY Pallet Cantina
Turn a few pallets into an outdoor bar and use it to store all your drinks and snacks. You’ll save tons of money building it, and you may even have a pallet or two lying around that you can put to good use.
4. Backyard Cabana Bar
Create the perfect oasis with a cabana-style bar, built-in seating, stools, and more. To create a spot where people want to gather, you could even install a TV inside the cabana so it’s protected by the roof above and visible to visitors.
5. Beachfront Tiki Vibes
Get your backyard beach vibes with a tiki bar and all the necessary supplies to enjoy a night under the stars. Pour some sand around it, and you’ll forget you’re at your house. Go the extra mile and make some tasty blended drinks to match the occasion; you can power small appliances like a blender with the EcoFlow Delta 2.
Pro Tip: Stock the bar with cocktail umbrellas for a true vacation feeling.
6. Reclaimed Wood Finishes
Reuse old wood and turn it into an outdoor bar that celebrates sustainability. Find some driftwood, take apart old furniture, or look for reclaimed wood resellers to find something that’s used and will add character to your outdoor spot.
7. Patio Umbrella Perks
Make a shady bar with an adjustable umbrella that you can move around to fit your needs as the sun shifts positions in the sky and as the seasons change.
8. Barrel Touches
Will wine, bourbon, or rum be the primary drink you’ll serve? Use old barrels as the centrepiece of your outdoor entertainment space and enjoy the rustic look of recycled wood. Or, take another approach and use the barrels as stools.
9. Outdoor Kitchen
Create an entire entertaining space with a full kitchen setup and all the amenities for hosting parties — grill, sink, and more!
You can even add a refrigerator to the mix with the EcoFlow GLACIER Portable Refrigerator. Its portability makes it ultra-flexible in how you can use it, and it can keep drinks cold for long periods of time. As long as you have a reliable power source like a portable power station, you won’t need to go inside.
10. Portable Cart
Put together a rolling bar cart you can use in your backyard when entertaining friends so you’re not anchored to just one location.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Make an Outdoor Bar Cheap?
To make an outdoor bar cheap, use secondhand items like pallets, wine barrels, and furniture to repurpose and build with, or buy one secondhand online. You should also look for power sources that run off-grid to save on electricity costs. Lastly, check out a thrift store for affordable tools and glasses.
Final Thoughts
A DIY outdoor bar is the perfect way to turn your backyard into an entertainment oasis. With the right components, a portable refrigerator, and a power source, you can create a comfortable spot to enjoy cold drinks and good company. Regardless of the style or theme of your DIY outdoor bar, there are plenty of creative ways to make your backyard the envy of everyone in the neighbourhood.