Having an outdoor bar area can be a great way to entertain guests and enjoy the outdoors. Building customized cabinets can provide elegant storage and display options to make your outdoor bar area even more functional and aesthetically pleasing. This comprehensive guide provides tips and steps for designing, building and installing high-quality built-in cabinets for your outdoor bar space.
Planning Your Outdoor Bar Cabinet Design
Careful planning is crucial when designing built-in cabinets for your outdoor bar. Consider the following factors to come up with the optimal layout and features:
Measure the Space
First, take precise measurements of the wall space where you want to install the cabinets. Note the height, width and depth. This will determine the potential size and configuration options for your cabinetry.
Consider Your Needs
Think about how you want to use the bar and cabinets. This will dictate what you’ll need to store. Barware and glassware storage? Wine racks? Refrigeration? Sink? Ice bucket? Tools and accessories? Take stock of your existing barware and what you’ll need going forward.
Cabinet Configuration
Map out different cabinet configurations within your space limitations. Consider two long cabinets spanning the whole wall, flanking the bar area. Or upper and lower cabinets. A combination of large and small cabinets provides versatility.
Materials
What materials will you use to construct the cabinets? Weather-resistant options like treated lumber, composite wood or aluminum are best for durability. Choose finishes like marine varnish or outdoor paint. Select durable hardware.
Work Triangle
Design an efficient “work triangle” between the sink, refrigerator and workspace. This allows convenient access and workflow.
Style
Decide on a style for your outdoor bar cabinetry. Casual? Modern? Rustic? Beachy? Your style choices for finishes, hardware and decorative accents will set the tone.
Storage Solutions
Incorporate storage solutions like pull-out shelves, wine glass racks, bottle racks, produce bins and more. Also consider locks, lighting, charging ports, shelves, hooks and other functional elements.
Seating
If your bar will double as a seating area, factor this into the design. Allow adequate knee room and space for chairs under the bar countertop or at one end.
Permits
Check if you need permits based on your plans. Many jurisdictions require permits for outdoor built-ins over a certain size.
DIY Outdoor Bar Cabinet Construction
With planning complete, it’s time to start building your custom outdoor bar cabinets. Here are step-by-step instructions for DIY construction:
Make a Detailed Cut List
Cut lists are essential for efficiently constructing cabinets. Carefully measure and specify the quantity, dimensions and materials for:
- Studs and bracing
- Horizontal and vertical cabinet frames
- Shelves
- Doors and drawer fronts
- Side, top and bottom panels
- Trim and molding
- Hardware and accessories
Construct the Cabinet Frames
The cabinet frames provide the structure to mount cabinets on the wall. Build them as individual units, except top cabinets designed to sit on lowers.
- Cut horizontal header and footer boards for top and bottom of cabinet.
- Cut vertical studs for cabinet sides. Space evenly.
- Assemble cabinet frames by screwing or nailing into right angles.
- Add diagonal cross bracing for rigidity.
- Attach 3/4” plywood back panel.
Add Cabinet Bodies
- Rip plywood sheets to required widths with a table saw for sides, tops and bottoms.
- Cut panels to length – front edge flush with frame, back edge recessed.
- Attach panels with finish nails and glue.
- Cut and install fixed shelves and divider panels if needed.
Build Doors and Drawers
- Cut plywood to size for door/drawer fronts.
- Attach handles and hardware.
- Install hinges on door.
- Build drawer boxes to slide into openings.
Apply Finishes
- Sand and prep cabinet surfaces.
- Seal untreated wood.
- Apply primer.
- Finish with outdoor paint/stain for protection.
Install the Cabinets
- Secure firmly to wall framing with long screws into studs.
- Shim any gaps for flush wall mounting.
- Install filler trim pieces between cabinets and walls.
- Seal edges and seams with waterproof caulk.
Ideas and Tips for Outdoor Bar Cabinet Features
Well-designed features maximize the functionality, convenience and aesthetics of your outdoor bar cabinetry. Consider incorporating some of these ideas:
Wine Storage
- Diamond cube wine racks let bottles lay flat or stand upright.
- Small reach-in wine refrigerators keep wines cool without taking up bar space.
- Tall wine racks store bottles in a small footprint. Use for display.
- Wine glass racks hold glasses securely by the stem.
Glassware Storage
- Pull out shelves provide easy access to glasses.
- Glass racks and pegs store glassware upside down to prevent dust buildup.
- Use tin flooring on shelves to prevent slipping.
Barware Storage
- Shallow drawers keep tools like bottle openers, corkscrews and stirring spoons handy but organized.
- Hanging racks keep frequently used items visible and convenient.
- Cabinet inserts allow you to customize drawer organizers.
Refrigeration
- Compact refrigerators maximize storage while occupying minimal space.
- Drawer refrigerators are easy to access and organize.
- Freestanding refrigerators function as both storage and counter space.
Sinks
- Self-rimming sinks drop into countertop holes for easy installation.
- Undermount sinks attach below counter for a sleek look.
- Prepare plumbing and power for water supply, drainage and garbage disposal.
Serving and Display
- Open shelving adds easy access and display for decorative items.
- Glass door cabinets allow you to display collectibles while protecting them.
- Curbside pickup shelves allow easy access to chilled drinks and food.
Lighting
- LED strip lighting adds ambient light and illuminates contents.
- Accent lighting highlights features or collections.
- Task lighting aids food prep and clean up.
Locks
- Locking cabinets allow secure storage of valuables.
- Lockable refrigerator and wine cabinets prevent theft.
- Locks on liquor cabinets provide child safety.
Electronics
- Hardwire charging stations into cabinets to keep phones/tablets powered.
- Bluetooth speakers provide music. conduit.
- TV mounts allow you to secure flat screen TVs with full cable routing.
5 Quick Tips for Building Outdoor Bar Cabinets
Here are a few summarized tips to ensure success as you undertake building your own custom outdoor bar cabinetry:
- Choose weather-resistant cabinet materials suitable for outdoor use like treated lumber, composite wood, aluminum or plastic.
- Apply water-resistant finishes on all cabinet surfaces. Use exterior-grade wood stains or paint. Seal edges and seams.
- Provide adequate overhangs, drip edges and flashings to keep cabinet interiors dry and protected.
- Allow for drainage from refrigerators, sinks or ice buckets so water doesn’t pool.
- Incorporate accessories and features that suit your precise bar storage, serving and entertaining needs. Every detail should have purpose.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best materials to build outdoor bar cabinets?
The ideal materials are weather-resistant, durable and designed for outdoor use. Top choices include treated lumber, marine grade plywood, aluminum, plastic or fiberglass.
Can I use regular indoor cabinets outside?
It’s not recommended. Indoor cabinets will deteriorate quickly outside when exposed to moisture, UV rays, temperature fluctuations and bugs.
What kind of wood finish should I use?
Use an exterior-grade wood stain, varnish or paint. Spar urethane and marine grade varnish work well. Refresh the finish yearly.
How do I mount the cabinets securely on the wall?
Attach the cabinet backing firmly to wall stud framing using 3-4” outdoor-rated screws. Use shims if needed for flush mounting.
Should I caulk around the cabinets?
Definitely. Caulking and sealing any seams and edges is important to prevent moisture intrusion that can damage cabinets.
Conclusion
Creating custom built-in cabinets opens up endless possibilities for your ideal outdoor bar setup. Follow the planning, construction and installation steps outlined above to create cabinets tailored to your space, needs and style. Focus on weather-resistant materials and finishes, specialized storage solutions and functional features. With some carpentry skills and creativity, you can build the perfect cabinets to provide years of bar enjoyment in your backyard oasis.