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How to Build an Outdoor Bar – Follow 8 Steps

Wouldn’t it be great if you had an outdoor bar in your backyard? It would be even better if you can build one on your own. These outdoor bars will provide you the best service while Christmas, Halloween, or other holidays. So, you should know how to build an outdoor bar to enjoy the holidays with your friends and family.

You don’t even need to have special skills to build one. Below, I have provided a step by step guide that will help you to build an outdoor bar on your own. The process is also cost-effective as you won’t need to hire a professional.

how to build an outdoor bar

How to Build an Outdoor Bar

Step 1: Purchase regular concrete blocks

If you are planning to mortar bricks, it might not be a good idea. Because these types of works require a lot of work and energy. You can build an outdoor bar without mortaring bricks. If you go to your nearby home improvement store, you will find concrete blocks that can be dry-stacked.

You will need a concrete slab as the base of your outdoor bar. If you don’t work on a concrete slab, the sand and grass will eventually settle down with the ground. Now, get the concrete blocks that you have purchased and lay them over the concrete slab.

Step 2: Decide how much longer you want your outdoor bar to be

Before laying the concrete blocks, you will need to make a decision regarding the size of the outdoor bar. The average height of outdoor bars is usually 35-45 inches from the ground. You can always make decision-based on your preference. If you are planning to build the bar in such a way where people will be able to eat as well, you can keep the height till 30 inches. You can lay a few chairs in the front, and you will be able to use it as a bar and a table to eat.

Step 3: Fill the concrete slab with concrete filler

If you have any uneven area on the surface of the concrete slab, then the outdoor bar will not have a strong surface. You will not be able to place the concrete blocks on it properly. To make the surface smooth and nice, you will need to fill the uneven places with concrete filler. Make sure that you are using a good quality concrete filler so that it works properly. It is important to build the surface smooth before laying the concrete blocks.

Step 4: Lay the concrete blocks on the slab

The next step to build the outdoor bar is to lay the concrete blocks on the slab. It is better not to put one concrete block over another directly. Make a bond pattern to lay the blocks on the concrete slab. You need to remember that you didn’t use mortar bricks. That is why the outdoor bar will stand on the base of the concrete block.

You will need to fill the whole area. Many people prefer to lay concrete blocks only near the exterior wall of the outdoor bar. But it will make the build of the outdoor bar weaker. Don’t leave the inside of the outdoor bar fully empty. If you are running short on concrete blocks, you can always purchase a few more.

Step 5: Even out the sidewalls of the outdoor bar

Once you are done laying the concrete blocks, it is time to make the walls of the bar smooth and even. When you work with concrete blocks, you can’t expect each corner to have a smooth finish. You will need to smooth out the walls at the end of laying the blocks. To make the surface smooth, you can use a rubber mallet. We will suggest you use a rubber mallet instead of a hammer because rubber mallet will make your work easier and will give you a smoother result.

Step 6: Make a concrete countertop

Once you are done making the base of the bar, it is time to make the countertop. You will need to make sure that the countertop of your outdoor bar is strong and beautiful. Make sure not to use too much concrete as concrete can be too heavy to be on the bar.

You can use surface bonding cement to make the countertop of your outdoor bar. You will only need to use a single layer of coating. Before applying the coating, don’t forget to spray water on the blocks. If you apply the coating on dry blocks, it will absorb the moisture very easily. As a result, you will have a cracked surface at the end.

Step 7: Mix the ingredients for at least 5 minutes

You will need to use a countertop mix for making a strong countertop for your outdoor bar. Using a countertop mix will ensure that there is no air bubble and no uneven surface on the countertop. It is important to mix the ingredients thoroughly. Keep mixing for around 5 minutes to blend it completely. Now, pour the concrete mix and leave it for around 20 hours. After that, you can remove the forms. At last, pour silicone caulk on the surface.

Step 8: Seal the countertop

You are almost done making an outdoor bar to enjoy during weekends and holidays. You are left with only a few things. You can seal the countertop if you want to protect it from external damage. Although, if you use good quality products, the countertop has already become weatherproof.

If you don’t seal the countertop, it leaves a possibility to develop a layer of patina. If you spill any liquid on the countertop, it will absorb some of the moisture and gradually make damage the countertop. You can seal your countertop if you want to stay free from worries.

These are steps through which you will be able to build an outdoor bar for your family and friends to enjoy. These types of outdoor bars can be used at any season, whether it’s Christmas or the 4th of July. The trick of building a great outdoor bar is to use good quality products and work with patience.

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