Jun 18, 2021
Summer is the perfect time for cool cocktails and conversation! You don’t need to head out the door for happy hour with friends. Instead, host your own backyard happy hour.
A DIY bar can be put together in a few hours and will make you feel like you are on vacation at all times. If you’re looking for an easy project that will be the perfect addition to your next get together then this tutorial is for you! It will make your backyard party-central for the rest of summer.
Wet Bar vs. Dry Bar
When adding a bar to your backyard, there are two options: wet and dry.
A “wet bar“ is a full-service bar that includes all the necessary equipment for serving drinks, including the plumbing for water and drainage.
These can be expensive to purchase and time-consuming to build since they require running water and electricity in order to fully function.
Wet bars also take up more space because of their larger surface area and draining requirements, so it may not be suitable if you have a small yard or patio.
A “dry bar,” is a quicker and less costly option. It’s perfect for those who don’t want an elaborate setup but still need some place out back where friends can gather for cocktails.
Options For Building Your Backyard Bar
There are many DIY options for building your backyard bar, but they should be based on the type of party or event you want to host.
There is no one size fits all solution, so it’s important to customize your bar depending on how often you’ll use it and what activities will take place there.
From built-in storage to hold drink wares and bottles, to bar-height counters with stools — the possibilities are endless!
Here are a few different ideas to help you get started:
- For those who want a permanent and elaborate bar, go with the full-service, built-in variety. Wet or dry, this type of bar could be rather large, with ample countertop surfaces, refrigerated drawers, cabinets, sinks — even wine racks!
- For a mobile solution, consider a smaller stand-alone bar. These are great for storing a few bottles and glasses, and putting out garnishes, but they don’t have to take up much space. Plus, they’re easy to move around and store when not in use.
- For those who want a simple solution, open shelves can be used as a grab-and-go bar. Outdoor shelving doesn’t need much space or prep work, and can still look stylish while displaying all your best barware.
You could buy a pre-built bar or you can build your own from the ground up. Building your own allows you the flexibility to start simple and add-on different functional features later, like drawers, an icemaker, or a built-in BBQ!
Choose a suitable location that’s convenient to access. Some of the simplest designs are built just off the edge of a deck, patio, or porch.
Start with a sturdy base for your countertop. You can build it out of lumber or use palettes.
Add a top using your favorite material, like wood, tile, or even glass if you want to make it look more modern.
Put in shelves around the edge of the base for wine bottles or glasses. You can also add cabinet doors if you prefer to keep things tucked away.
Finally, hang lights! They’ll be helpful when you’re serving guests late into the evening. Plus, they give off an extra glow that makes everything feel warm and inviting.
Ready for a refreshing drink in a new backyard? Overstreet Builders can design a home with the perfect spaces for entertaining — inside or out! Contact our team today!