Bring the pub to your back garden with these expert tips

This summer staple is becoming increasingly popular amongst Brits, offering a chance to transform your outdoor space into a delightful entertaining area. Whether you're a DIY whizz or prefer a more relaxed approach, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to create your own slice of pub paradise in your garden. 

Below, property and construction expert Thomas Goodman at MyJobQuote.co.uk will equip you with all the knowledge to make your garden bar dreams a reality. So grab a cuppa (or a pint), step into your garden, and imagine the possibilities – cheers to summer evenings spent relaxing in your very own garden bar!

How to Build a DIY Bar in Your Garden

If you are building an outdoor bar, you want to try to keep it simple, unless you're a pro at DIY projects. Some outdoor bars are much more labour-intensive than others, so it will really depend on what you're looking to achieve.

If you do attempt to build an outdoor bar yourself, there are several steps you’ll need to take. Here’s a basic overview of what you’ll need to do:

1. Begin by setting a solid foundation so your bar has a solid base to sit on. Some great examples include stone, concrete, and paving stones.
2. Build a bar frame with weather-treated lumber. This can be as large or small as you please, but keep in mind the size of your garden and how much you intend to use the bar.
3. Choose a material for the top of the bar. This needs to be something that can withstand weather and moisture well.
4. Fasten the top of the bar to the frame with screws, nails, or glue, depending on the material.
5. Attach side boards to the frame using nails, screws, or glue.
6. Add any relevant trim and shelving as desired.
7. Then, you can add your optional extras, such as décor or a roof.

The cost of your outdoor bar will depend mostly on the size and materials that you use. If you’re looking to create a cheap, basic outdoor bar, you should be able to achieve this with around £200 - £500. However, if you would like to build a larger or more extravagant bar, you could pay around £3000 or more.

Other DIY Bar Ideas

Dual Purpose Pub Shed

If you want to create an extravagant outdoor bar, consider creating a pub bar within a garden shed. This is something that can be easily achieved. You can choose to contain the entire bar within the shed or you can create an open window with some bar stools outside, giving you the fun of being able to serve drinks to people outside of the shed.

For the ultimate bar experience, consider installing kegs and taps so you can pull pints the authentic way. Add some shelves and stock them up with your favourite spirits and wines so you always have something on hand when you want to grab a drink outside.

Tiki Bar

If you want to give the impression that you're on holiday in your garden, consider installing a tiki bar. You can easily achieve this look with a small bar covered by a tiki umbrella. Surround the bar with some small bar stools for a truly authentic feel. Add some bunting and string lights to improve the ambience.

Surround your Tiki bar with lounge deck chairs so that you can lie back and chill with your favourite beverage. A water feature nearby will help to enhance the experience as you listen to the trickling flow of water.

Brick Bar

If you want to build something a bit more permanent, consider building a bar out of concrete or bricks. This will give your outdoor bar a more rustic feel. However, you must be aware that you won’t be able to move your bar from place to place, so you need to be sure that you’re happy with the placement before going ahead with the build.

This is the best time of bar for people who are certain of what they want. Brick bars are sturdy and will stand the test of time. These bars are much more durable against things like harsh weather, animals, and pests.

Pallet Bar

A pallet bar is one of the best budget-friendly bars you can make. Plus, it works in almost any space! Whether you want to add a bar to the garden or if you’re looking to build a bar inside the home, a pallet bar works great. All you’ll need is a wooden pallet, which can be purchased for very cheap at around £5 - £15 per pallet. Alternatively, you may be able to pick up pallets for free from your local tip or via an online marketplace such as Facebook Marketplace or eBay.

You can do a lot of things with wooden pallets. You could attach some pallets together to create a large bar space. If you’re looking for a space-saving bar, consider hanging a pallet on the wall. Cut off the top section of the pallet to use as a flip-down bar surface and attach this to the wall pallet using strong chains and hinges. Add a block of wood on the surface to act as your serving space.

Make Use of Things You Already Have

If you have an old piece of furniture going to waste, why not consider converting it into a bar? A tall table is an ideal furniture piece for creating a bar. This method could allow you to create a bar at home at no additional cost. If you want to spruce up the furniture, you could choose to give it a lick of paint to help improve its appearance.

If you don't have something at home that you can repurpose into a bar, you may be able to find a second-hand piece of furniture on an online marketplace or at a charity shop. Sand down the second-hand furniture piece and give it a lick of paint in a colour of your choice.

Create a Simple Shelf Bar

If you’re looking to create a simple bar, you can do this for quite cheap. All you’ll need is a shelf that can be attached to the wall or attached to a sturdy fence if you’re building your bar outdoors. You could also paint your shelf to match your garden fence. A simple shelf will cost around £50 - £100, depending on the size and material that you choose.

From there, simply add some bar accents to the shelf to make it appear more exciting. Add a few drink options and some glasses so you and your guests can help yourselves to what you would like.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it! With a little planning, some elbow grease (or a hired pair of hands), you can transform your garden into the perfect summer hangout spot. Imagine the lazy evenings spent sipping cocktails with friends, the laughter echoing through the summer air. Your garden bar can become the hub of summer socialising, a place to unwind and reconnect with loved ones. So why not give it a go? Cheers to creating your own slice of pub paradise right there in your own back garden!