A fence, a bit of grass, and maybe a few chairs. The fact is that most backyards are boring, bland, and just not worth spending any time in. That said, it’s totally possible to transform your backyard into a vibrant social hub all without spending way too much money. With just a little bit of hard work, some creativity, and a few key elements, you can create your own outdoor bar that the whole neighborhood will be talking about.
Making your own backyard bar might sound like a huge undertaking, something that’s going to cost you a ton of money, but the fact of the matter is that there are plenty of simple backyard bar ideas that won’t break your bank, and will have everybody coming from far and wide to enjoy your newly built amenities.
Right now, we want to take a closer look at 9 low-cost outdoor bar ideas for your backyard, ones that will transform your backyard space into something memorable, all without costing you an arm and a leg. Let’s get to it and take a look at some budget friendly and innovative ideas that will turn your backyard into the talk of the neighborhood.
1. Pallet Bar
The pallet, AKA the wooden pallet, is a DIYers treasure trove. These simple wooden pallets that are used to transport all sorts of goods are generally thrown away once retailers put those goods on their shelves. This is why wooden pallets are usually available for free, or at least for a very low cost. These wooden pallets make for perfect building material.
You can sand them down, cut them apart, stack them on top of each other, and rearrange them in any way you see fit. With the right pallets, some sanding materials, and a bit of paint, you can create a full bar structure, complete with a countertop, a solid door, and more.
If you want to step things up a bit, use some reclaimed wood for the countertop. It’s a great option to consider because not only are you recycling old wooden pallets, but you’re adding a bit of character to the mix as well. It will certainly bring a rustic appeal to your backyard.
2. Cinderblock and Wooden Plank Bar
If you want to keep things super simple, and you happen to have some old cinderblocks laying around, these make for perfect structural materials to build a bar with. All you really need is to build a structure and walls using the cinder blocks, and then use a simple wooden plank to create the countertop.
It will certainly look rustic, and if you choose, you can always paint or decorate the cinderblocks any way you see fit.
Not only can you create a great looking bar this way, but it’s also very economical, especially if you already have the cinderblocks laying around. What’s really cool is that cinder blocks can be arranged in any way you see fit, allowing for a bar configuration that will best suit you and your backyard.
3. Upcycled Barrel Bar
Old barrels and wine casks are the perfect building material to use for a bar. At the very least, they certainly fit with the theme. Old barrels also looked the part, as they’re often very rustic, worn down, and have clearly been used to house alcohol. There’s really nothing more fitting to build a bar with than an old container that held booze.
You could use a couple of barrels and then place a wooden plank over top to create a solid countertop. Some people may also cut a barrel in half vertically, and then open it up to create a standing bar. Depending on how many barrels you have, you could create a full length standing bar along the outside wall of your home.
Using old barrels is great for the environment, because you’re reusing and recycling something, instead of seeing it go to waste. Yes, old wine casks and barrels may be somewhat expensive to purchase, more so than some of the other materials on our list, but if you’re going for a vintage look, this is certainly one of the best ways to achieve it. Place a couple of outdoor bar stools around them and you have a great backyard bar area, its that simple.
4. Folding Wall-Mounted Bar
If you have a really small backyard and you just don’t have much real estate to spare, creating a folding wall-mounted bar is a fantastic solution. All you have to do is make a countertop out of an old wooden plank, and then use some basic hinges to attach that to a wall or fence.
This also happens to be an attractive option for small balconies, patios, and other small spaces where you just don’t have much room to spare.
You then need a latch to keep the countertop locked in place when not in use, and so you can easily take it down when your friends come over. Just make sure to use durable hinges and weather resistant wood, or else it might not last for so long. It might not be the most visually appealing backyard bar, but it’s certainly space efficient and cost effective.
5. Concrete Block Bar
Thinking about a concrete bar top might seem a bit out there, but it’s actually a super cool and affordable way to add a unique touch to your backyard bar. This DIY project is perfect for those looking to blend that modern style with a durable bar top. Whether you’re repurposing an existing concrete slab or mixing your own, the process is more straightforward than you might think and opens up a world of creative possibilities.
All it takes is creating a mold from old wood planks, mixing the concrete, and pouring it to set. You can even embed decorative items like stones or glass pieces for a personalized look. Once it dries, you’ve got yourself a durable, weather-resistant bar top that not only looks sleek and is ready for you to host countless outdoor parties. Just be careful as concrete can be brittle so using rebar to support the concrete may be required, and make sure your table base is strong enough for all that weight.
6. Tiki Bar
If you’re sick and tired of the cold weather, a good idea might be to turn your backyard into a tropical paradise by building your own tiki bar. Although it’s not going to be the cheapest undertaking in the world, you can still keep the cost down by using reclaimed and recycled materials.
For instance, you should be able to find some old bamboo poles to create a little hut with, and if you have a bit of creative talent, you could even create a thatched roof to protect your guests from sun and rain alike.
You could use reclaimed wood, pallets, or anything else of the sort to make the bar itself, and then use some decorations and tropical accents to make it feel like a true paradise. You might even use some string lights or tiki torches to liven things up a bit. Because you’re going to be building a little Hut, this is the most labor intensive of all ideas on the list today, but you just can’t beat that island feel.
7. Mobile Cart Bar
If you’re someone who likes to take your drinks on the go, and you need a type of bar that you can easily store in a small space, you should try creating a mobile bar cart. Here, you can use an old table, night stand, or old cart, and convert it into a small bar.
Just add some caster wheels if it doesn’t already have them, some hooks for hanging bar tools, and some new paint. No, a bar cart isn’t going to be overly huge or fancy, but it certainly is convenient. It’s something that you can keep inside and then wheel outside whenever you see fit.
8. Reclaimed Wood Bar
There’s no doubt about the fact that wood is extremely expensive nowadays. Building anything out of fresh lumber will cost you an arm and a leg. However, there are some places where you can find reclaimed wood for much lower prices.
Reclaimed wood can also be somewhat expensive, especially if it has already been treated and refinished, although there are also types of reclaimed wood that have you doing the finishing yourself.
Reclaimed wood doesn’t necessarily need to be treated and refinished either. This could mean using old pieces of lumber that you have laying around your home, such as an old barn door, to make a countertop with.
There’s something to be said about wood as well, because there’s just nothing like the textures, grain, and different colors that it comes in. If you want an old school, rustic, and warm feeling, reclaimed wood is always a great way to go.
9. Stone Bar
If having something more permanent is your goal, then using old bricks and stones, as well as cinder blocks from your property, old construction sites, and demolition sites, is another option. Yes, making a stone bar will involve a lot of physical labor, and you’ll need a good bit of muscle.
However, once you have all of the stones in place, you have a permanent bar that you and your friends will love for years to come.
What’s really cool is that a stone bar also blends in with nature, because stones come from nature, and they really do go hand in hand. While this project will require a good deal of effort, skill, and time, the final result will be absolutely out of this world. It’s more than doable as long as you are able to pile some bricks and rocks on top of each other.
Final Thoughts
Each of these 9 low-cost outdoor bar ideas for your backyard are excellent in their own ways. Which one you go with really depends on the materials you have at your disposal, how much money and effort you’re willing to put out, and what you’d like the final look to be.
Whether we’re talking about reclaimed wood, pallets, stone, cinder blocks, or anything in between, there are always old materials that you can reuse and recycle to build one of the coolest and most unique backyard bars that you have ever seen.
Jamie is the founder of The Backyard Pros. When he was 15 years old he started working at a garden centre helping people buy plants, gardening products, and lawn care products. He has real estate experience and he is a home owner. Jamie loves backyard projects, refinishing furniture, and enjoys sharing his knowledge online.