Think of an outdoor bar as the social hub of your backyard. It's the natural spot where people gather to chat, where you serve up cool drinks on a hot day, and where you make great memories. But getting that perfect, welcoming vibe means choosing the right bar, stools, and umbrella. This guide is here to help you pick the right pieces, so you can create a backyard spot that's stylish, comfy, and actually works for you and your guests.
1. Choose Your Outdoor Bar
The bar is the main event, so let's start there. The best choice for you will come down to three things: the material it's made of, its size, and the style that fits your backyard.
What It's Made Of Matters
Outdoor furniture has to stand up to a lot—sun, rain, you name it. The material you pick determines how it looks, how long it will last, and how much work you'll have to put in to keep it looking good.
All-Weather Wicker
This is not your grandmother's wicker furniture. It's a durable, synthetic fiber woven over a metal frame, typically aluminum. It's light, withstands sun and rain without cracking or fading, and it also imparts a relaxed, timeless feel and won't become searing hot in the sun like some metals do.
Metal (Aluminum & Steel)
If you want a sleek, modern appearance, metal is the way to go. Powder-coated aluminum is a popular choice since it is lightweight, easy to relocate, and will not rust. Steel is heavier and ultra-durable, but ensure that it has a decent protective coating to prevent it from rusting, particularly if you reside in an area with high rainfall or humidity.
Wood (Especially Teak)
You can't beat the natural, warm appearance of wood. Teak is the crème de la crème for outdoor use since its natural oils serve as a built-in raincoat and insect repellent. If you're working on a smaller budget, choices such as cedar or acacia are good options. Just be aware that any type of wood will require some TLC, such as cleaning and sealing, to help it continue to look new.
Get the Size Just Right
Measure before you purchase anything. A bar that is too large will make the space feel tight and difficult to navigate. One that is too small will appear somewhat lost and won't provide you with sufficient room to serve.
Also, consider how many guests you normally have over. A straight, basic bar is perfect for smaller gatherings. If you frequently have a group, an L-shaped bar provides additional counter space and helps define the area as a more true, standalone bar space.
2. Find the Perfect Bar Stools
Your guests will be sitting on these stools, so they have to be comfortable and the right height. Nothing kills the vibe faster than an awkward, uncomfortable seat.
Height
This is the most important part to get right. You want about 10 to 12 inches of space between the stool's seat and the bottom of the bar counter. This gives you enough legroom without making you feel like a kid at the adults' table. Most outdoor bars are around 40-42 inches tall, so you’ll be looking for stools with a seat height of about 30 inches. Always double-check the measurements before you buy!
Comfort
Once you've got the height figured out, think about what makes a stool truly comfortable.
- Back or No Back? Backless stools have a clean, simple look and can be tucked completely under the bar to save space. But if you plan on hanging out for a while, stools with even a low back offer way more support and comfort.
- A Little Swivel: Swivel stools are a game-changer for social gatherings. They make it easy for guests to turn and join different conversations without having to scoot the whole stool around.
- A Place for Your Feet: A footrest is a must-have. It gives you a stable place to rest your feet and takes the pressure off your legs, which makes sitting for a long time much more comfortable.
- Add a Cushion: For the ultimate comfortable seat, look for stools that come with cushions. Just make sure the fabric is made for the outdoors—like Sunbrella—that can handle rain and sun without fading or getting moldy.
3. Pick the Right Umbrella
An patio umbrella does more than just keep the sun off you. It frames the whole area and can save the day if a light shower rolls through.
Center Pole or Cantilever?
You've got two main choices here, and each has its pros.
- Center Pole Umbrella: This is the classic style that goes through a hole in the middle of your bar or table. It’s a simple, effective choice for shading the bar surface and the people sitting there. You’ll need a heavy, sturdy base to keep it from tipping over on a windy day.
- Cantilever (or Offset) Umbrella: Cantilever umbrella has its base and pole off to the side, with an arm that lets the canopy hang over your bar. These are super flexible because they provide a ton of shade without a pole getting in the way. They’re perfect for covering the entire bar and stool area.
The Right Size and Fabric
The umbrella should be big enough to shade your whole bar setup. A good guideline is to pick one that hangs over the edge of the bar by at least two feet on each side. If you have a long, rectangular bar, a rectangular umbrella will give you the best coverage.
For the fabric, look for something high-quality with a good UPF rating, which is like sunscreen for fabric. Features like a tilt function are also great because they let you angle the shade as the sun moves across the sky.
Style Your Setup
Now for the fun part: making it all look good together. Creating a setup that looks intentional is about making sure all the pieces feel like they belong.
The easiest route is to match materials—a teak bar with teak stools, for example. It’s a clean and classic look that never fails.
For a more unique look, try mixing materials. The trick is to have one thing that ties them together. You could pair a modern bar with a concrete top with sleek black aluminum stools. Or, put a rustic wood bar with metal stools for an interesting contrast. The umbrella fabric is your chance to add a pop of color or a pattern that pulls everything together.
5. Accessories and Placement
It's all in the details that make your backyard bar special.
- Lighting: Set up ambiance for evening gatherings with some outdoor string lights above or solar lights along the bar.
- Plants: A few potted plants nearby can add a splash of color and life. A small herb planter with basil or mint is a great addition for making fresh cocktails, too.
- The Gear: A rug for outdoors will outline the space and feel comfortable to tread on. And don't forget the practical: some stylish, shatterproof glasses, an ice bucket, and a bar tool set will get you ready for whatever.
Finally, think about where you put it. You want it to be easily to get to from the house but not straight down the center of a main walkway. Observe where the sun is shining through during the day to make sure your setup has the optimal position.
Conclusion: Create Your Perfect Outdoor Bar Oasis Today
Putting the perfect outdoor bar installation together is all about mixing practical choices with personal style. By spending the time to choose suitable materials, size, and comfort features, you can create a place that's not only good-looking but undeniably functional too. It's not just furniture; it's creating your new hangout spot, party destination, and tribute to the outdoors.
