Bar Outside is about this Architect’s new design and construction of an exterior bar behind his own house on an existing porch.
Above is just one view of the completed exterior bar, showing the beautiful mountain terrain beyond in which the house is located. Below, we’ll review the development of its construction from start or finish. All images are copyright protected.
1. BASE STRUCTURE
The Architect is using #1 SYP PT 4x4s because they are straight and strong.
The 4x4s are set up parallel to each other and level. Architect is using existing benches to establish a level up off the floor of the exterior deck, along with some scrap blocks of wood and shims to make the 4×4 joists level.
Above, you can see the parallel 4×4 joists already attached to the existing guardrailing (on the left) and two vertical 4×4 posts (on the right) screwed to a 4×4 horizontal bottom plate screwed to the deck planks.
2. COUNTERTOP ROUGH ASSEMBLY
The Architect is using the same quality PT 4×4 exterior grade 4x4s for the countertop as the rest of the bar structure. Here, the Architect is assembling and adjusting the countertop boards in response to guest circulation patterns that occur in this area around the proposed bar during social occasions, to make sure the bar doesn’t get in the way of desired pedestrian traffic flow.
3. COUNTERTOP FRAMING COMPLETION
Above, you can see the completion of the countertop planking, cut and screwed into place. Outdoor grade star drive type screws were used and over-driven to recess about an inch below the surface and into the supporting structural members.
Some people may think that this bar is now done. Nope. Much more finishing awaits.
4. BRACING & STAINING
The bar needs some structural bracing. See the 1×6 diagonal brace on the lower right side. Note that the Architect foresaw this and made sure the vertical support posts were angled to be aligned with the horizontal joists to make for simple geometric connections with the brace.
The top surface and exposed side edges of the countertop have been stained with a medium gray semi-transparent stain, then some of the boards are painted with a watered-down left-over black acrylic paint the Architect had sitting in his garage for the last 6 years. He wiped it as soon as he coated the individual accent boards to be able to still see the wood grain.
5. POLYURETHANE EXTERIOR PROTECTIVE COATING
After the color staining, the bar top needed something to protect it from both the winter snow, rain and ice, but also the drink glasses with condensed moisture on the bottom that would otherwise leave unsightly rings on the countertop. The Architect’s paint consultant recommended a Zar Exterior grade polyurethane, 3 coats. That was very expensive at around $60 for a quart. This was only for the countertop and counter side edges. According to Zar, you’re supposed to apply 2 coats in one day, allowing the poly to dry for at least 2 hours between coats. Then wait until the next day to apply the 3rd coat.
6. SOLID STAIN BASE STRUCTURE
Architect’s color scheme had the base structure being coated with the identical solid stain 10 year coating as was used on the guardrails. Note: Architect’s experience is that while this is a good combination sealer and stain, it does not last 10 years. More like about 1/2 that length in the real world.
Above is the solid gray stained base structure matching the guardrails.
Also, now that the 3rd coat of polyurethane has dried on the countertop, you can see the gorgeous luster there.
7. DOWEL ACCENTS
These are features of this house and can be seen in various places inside and outside of the home. Adds some interesting detail to this bar project.
8. BACK BAR
If you look at the 1st image of this article on the right side, you can see two medium gray shelves. That is the back bar: a top counter and a shelf under it. So that bartenders have someplace to locate bottles, glasses and other items when managing the bar.
9. COST
This counter looks like a $7,500 custom bar built by a custom craftsman.
The reality:
Labor: $0: Architect’s sweat equity.
Wood (new boards): $253. Jennings Builder Supply
Screws: $60 Jennings
Medium gray semi-transparent stain: 1 gallon: $60. Cashiers Color Center
Exterior polyurethane: $60. Zar, Cashiers Color Center.
Dowels: $10 Lowes.
Black spray paint: left-over in Architect’s garage.
All other boards: left-over in Architect’s garage.
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$443 of new materials.
Looks like a lot more, doesn’t it?
The resulting bar will help the owners deal with 40+ guests at social events at their house. They have found that during pleasant weather events, having the drink bar on the back deck works better than having that inside, because it is a hub of interest and activity. So, the exterior bar now helps to divide the pedestrian traffic focus at the interior kitchen food buffet and the abundance of people at the drink bar.