Building Your Own Tiki Bar

Summer always gets us thinking about the beach and vacation. What if you could bring that atmostphere to your own backyard? Tiki bars have become a very popular way to fix up your back yard, and they make a great addition to a swimming pool. Regardless of your backyard setup, you can still gain lots of enjoyment from building your own tiki bar. Fortunately, it is a fairly simple thing to do. Here is how to build your own tiki bar step by step:

Step One – Find a great bar – This is the one step that is more important than all others. While the option to build a tiki bar is there, it is much more cost effective to find a bar that is basic in form and fashion. You do not need anything overly fancy. A simple basic bar is wonderful for a tiki bar. An old bar is also a plus if it is in good condition as it will give your tiki bar that aged look. There are some features that you will want to make sure the base bar has:

• Plenty of space to sit.
• Cabinets down below to store drinks and materials.
• The proper height (should come to just below your chest).
• Be the proper color. Light or dark wood is ideal.

Step Two – Once you have found the base bar, it is now time to start building the ambiance that comes with a tiki bar. That begins with building a great tiki bar roof. The tiki bar roof should be made of dried grass, palm fronds, or faux versions of the same. If you go with the real thing, strap a bit of netting across the roof to catch any parts that come loose. Otherwise you will have palm fronds all over the yard. The netting will only add to the ambiance.

These materials should be attached to a simply constructed roof that is sturdy. The easiest way to do this is to use two by fours or posts that are attached to the base bar. Then you can construct a roof from plywood, or sloping two by fours cut to size and placed together. Be sure to consult a roofing manual (found in any Home Depot or Lowe’s) before constructing your tiki bar roof. Be sure to weather proof the entire structure with normal wood protective sealant.

Now that you have the basics of your tiki bar in place, it is time for the fun to begin. Add in some high back thatched chairs, and plenty of wood and straw items. Wood and straw scream tiki bar so you can really not overdo this easily. Also, adding some props such as statues and things of this nature can add to the effect. A well placed parrot makes any tiki bar top notch.

Finally, add friends, family, and your favorite beach beverage to make your tiki bar complete. Do not forget the fancy beach glasses and the straw hats either. Building your own tiki bar takes some patience and work, but it sure is worth it on that hot summer day at home.