Outdoor Bar

My cousin and her husband wanted an outdoor bar for their screened porch. They were having difficulty finding one that was the right size and in their budget, so I said I volunteered to build them one at material cost if I could design it within their desired footprint. They said yes, and I embarked on my first real project. Well, I was in over my head – and I learned a lot from this experience. Constructed mainly our of BC grade plywood (again, the budget factor) and some trim – I found that the plywood wasn’t flat in any dimension, and made everything else very difficult. Everything is joined with glue and pocket-hole screws (got the new Kreg jig and wanted to play). The final product ended up sturdy and fits perfectly on their porch, and they are VERY pleased, but I know better for next time. I will say, though, that it works like a champ—I’ve given it more than one try. Here are some key/interesting features that I put into the design—execution is another story.

- U-shaped top allows for access to second level shelf measured to fit bottles and other bar equipment
- Top has trim around the outside to allow for pictures and coasters to be placed under plexiglass
- Second level has slide out plastic ice bin for mixing drinks – but has primarily been used as a beer/wine chiller
- From back – left hand shelves for smaller equipment, glasses, and mixers
- Top left cubby has wine glass racks (the glasses were included in the gift)
- Right side shelf is for taller bottles and equipment
- Bottom right (look hard) has casters with a hinged board jack to move the entire unit onto the deck for summer parties
- Fake corbels for accents

I will say that next time there will be MANY changes, not the least of which is doing the finishing myself. My cousin is particular and insisted on doing an antiqued black finish, which I am not fond of.

Its been outside on their porch for about a year and a half – through some fairly harsh weather – and seems to be holding up well. Let me know what you think, and how I can improve – there could only be a million ways!

-- DuBose in South Carolina