Raise The Roof On Your Outdoor Fun With A Bar Pergola Plan
Having an outdoor bar area can take backyard entertaining to the next level. But without proper shade and shelter, your outdoor oasis can quickly become unusable on hot sunny days or rainy afternoons. Adding a stunning roof structure atop your DIY bar is the perfect solution to keep the party going in any weather. Read on as we walk through how to construct a gorgeous wood pergola to raise the roof on your outdoor leisure and fun!
Pergolas add an elegant architectural element while providing much needed coverage for your bar space. Unlike a solid roof, pergolas allow filtered light through and won't block views of your lovely landscaping. The open slatted design also encourages airflow. Pergolas come in endless shapes like rectangles, triangles and hexagons. You can even customize the size to perfectly accent your bar. Now let's explore the framework for bringing your outdoor bar dreams to life!
Plan Layout and Dimensions
When embarking on an outdoor bar build, the first step is assessing your patio or yard to choose the ideal spot. Consider existing shade and sunlight patterns to pick a location that offers shelter during the hottest parts of the day. Also examine spatial parameters to envision a bar layout that complements the area without dominating. Access to plumbing or electricity is a plus if you want running water or outlets. Once you've selected the perfect site, it's time to map out bar dimensions.
Factor In Usage and Activities
Bars typically range from 6 to 12 feet long and 2-3 feet deep for leaning and serving. If seating is desired, allow wider dimensions. Bar height averages 3-4 feet for standing guests or 42 inches for bar stool seating. Scale your dimensions to the number of people you envision entertaining. Don't forget to measure your pergola to extend several feet past the bar's footprint on all sides to maximize roof coverage.
Jot down measurements for bar length, width, height as well as pergola span. This will come in handy later when building! If including sinks, taps, shelving or storage, note desired locations in your plans too. With critical numbers defined, we can move on to structural supports.
Construct Robust Base Framework
A sturdy base is essential for an outdoor bar that will see frequent use over years outdoors. Start by digging holes for footing tubes made from concrete, metal pipe or treated wood. Insert posts cut from cedar, redwood or pressure-treated pine into footing sleeves, securing into place with concrete. Allow proper cure times before moving on.
Attach Support Beams
Select suitably sized beams to span the tops of vertical posts, anchoring into position with galvanized joist hangers and 3-4" lag screws for robust connections. Construct inner support framework the dimensions of your bar using 2x4 or 2x6 beams and posts. Brace side and rear walls, allowing space for shelving or cabinets later.
Check edges are square and posts plumb during building to ensure proper structural integrity when finished. With a sturdy inner skeleton complete, we'll clad and top it next.
Add Visual Interest
For visually appealing cladding, mix vertical tongue and groove cedar planks with horizontal barnboard style reclaimed wood. Accent corners with mitered vertical strips. For water resistance and durability, seal the wood prior with several coats of exterior penetrating stain in your preferred hue. arranging contrasting tones and textures creates lovely visual charm.
Outfit With Functional Elements
Options like sinks, taps, lighting, cooling, storage and shelving make an outdoor bar highly functional. Stainless steel sinks withstand weather beautifully. Consider plumbing lines for running water if feasible, or a large water jug dispenser. For electricity, use marine-grade components and consult an electrician if unsure. Framed lattice paneling on side walls or the bar back make convenient shelving for glassware and accessories.
Top your bar frame with waterproof marine grade plywood or durable PVC panels. Use heat-resistant composite boards if including cooktop surfaces. Overhang edges slightly and attach metal capping bars along the front and sides for drinks. Apply penetrating epoxy resins for maximum weather and water protection.
Construct Stunning Pergola Roof
Now comes the exciting part - building your pergola! Mark post locations using dimensions planned earlier. Dig holes and sink cedar posts set in concrete tube forms, braced with angled beams while drying. Allow several days before moving on to ensure robust post stability when building roof framework atop.
Add Horizontal Roof Beams
Cut a quantity of dimensional cedar lumber for pergola header and rafter beams. Use metal joist hangers secured with 3" lag screws to attach roof beams, spaced according to your plans. We recommend 10-16 inches between rafters for optimal shade coverage. Align roof edges with bar top front to maximize overhead shelter.
For added protection from rain and UV rays, fasten clear or tinted corrugated polycarbonate panels to pergola rafters using closure strips and screws with rubber washers. This allows filtered light while shielding occupants fully. Bamboo fencing material makes a wonderful lattice-style cover alternative too. The finishing touch - hang twinkle lights and ceiling fans for magical ambiance!
Take a few vital last steps to complete your outdoor bar and pergola project. Apply exterior-grade wood sealant to all surfaces, paying special attention to end grains. Reapply yearly or as needed. Install metal flashing alonginterfaces where the pergola meets walls or posts. Attach guttering and downspouts to control runoff.
Now stock up on beverages and barware because your backyard entertainment oasis awaits! No more dashed patio plans due to bad weather with your luxury covered bar. We hope our DIY pergola and bar tips inspire you to create the ultimate outdoor hangout spot. Raise a glass with friends under your new roof and enjoy many happy hours of fun ahead!