How to Create an Outdoor Bar

Outdoor bars by your pool or patio make an excellent addition to any outdoor space. They are a wonderful place to host parties and relax on a warm summer evening. Gather your friends to watch a baseball game, host a pool party, or celebrate Independence Day outdoors with the help of your outdoor bar. Here’s how to create this outstanding addition to your backyard.

Start with the Right Structure

Creating an outdoor bar begins with choosing the right structure to protect your setup from the elements. For those looking to maintain a well-stocked bar, it’s crucial to keep it sheltered from the rain and harsh weather. Two popular options include incorporating a bar into a pool house or cabana, which provides a dedicated space for entertaining. Jed’s Sheds makes pre-built cabanas with built-in bars so that you have a one-stop shop for building an outdoor bar. Alternatively, you can build a pavilion over your patio or deck and place your bar beneath it. Whichever option you choose, make sure the materials you use are weather-resistant to ensure your bar lasts for decades.

Connect to Electric

Equipping your outdoor bar with electricity is essential for a fully functional setup. A mini fridge is a must-have to keep drinks cool in the summer. There are even specialized fridges for wine bottles and kegerators if you are an aficionado of beer or wine. With electricity, you can wire lights for nighttime bartending and additional safety. For those who love frozen drinks, a blender is indispensable, and you can’t blend a frozen margarita without an outlet! Lastly, you can add a TV to provide entertainment, making your bar the perfect hangout spot. To make sure your electrical setup is safe and up to code, you must hire a professional electrician to handle the installations and permitting requirements.

Add a Sink

Adding a sink to your outdoor bar can significantly enhance its functionality. Connecting to water and sewer lines allows you to install a kitchen sink, which is essential for cleaning drinkware and bartender tools. This addition saves you trips inside the house, keeping everything you need within arm’s reach. If you have the space inside your cabana, consider adding an outdoor bathroom for some extra convenience. To ensure your plumbing is installed correctly using fixtures designed for outdoor use, hire a professional plumber.

Buy Furniture and Decorations

The right furniture and decorations can transform your outdoor bar into a stylish and comfortable space. Outdoor bar stools are a necessity, and poly lumber furniture is a great choice thanks to its durability and resistance to the elements. When decorating, choose a theme that resonates with your personal style, such as a sports bar or beach vibe. Outdoor decor like string lights, themed signage, and plants can add to the ambiance. Don’t forget a trash can for disposing of empty cans and bottles!



Stocking Your Outdoor Bar

Stocking your outdoor bar with the right tools and drinkware is essential for hosting summer gatherings. We recommend shatterproof plastic drinkware to avoid accidents, and you should have disposable cups on hand for larger parties. When it comes to the beverages, consider stocking a variety of alcohol to cater to different tastes, but lighter, fruitier drinks are more ideal for summer hosting. Remember that spirits should not be left in the heat and sunlight, as it can alter their flavor. Store spirits upright, either inside or in your mini fridge. Beer and wine should also be stored at room temperature or chilled as needed to maintain their quality.

Get Started Building Your Outdoor Bar

Looking for an easy starting point for your outdoor bar setup? Look no further than Jed’s Sheds. Our cabanas and pool houses come standard with a bar in every design. They’re built off-site and delivered to your property for easy setup and installation. Contact us today for more details and get a free quote for your new outdoor bar.