How to Build a Home Bar on a Budget
Want to add a functional DIY portable bar to your outdoor area? Learn how to build a home bar from scratch with this cheap bar DIY! We built this bar because we wanted a DIY bar cabinet with a fridge outside next to our pool. This outdoor rustic bar is easy to build and it’s a simple, portable outdoor bar that can be used for an outdoor wedding bar and more! Keep reading to learn How to Build a Quick DIY Outdoor Bar!
Our desire to add a bar to our backyard began when we took a trip to Mexico a few years ago and visited a beach that had a tiki bar with swings. My kids loved the idea of a bar with swings and so did I!
I always had that bar with swings idea in my head but we don’t really have space in our backyard to fit a swing set. So I settled for a Quick DIY Bar that has the ability to add swings later if we want 😉
This bar can be used in many different ways and the fact that it’s lightweight and portable and even better! I could see using this bar for any event (indoor or outdoor!). It would be perfect for a rustic wedding and I created some fun signs for our bar so you can change the theme!
Add a chalkboard sign to your bar to make a themed-bar (Taco Bar, Bacon Bar, Donut Bar, Pool Bar, Tiki Bar, Wine Bar, Lemonade Stand)… I could go on but I’m sure you are coming up with ideas too 🙂
I stained our bar with my favorite Wood Stain color: Briarsmoke.
I also used a couple of coats of polyurethane to protect it from harsh outdoor weather and sunlight.
Our bar sits right outside the kitchen door so it’s easy to access to grab more beverages if needed. Here is the view of our pool when you are standing behind the bar…
The size of the bar is perfect to seat at least 6-8 people on stools or standing around the bar and at least 3-4 people can fit inside the bar.
This bar is quick to DIY and it only took about 3 hours to build it then another 2 hours to stain and paint it. It’s a fun weekend project that you can enjoy for years to come!
We also have a mini outdoor fridge that fits perfectly with our bar. This NewAir fridge is perfect for outdoors and is perfect to store beverages and food! It’s small enough to fit inside the bar too 🙂
I’m sure you are dying to know how to make the bar, but first, here’s a quick disclaimer…
In this tutorial, I share How to Build a Quick Outdoor Bar using wood and basic woodworking skills.
In this tutorial, I share step-by-step instructions to build a quick outdoor bar out of wood. We are using machines with blades and are experienced with these machines.
I suggest you are familiar with using circular saws, etc and have read the safety precautions on these machines/equipment before use.
You always have the option of asking Home Depot to cut your wood for you if you don’t feel comfortable using table saws yourself. I’m including the exact measurements below to take to Home Depot if you’d like them to cut the wood for you 🙂
–>>Watch my video highlights on Instagram for a fast DIY cheap bar tutorial!
How To Build a Quick DIY Outdoor Bar
Learn how to build a DIY portable bar and see how we built this DIY bar cabinet with a fridge for our outdoor space!
Let’s get started with the supplies needed to build a quick DIY bar…
Supplies:
- (3) 2′ x 4′ x 8′ pieces of wood
- (7) 1′ x 3′ x 8′ pieces of wood
- 4′ x 8′ x .25″ plywood or your choice of thick pine (for the top)
- Circular Saw (or take the measurements to Home Depot and have them cut it)
- Miter Saw for smaller cuts (or take the measurements to Home Depot and have them cut it)
- Power Drill
- Deckmate ScrewsÂ
- Multipurpose Exterior Deck ScrewsÂ
- Wood Clamp
- Sanding Machine or sanding blocks
- Paint or Stain (ours is stained with Briarsmoke stain)
- Polyurethane (ours is water-based with a matte finish to protect from outdoor elements)
- Paint Brushes or Sponge Brush
- Rags
Directions:
- Gather Supplies. Please watch the videos in my Instagram Highlights with more detail and pictures!
- Start by cutting (5) 2′ x 4′ x 40″ pieces (which will be used for the legs).
- Then cut (4) 2′ x 4′ x 20″ pieces (which are als0 used for the legs).
- Build the frame for the legs attaching the 40″ pieces as the “legs” and the 20-inch pieces as the supporting/connecting piece with a 2-inch gap on the bottom. Use the 2 and 1/2 screws to attach the legs.Â
- Once the legs are built, lay them on their side and use (2) 1′ x 3′ x 60″ on the top to attach the legs together. You will see the bar frame coming together now 🙂 Use the 1 and 5/8 screws to attach.Â
- Cut 6 additional 1′ x 3′ x 60″ slats for the front.
- Attach to the legs using the 1 and 5/8 screws.Â
- Cut 16 side pieces at 1′ x 3′ x 23.75.”
- Attach to the sides of the bar using the 1 and 5/8 screws.
- Cut the top front piece at 15″ x 64 and 1/2″ (it should overhang 8″ on the front).
- Attach to the top front piece using the 1 and 5/8 screws and the clamp to hold it in place.Â
- Cut 2 side top pieces 5 and 14/16″ x 17 and 1/16.”
- Attach the top side pieces the 1 and 5/8 screws and make the inside flush (so there’s no overhang on the inside, but there is a slight overhang on the outside).
- Sand the top and the sides of the top to remove any pieces that could cause splinters.Â
- Paint or stain the bar as desired. I stained our DIY outdoor bar with Varathane Briarsmoke Wood Stain.
- Use polyurethane to seal the bar. I used a water-based polyurethane on top of the stain to protect it from elements. I used a matte finish but you can use a glossy finish for the top if you want the bar top glossy.
- Place the bar in your desired space and enjoy it! Find the tutorial to make the Dollar Tree DIY sign here!
Wood Measurements (if you are having a home improvement store cut the wood for you):
- 5 pieces cut 2′ x 4′ x 40″
- 4 pieces cut 2′ x 4′ x 20″
- 16 pieces cut 1′ x 3′ x 23 & 3/4″
- 8 pieces cut 1′ x 3′ 60″
- 1 piece cut 15″ x 64 & 1/2″
- 2 pieces cut 5 & 14/16″ x 17 & 1/16″
–>>Watch how I made this DIY Dollar Tree BAR Sign in this video!
Conclusion to How to Build a Portable Bar
I hope you enjoyed this tutorial sharing How to Build a Home Bar from scratch. This Quick DIY bar is a fun weekend project that only takes a few hours to assemble. A rustic bar like this homemade bar can be used for many events and social gatherings while also looks beautiful in your backyard decor. Have fun decorating and using your new bar and make sure you send me a picture of your creations!
Did you build a bar or a similar version? I would love to see it! Send me a picture on Facebook, Instagram, or email and I’ll share with my followers 🙂
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