10 Outdoor Bar Ideas for Your Backyard

10 Outdoor Bar Ideas for Your Backyard

by — Andra DelMonico
Published on May 20, 2021
Updated on March 20, 2025

You love your man cave and wouldn’t give it up. However, it forces you to stay stuck inside. This isn’t appealing when the weather is warm, the sun is shining, and summer is in full swing. What you need is a backyard pub. This gives you the perfect place outside to enjoy a few cold drinks with friends on a Saturday afternoon.

What’s nice about building your outdoor bar space is that it can be as simple or elaborate as you’d like. From a basic bar made from pallets to one that’s custom-designed and built from granite. These backyard bar ideas will help you get started building the perfect gathering place for your family and friends.

1. Explore Elegant Countertop Ideas

The countertop of your bar needs to be durable enough to withstand the weather elements. Unless you have a cover for your bar, it’ll get exposed to the sun, rain, wind, and ice. This makes some materials a bad idea. While wood is a popular choice for your bar inside, it will require a lot of upkeep to stay looking nice outside.

A rustic home bar with wooden decor, shelves of beer taps, bottles, sunflowers on the counter, and a brick wall backdrop — Source: @coopwithinacoop via Instagram

Bar with circular bottle shelves, neon signs, barrels labeled "Federalist," and vintage decor on wooden walls — Source: @corykalina via Instagram

Outdoor tiki bar with wooden stools, pirate-themed decor, skull and crossbones flag, surfboard sign, and barrels under granite counter — Source: @thefootrailstore via Instagram

Rustic backyard bar with a wooden pergola, stone counter, and barstools, surrounded by greenery for a cozy outdoor retreat — Source: @tonyconnect via Instagram

Tiki bar with a thatched roof on a wooden deck, surrounded by string lights and lush green trees — Source: @ultimatetiki via Instagram

If you really want wood, try a murphy bar. It folds away flat against the wall when not in use. Then you can set it up when you need it and throw an ice chest under it. This style of op-up bar is ready when you need it and out of the way when you don’t.

2. Discover Stylish Bar Coverings

Nothing puts a damper on good times like bad weather. Add a cover to your outdoor bar and let the party continue. You can do this with a gazebo or pergola. These are structures that you can have built over your bar and surrounding area.

Wooden outdoor bar with a dartboard, signs, and a corrugated roof, surrounded by a fence, set on a grassy yard — Source: @adam_dave_brooks88 via Instagram

Outdoor tiki bar with a thatched roof and wooden stools, surrounded by greenery, under a bright blue sky — Source: @bamboo_bettys via Instagram

Cozy backyard bar with a rustic wood counter, string lights, and mismatched stools, creating a laid-back outdoor gathering space — Source: @cknk310 via Instagram

Stone-clad backyard bar with nautical decor, a dark roof, and barstools, creating a stylish outdoor entertainment space — Source: @guy_from_jersey via Instagram

Outdoor tiki bar at night with stools, string lights, a large cactus, and a "Landshark" surfboard sign — Source: @hey_ca_xox via Instagram

Outdoor bar with wooden shelves, various bottles, a barbecue grill, and a Jamaican flag hanging on the wall — Source: @mygardenbars via Instagram

While there are metal pop-up style gazebos, you’ll want to avoid these. Invest in a permanent wood frame option. This will have better durability and give you more protection. If you choose to build a pergola instead, look for one with adjustable slats on the roof. Some are manually operated and others are motor operated.

3. Embrace DIY Outdoor Bar Projects

You don’t have to hire an expensive contractor to build your bar. With a little carpentry know-how, you can have your own DIY outdoor bar.

Simple DIY outdoor bar ideas show you how to use a wine barrel or old door. These create the main structure of the bar and then you only have to build around them.

Home bar with a brick-style counter, red bar stools, liquor bottles, snacks, and drink dispensers on display; wall decorations include beer signs — Source: @becky_ballett via Instagram

Outdoor bar setup with a rustic wooden counter, bar stools, and BBQ sign surrounded by greenery and decorative plants — Source: @islandfashionfinds via Instagram

Outdoor wooden bar with stools, decorated with vintage beer signs and drink taps, set on a brick patio with plants and trees nearby — Source: @kegworks via Instagram

Outdoor wooden bar with two gray bar stools under a thatched roof, featuring a "BAR" sign on the back wall — Source: @nathanatkinsoncarpentry via Instagram

Charming DIY backyard bar with a light blue wooden frame, illuminated "BAR" sign, and cozy barstools, perfect for outdoor gatherings — Source: @sistersheen via Instagram

Wooden bar setup with rustic stools, a variety of draft beer taps, an overhead TV, and a wall decorated with badges and beer logos — Source: @the910tavern via Instagram

Cozy pub-style backyard bar with neon lighting, a dartboard, and sports decor, creating the perfect game night retreat — Source: @the_lucky_barrow_pubshed via Instagram

You could also build a DIY bar from the ground up. This is the best option if you want a custom bar. Consider this option if you need an unusual size or shape for your bar.

4. Built an Outdoor Bar on an Existing Deck

If you have a deck, then you already have an outdoor living space. This makes it easy to add an outdoor bar. There are several design ideas that show you how to build the bar into your deck.

You could build the bar top into the railing and then line bar stools up along the railing. This is a great idea if you have a great view from your deck.

Outdoor bar setup with wooden deck, metal stools, floral decorations, and a sign reading "ANNIVERSARY" under a canopy — Source: @brandfluentialmarketing via Instagram

Outdoor deck with seating, table, umbrella, and a bar area under a pergola; grill and fridge visible; surrounded by greenery — Source: @cbee18 via Instagram

Wooden deck with a small hut, metal roof, and bar area, surrounded by trees and a fence, with several chairs on the deck — Source: @esters.will via Instagram

Modern outdoor bar area with two stools, a large serving window, and overhead lights; the deck is surrounded by greenery — Source: @guaro20 via Instagram

Stylish backyard bar with a black pallet counter, string lights, and a cozy deck setup, perfect for outdoor entertaining — Source: @home_at_number21 via Instagram

Rustic pallet-style backyard bar with a green wood finish, bunting decorations, and built-in drink dispensers, perfect for outdoor fun — Source: @pinkflamingomusicproductions via Instagram

Another option is to build your bar in a naturally dead corner of your outdoor space. It’s the corner that’s awkward to put furniture in and ends up sitting empty or getting used for storage. Turn it into a functional space by building a bar around it.

5. Blend Your Bar with Backyard Aesthetics

Get creative with your backyard bar design. You could have it blend in with your other backyard structures for a cohesive look. If you love to plant and have a garden, why not build a garden bar. This gives you an entertaining space that seamlessly blends in with its surroundings.

Cozy home bar with colorful LED lights, wooden stools, and eclectic decor, including signs and bottles on shelves — Source: @bridgecityjohn via Instagram

Colorful homemade outdoor bar with pink pallet walls, cocktails, and decorations; plants and drinks are placed on the counter — Source: @butleranddunne via Instagram

Outdoor tiki bar with a green fringe, tropical decor, colorful leis, various cups, and a blender with a "BAR" sign overhead — Source: @coureur_de_bourgeoisie via Instagram

Cozy home bar with wooden counters, vintage signs, memorabilia, and assorted bottles, with a "Bar Open" sign displayed prominently — Source: @drewbarnes9 via Instagram

Outdoor bar with stools, chalkboard menu for margaritas and beer, and rustic decor on a sunny patio — Source: @hikeskigo via Instagram

Outdoor bar setup with a black counter and three bright orange stools on a patio, drink pitcher and lanterns on the bar top — Source: @inside.number12 via Instagram

Cozy backyard retreat with a hot tub, rustic bar setup, string lights, and a boho tapestry, perfect for relaxation and entertaining — Source: @more.to.explore.outdoors via Instagram

Retro caravan bar on grass with a "CHEERS" neon sign, offering drinks surrounded by greenery and wooden fence in the background — Source: @mylittlepeonyau via Instagram

Mobile bar cart with stools on a paved area, surrounded by trees, personalized with names and a date — Source: @taptrentals via Instagram

Outdoor bar with metal structure, two chairs, neon lights, and dartboard; interior decorated with colorful signs and memorabilia — Source: @the_lucky_barrow_pubshed via Instagram

Cozy bar setup with two blue chairs, small table holding an American flag, and decorative wall items under string lights — Source: @theshekshanty via Instagram

Outdoor kitchen with stone bar, four wooden bar stools, grill, and wall-mounted TV under a wooden pergola surrounded by greenery — Source: @totalscapedesign via Instagram

Instead of the standard bar design, use an outdoor bar cart. This gives you an elegant design. If you have a fire pit, build a rustic bar out of the same materials that you’ve built the fire pit out of.

6. Create a Cozy Seating Palace for Comfort

Don’t stop at just the bar. You need to have a palace for people to sit down. This will encourage people to stay in the space longer as they will be more comfortable.

If you have a limited amount of square footage, then all you need are a few bar stools. Try to have at least three; otherwise, it will look off-balance and odd.

Cozy shed interior with two chairs, patterned floor, small table with a vase of flowers, red cups, balloons, and colorful back wall — Source: @athomewiththedawsons via Instagram

Cozy backyard bar with a wooden counter, string lights, and flag decor, creating a warm pub-like atmosphere for entertaining guests — Source: @beverleyliddle via Instagram

Home bar made of reclaimed wood with two stools, a potted plant on top, and vintage license plates on the wall — Source: @cliftonscrafts via Instagram

Cozy room with American flags, neon lights, bar area, and couches; decor includes shelves with collectibles and a Grogu plush — Source: @club443pub via Instagram

Outdoor tiki bar with two straw-topped stools, a life ring sign, tiki statues, and torches under a small roof — Source: @kimberleyvallee via Instagram

Charming backyard bar with a rustic wood pallet counter, white barstools, and string lights, creating a cozy outdoor gathering spot — Source: @ourbuchananbeginnings via Instagram

Covered patio with hot tub, bar stools, and a wall-mounted TV featuring decor with various signs and team logos along with a colorful rug on the floor — Source: @starbud99 via Instagram

Tropical backyard setting with bamboo bar, colorful lounge chairs, a blue sofa, tropical decor, and lush green plants — Source: @tiki.tiny via Instagram

If you have more space, then create a lounge-like atmosphere. Arrange an accent chair, love seat, or sofa. Even a long bench would work. Then add cushions and throw pillows. Look for seating that is deeper, which creates a more relaxed sitting position.

7. Embrace Upcycling: Build Your Pallet Bar

Modern trends embrace the idea of upcycling wood pallets. A popular use is to make a pallet bar. There are two ways you can go about building your bar. The first is to leave the wooden pallets intact and just attach them to each other. This is fast and easy but limits your customization ability.

Rustic outdoor bar with corrugated metal roof, wooden barrels, and countryside view; menu displayed on the wooden wall — Source: @amykatedesigns via Instagram

DIY bar made of white pallets with a turquoise top, featuring bottles and an orange on top in a backyard setting with flowers nearby — Source: @custom_pallet_bars via Instagram

Outdoor bar made from white wooden pallets with a wooden top, featuring four glasses with flags, and two wooden stools on grass — Source: @dukesdecorli via Instagram

A rustic bar made of wooden pallets, decorated with liquor boxes and framed currency notes on the walls, under blue LED lighting — Source: @jrrobert88 via Instagram

Rustic backyard bar with a wooden pallet design, black metal stools, and hanging plants, creating a stylish outdoor entertainment space — Source: @laureelau via Instagram

Outdoor bar with a wooden finish, topped with plants and bottles, set on grass with blooming flowers in the background — Source: @once_upon_a_pallet via Instagram

Outdoor wooden bar with three metal stools, plants, and a white fence in the background on a cloudy day — Source: @there_goes_nic_again via Instagram

Rustic backyard bar with wooden pallet seating, a barrel-style table, and a cozy pub-like atmosphere, perfect for relaxing outdoors — Source: @uk_hockey_fam via Instagram

The other option is to break the pallets down. Now you have several similarly sized and shaped pieces of wood. You can use them to build a bar that fits your space and needs. Try taking it a step further by making a design out of the wood. Alternate light and dark pieces for a striped effect.

8. Transform Backyard Sheds into Cozy Bars

Building a bar shed lets you build an outdoor bar idea without having to leave your bar outside. You could convert an old gardening shed. Replace the potting bench with a drinking bench.

Replace the small door with two large double barn-style doors. Or you could have a lift-up style door to open the bar from the side. People would then walk up or sit at bar stools on the outside, and the person preparing the drinks would stand inside.

Small garden shed turned into a bar with a "Welcome to Baugh's Bar" sign, bar stools inside, and lanterns outside — Source: @baughsbar via Instagram

Bar sheds tend to work best when they are a flex space. This blends indoor and outdoor living together so that you can easily transition from one to the other.

9. Experience Tiki Bar Escapes

Create your own island oasis getaway right in your own backyard by building a tiki bar on your patio. Use bamboo for the front of the bar; it comes in easy to work with rolled sheets or panels. Then create an overhead cover with a grass roof.

Tiki bar with thatched roof, bamboo stools, and "Aloha" sign, set against a white building background — Source: @barbaracrosby via Instagram

A small wooden outdoor bar with a sign "Gallo 1055" and two green stools in front — Source: @funguystuff5280 via Instagram

Poolside view with a tiki-style bar, chairs, and palm trees in a backyard setting — Source: @j.luis.normandin via Instagram

Outdoor tiki bar with four wooden stools, bamboo decor, wall signs, knick-knacks, and a TV screen showing a soccer game — Source: @ryankellly5 via Instagram

A small outdoor wooden bar with two stools, decorated with hanging lights and signs, on a wooden deck — Source: @thebeardedtiki via Instagram

Outdoor tiki bar with bamboo structure, barstool, colorful parrots, and two red tropical drinks decorated with vibrant signs — Source: @thegoonatic via Instagram

A tiki bar with a thatched roof stands in a patio, potted plants surround the area, and a wooden fence serves as the backdrop — Source: @theslimmingman via Instagram

Tiki bar with two stools on a wooden deck, surrounded by greenery, houses, and colorful decorations under a cloudy sky — Source: @vaudevillepictures via Instagram

Finish your tiki bar by painting the wood elements bright tropical colors. Then decorate it with all of the island decor that you would expect to see at a tiki bar. It could be decorative surfboards, theme signs, Hawaiian totems, or tropical animal wall hangings.

10. Go with the Hardwood for Outdoor Bar Construction

The popular wood of choice right now is reclaimed wood. It has an authentic rustic and vintage feel. The problem is that it isn’t the best choice for your backyard bar. Your best option is to build your bar out of hardwood. These woods are the most durable because they are impervious to water.

Outdoor bar setup with a wooden roof decorated with string lights, a counter labeled "BAR," and drink bottles on the shelves — Source: @adamneilll via Instagram

Outdoor wooden bar with a corrugated metal roof, four red metal stools, a wall-mounted TV, string lights, and "Man Cave" sign — Source: @backyard_bars via Instagram

Outdoor setup with a white pallet bar, red chair, potted plant, and rug under a canopy; two bar stools in the background — Source: @cie_812 via Instagram

Backyard bar setup with blue walls, a wooden counter, white bar stools, and green stools, featuring plants and a TV visible — Source: @haveninthemeadows via Instagram

Outdoor bar with metal and wood design, surrounded by stools, "Don’t Tread on Me" sign and bottles on the counter — Source: @jimbobars via Instagram

Wooden outdoor bar with beer bottles, "Bar" sign, two lanterns, and flowers, set against a brick wall — Source: @louisandcobars via Instagram

Stylish outdoor bar with a rustic wood finish, pergola, built-in grill, and vibrant red stools, perfect for entertaining guests — Source: @myrealestateomind via Instagram

DIY patio bar with wooden counter, two black bar stools, wall signs, and decor; located on a covered porch — Source: @outdoorsover50 via Instagram

Outdoor bar with a rustic design, featuring blue corrugated metal panels, a wooden counter, and a chalkboard with barn-style shutters — Source: @placehardwood via Instagram

If you can’t afford or find hardwood, then your next best option is a treated softwood. They won’t last as long as hardwood, but they’ll last a decent amount of time. You’ll want to regularly treat the wood to ensure you get the most out of it.

How much does it cost to build an outdoor bar?

The cost of your outdoor backyard bar will depend on its size, materials, and design. The bigger, more expensive materials, and extravagant your bar is, the more expensive it will be. Expect to spend at least $500 to $1,000 for a small and simple bar. You could easily spend $10,000 or more for more elaborate designs.

What can I use for an outdoor bar top?

The best materials to use for your bar top are those that are highly durable and impervious to water and weather. Granite is a natural stone that comes in a range of colors and designs. Stainless steel or aluminum are great options if you prefer metal. Wood could be used, but you should stick with hardwoods that will be impervious to moisture.

What do you need for an outdoor bar?

You need to have a place for keeping drinks cold. You can do this with a refrigerator, kegerator, or cooler. An ice maker is nice if you make a lot of mixed drinks. You’ll want a countertop area for making drinks and a bar top area for people to place their drinks. While you could have a walk-up bar, one with seating is more comfortable.