We all take pride in our outdoor living spaces and in providing the best comfort and style to our guests. But who wants to keep traipsing back and forth between your patio and the kitchen every time they want to refresh their drinking glass?
If you use your deck or patio often for entertaining guests, it’s time to consider integrating a bar into your outdoor living space. It, with your fire feature and comfortable furniture, will create a setting that will be the social destination for all of your friends and family members, and it will be the talk of your block. Before you start choosing the components to your bar, do some research and see what the blogs say about decorating patios and decks. These blogs are truly helpful and offer tips ranging from Ideas for a small backyardto building your dream bar.
Ambiance
A patio bar can be as simple as having a table with a cooler built under it and some bar stools set in place, or it can be as elaborate as a fully functional kitchen. It can take on a theme of its own such as exemplifying your favorite sports team, or it can reflect a continuation of your home’s interior décor and design. But all bars have some of the same things in common: they require a countertop of sorts, a refrigerator system, storage and some seating.
The bar top
Bars can come in lavish granite or in chic recycled materials. Not only will you want to choose something that reflects your style, you will also want to make sure it is appropriate for your local weather trends. Concrete is a popular option for outdoor bar surfaces. It can withstand any type of weather and is much more affordable than granite, marble or other high-end materials. But don’t be fooled if you think it sounds boring; concrete can be acid washed and treated to offer a variety of colors and textures.
Think efficiently
Try to build your bar in an area near a power source for easy access to plugging in your fridge and lighting. If you live in an area that gets lots of rain, try building the bar under some cover. In an article on how to design a bar for your back yard the author suggests that planting some hedges and shrubbery to help the windbreak is an ideal method for protecting your bar, as is having it built under a large tree. These are great options if the homeowner is unable to build directly under an overhang or incorporate umbrellas or awnings.
As far as bar wear goes, purchase some high-end plastic glasses and plates. They look like thick cut glass and maintain an elegant look, but are more durable and therefore practical for continuous outdoor use. If your bar space permits it, create a custom built cupboard to display your bar ware, as well as your liquor bottles. If you have “curious” children you may want to have one built that locks for added security.
Seating
Finally, make sure that once you have poured the drinks from your fancy new bar, your guests have a place to sit that is comfortable. Investing is some good quality patio furniture can serve as an extension to your bar, and truly make it a grand entertainment spot.
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