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Jun 17, 2012

DIY Fold-down Backyard Bar



We have a very tiny backyard, but we've tried to make the best of what we have to work with. Last year we expanded our deck and this year we've been focusing on making it an inviting space.

The last couple of weekends have been spent building a compact, fold-down bar. One weekend to build and stain it, the second to give it a few coats of poly. This weekend we finally were able to hang it up and put it to use.

DIY fold down bar

Just in time for summer, Sherry from Young House Love and Katie from Bower Power are challenging all of us in blogland to get going on some of the projects we've pinned on Pinterest. I thought our outdoor bar would be the perfect thing since we've been wanting to make it for so long.

Fold-up Patio Bar

This edition is also being hosted by Kate at Centsational Girl and Michelle at Ten June. Head on over to all four sites to see what everyone has come up with and to add your own project.


Now back to our backyard bar........

Fold-up Patio Bar

Fold-up Patio Bar

Fold-up Patio Bar

I first saw this bar on Pinterest last winter, and saved it as a "must do". We substituted rustic rope for the chain - it seemed more our style. And we have limited wall space so ours is a little narrower than the original.

The construction was very simple. There weren't any instructions with the original picture so we just had to make it up as we went along. I didn't take many pictures while we were building it, but I'll try to explain it as best I can.

Ours is built of pine, stained Minwax red mahogany, and I gave it three coats of polyurethane to protect it from the Canadian weather (Update: it's already been rained on several times and is holding up great!)

Fold-up Patio Bar

Here is a simplified picture of the pieces you'll need. The frame is made of 1" x 6" pine select and the fold-down shelf is a cut down 20" pine shelf.

DIY fold down bar

The side pieces are 22 inches long at the back. Tom routered a curve into the top so it is slightly shorter at the front. He cut a slot (dado joint) into each side board about two inches down so that the top shelf could slide into it and have more strength.

DIY fold down bar

The top shelf is 24 inches wide at the front. The shelf has a cut out on each side so that it fits into the slot, but there is an overhang at the front so that the edge of the shelf is flush with the sides. The board ends up being a wide, upside-down T-shape.




DIY fold down bar

The upright board at the back of the top shelf is 3 inches deep by 22 inches long and drops in behind the shelf.

The interior vertical piece and shelf are slightly shallower than the outer boards so that the rope can hang freely inside and not get caught up when we close the door.  The vertical board is 19 inches long, and the shelf is 10 inches long. The bottom board is 24 inches long. All of the boards are joined together with counter-sunk screws, and the holes were then puttied.

DIY fold down bar

DIY fold down bar

The corners were reinforced with brass corner brackets and then Tom mounted the frame to the brick wall with tapcon screws.

DIY fold down bar

Fold-up Patio Bar

We also used brass hinges to attach the fold-down shelf to the base.

Fold-up Patio Bar

The fold-down shelf is 19" x 24".  When folded up, this board ends an inch before the bottom shelf because, when it's folded out, it has to meet that bottom shelf in a way that keeps it flush. 

DIY fold down bar

We used sisal rope to suspend the shelf when it's open instead of chain as in the original. The side ropes keep the shelf from dropping below horizontal and puts less stress on the hinges. We drilled holes in the fold-out shelf and in the bar sides near the top, fed the rope through the holes, and tied each end in a knot to keep it in place. A tip: if you tape off the end of the rope first, it's easier to feed through the hole.

DIY fold down bar

DIY fold down bar

To keep it closed when it's folded up we attached a hook and eye on each side. It's very secure yet easy to open. And when it's folded away it barely takes up any room. You'd hardly even notice it was there!

Fold-up Patio Bar

Fold-up Patio Bar

Update: Our bar has a name! Go here to see what we painted on the outside.

There's space on one side for bottles (alcoholic or otherwise) and shelves on the other side for glasses. We're a little partial to coconut rum and banana liquor. That bottle came home with us from our last trip to Cuba.

Update 2:  Ana White has added these plans to her building website, so go on over there to see other versions as well.

Fold-up Patio Bar

Fold-up Patio Bar

Meanwhile, over on the other side of the deck...

Last year we sold our patio table and chairs and replaced them with a more casual seating area.

Backyard Patio small spaces

Backyard Patio small spaces

Backyard Patio small spaces

Backyard Patio small spaces

What do you think of the tea towel pillows?  I started out with just two for the love seat, but they're perfect for the chairs as well.

Backyard Patio small spaces

Our deck has a lower level also. We created a second seating area with an Adirondack chair, pillows and a blanket. That's the hammock folded up and hanging beside. The area is always in the shade so it's the perfect cool spot for reading a book.

Backyard Patio small spaces

When the chair is not in use we also use this area for hanging out in the hammock. Perfect for reading or just taking a nap. It's nice to be able to step down from the upper deck right into the hammock. (Notice another tea towel pillow?  Yep, it got out of hand.)

Backyard Patio small spaces

Backyard Patio small spaces

And we're not the only ones who like to spend time there.

Backyard Patio small spaces

Yesterday was hot and sunny so we poured cold drinks and enjoyed some fresh strawberries. The stacked pots in the middle are leftovers from our wedding reception centerpieces with dollar store flowers and leaves filling in the spaces.

Backyard Patio small spaces

Backyard Patio small spaces

Fold-up Patio Bar

Backyard Patio small spaces

Backyard Patio small spaces

Backyard Patio small spaces

Bring on summer!












91 comments:

Julie Murkerson said...

Great space! That is what you have in your back patio! I love the entire setup and the bar is so cute!

I am your newest follower. Please feel free  to check out my blog as well - jamscorner.blogspot.com

Megan said...

Love your new bar, Barb!!! Your entire outdoor space is great. Megan

Amariebeauty said...

Wow!  That looks like top notch vacation rental outdoor living space.  Great job.  You have inspired me to do something with my small patio!

Jenglamgirl said...

What a super little get away. Everything is colorful and cute. A little oasis. Love the bar. Great job. winks, jen-COM

Holly said...

I love this!!!! Your whole patio and everything look soo pretty! Sending many Hugs! xx Holly

pelina_75 said...

well you sure have a lovely outdoor space there and the bar looks great. i like your blog...YOU HAVE DOGS...what more can i ask for?im following!!

http://welcometomylovelymess.blogspot.gr

Mary Alice Patterson said...

Your hanging bar is too cute. What a great way to maximize your space! Your new seating areas look so inviting and comfortable.
I'm happy to be a new follower and hope you'll stop by, Mary Alice

Francine said...

This turned out great ! love it :)
Your newest follower, Francine

Mel Mac said...

I also pinned this over the winter, with every intention of making one, but I still haven't got around to it.

Your tips will help when I make mine.  It looks fantastic.

Unknown said...

Gorgeous! I love it!

ElleSee said...

What a fantastic outdoor area! I love that mini bar :)

Stringtownhome said...

I love it!  It's the perfect place for entertaining... Thanks so much for sharing!  Have a great week!!-heather
stringtownhome

Myheartsmission said...

creative idea!

Lily Bloom Studio said...

This is great! We just built a pergola in our backyard, this would be perfect out there.

Connie said...

Love LOVE this post, please link it with me tomorrow at Wow Us Wednesday!

Mary Smith said...

That's a great idea for a bar and your patio looks beautiful!

Katie said...

I love it and all your fun summer accents.
Visiting from My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia.
Katie- Let's Add Sprinkles

Kate Duff said...

What an awesome idea!  Love it!I would love for you to share this (and any other creations) at Pin It and Win It Wednesday @ www.cheapcraftymama.com!

rose :: fine craft guild .com said...

it is getting comfy on that deck/patio of yours! fun!  well done. interestingly, i spotted that same buffet as something good. thank you for linking it up at our party at http://www.finecraftguild.com

a_luskey said...

Love the bar!  It looks great open or closed!  What a great space saver.   Thanks for sharing at SaltTree's Open Call Tuesdays!
http://www.salttree.net/2012/06/open-call-tuesday-9-pyp-giveaway.html

Tammy Partin Spangler said...

It may be small but you have made excellent use of the space and it's very welcoming!  Thanks for sharing!

Karla said...

I'm defiantly installing one of those when I get my backyard done.  Your deck looks lovely. Must be so nice enjoying drinks with friends there. Or reading a book under the sun. Ah! I need to get my backyard done. :/

Kristina R said...

This is awesome!! I think we need to make one of these so we are more likely to hang out in our back yard! Totally pinning this.

Rchlnielsen said...

This is such a great idea!  Thanks for sharing at Terrific Tuesdays.
Rachel
adventuresofadiymom.blogspot.com

PalmettosandPigtails said...

Oooh!  I love this!  We've been looking for ideas for bar storage on our patio too...this is a great idea!  Pinning away....

Tania said...

 Great idea, love how it turned out!

Tania

melissa@joyineveryseason said...

totally love that mini-bar!  you've definitely accomplished the goal of making your backyard inviting :o)   

Roeshel said...

Oh wow, Barb! What an amazing backyard and LOVE the mini bar! Beautiful work! Thanks so much for sharing - I'm going to include a link back in this week's DIY highlights. :) 

Jen said...

Cute idea!

Christina at I Gotta Create! said...

Your outdoor space is so inviting and that bar is AWESOME! Amazingly compact and useful and beautiful. Thanks for linking up at I Gotta Create! Very inspiring!
<3 Christina

Amie @ Pinkapotamus said...

This is such a fantastic idea!  I just love that you can open and close the bar!  You guys are so clever.. and your deck looks amazing!  Thanks so much for sharing with the Pink hippo Party.. can't wait to see what you share next!
xoxo
Amie @ Pinkapotamus

Jill @ Create.Craft.Love. said...

That is awesome!  I want one!  Your deck is amazing!  Looks so inviting and comfortable!  Thanks for sharing at the Pomp Party!  Pinning to our Pomp Party board!

Jill @ Create.Craft.Love.

Jenn said...

Such a fun project!!  I'm sure you will have lots of fabulous summer memories spent on your patio.  Thanks so much for coming out to the party at Clean and Scentsible.  I'll be featuring this today!
Jenn :)

BarbSteadman said...

Thanks Jenn!

BarbSteadman said...

Thank you!

BarbSteadman said...

Thank you!

BarbSteadman said...

Thank you so much!

BarbSteadman said...

Thank you!

BarbSteadman said...

Thanks!

BarbSteadman said...

Thanks! I'd love to see how yours turns out!

BarbSteadman said...

Thanks!

BarbSteadman said...

Maybe I should host a backyard bar linky party so everyone can show off what they've done!

BarbSteadman said...

Thank you! We are definitely using it more now.

BarbSteadman said...

Thank you!

BarbSteadman said...

Thank you!

BarbSteadman said...

Thank you!

BarbSteadman said...

Thanks!

BarbSteadman said...

Thanks!

BarbSteadman said...

I`d love to see it when it`s done!

BarbSteadman said...

Thanks!

BarbSteadman said...

Thank you!

BarbSteadman said...

I`m the same - you have dogs then I love your blog! :-)

BarbSteadman said...

Thank you!

BarbSteadman said...

Thanks Megan!

P.R. said...

Awesome. I just had to feature it this week on BeColorful.
p

Momnivoresdilemma said...

Barb-

Love this! {esp on the days I could use a drink at 2 pm...lol...}

I love that the minibar can be hidden from view when not in use.  Thanks for sharing last week.  I featured your post tonight and shared it at Pinterest.

xoxo
Nicolette

Stacey said...

That looks awesome!  I love when a long-awaiting for project finally gets finished - great job.  Very cool idea and it came out beautifully.  Your space also looks amazing.  Thanks for linking up this week!
Stacey of Embracing Change

Trish - Mom On Timeout said...

Too freakin' awesome Barb!  Featuring you tomorrow!  Thanks so much for sharing at Mom On Timeout!

Domesblissity said...

What a gorgeous looking space Barb. So inviting. I tell ya, I could do with some warmth and sunshine at the moment. Cold and rainy here in Australia at the moment. Am over winter already! Thanks for linking up at Thriving on Thursday. I've featured you this idea this week.

Anne xx

Adventuresindinner said...

Ok, this is AWESOME and I had also pinned it (but didn't get any further) so cool to see it in action;  Thanks so very much for sharing at our Pin'inspiration Party last week.  You'll be a feature this week C:

Adrianne at Happy Hour said...

I LOVE this!  Thanks for sharing - spotted you at Mom on Timeout.  Pinning this!

Taylor Norris said...

I am loving this! And it is definitely 5 o'clock somewhere! :) I featured your post at my Unveil Your Genius link party! http://taylornorris.blogspot.com/2012/06/unveil-your-genius-link-party-17.html
I hope you'll link up again soon! :)

Sixsistersstuff said...

We are so glad that you linked up to our "Strut Your Stuff Saturday".  Please come back again really soon!  Thanks! -The Sisters

Kelly Moore said...

Thanks so much for sharing at Fabulous Friday!  I featured you.

Fern Smith said...

I am your latest follower! Your pictures are terrific, I feel like I'm right there...Thank you so much for some great ideas!
Thanks,
Fern
Thanks,
~Fern
Fern Smith’s Classroom Ideas!
Fern Smith’s Pinterest Boards!
 

Kim said...

I love this idea! I actually found one of these at Goodwill and didn't buy it because I wasn't sure I had room for it! But now I'm mad at myself!!! Thanks for linkin up!
Kim~madeinaday

BarbSteadman said...

But now you can make one, right? :-)

BarbSteadman said...

Thanks Kelly!

BarbSteadman said...

Thank you!

BarbSteadman said...

Thank you! Yes, I'm loving the heat - winter is way too long!

BarbSteadman said...

Thanks Trish!

BarbSteadman said...

Thanks Nicolette!

Kathryn Griffinn said...

What a great idea!  I love your compact drink center!!  Smarty Pants!  lol.  Thank you for sharing this at my Make it Pretty Monday party at The Dedicated House.  Hope to see you again on Monday.  Toodles, Kathryn at TheDedicatedHouse

Pocketful of Dreams said...

I want to come party on your deck!  Gorgeous.  :)

Nicole@Show Off Friday said...

That is such an amazing idea! Thank you so much for linking up!

Nicole@Show Off Friday said...

...And I'm pinning you on my "pretty porches" board!

BarbSteadman said...

I'll have to check it out - I love looking at other people's porches.

BarbSteadman said...

Thanks!

BarbSteadman said...

Awww, thanks! Come on over!

BarbSteadman said...

Thank you for hosting!

Britni @ Hubby Made Me said...

Alright, I'll be over this weekend for a drink on you lovely deck ;) It looks so nice and relaxing! And of course the compact bar is an awesome addition :) I need one of those, my sitting area is super small. Although I also need patio furniture since our dog decided to eat ours. You did a really great job!!

BarbSteadman said...

Sure, come on over! Our dog ate a chunk of our couch so I know what you mean!

BarbSteadman said...

Let me know if you do - I'd love to see it!

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Barb @ Turtles and Tails said...

I love me a good bar space! Perfect! I will be featuring your post tomorrow for a link party round up! I am so going to make this!

Barb @ Turtles and Tails said...

Thank you! I can't wait to see your version!

Barb @ Turtles and Tails said...

I love these pics! So bright and summer-y! Love the idea of a fold up bar!

Barb @ Turtles and Tails said...

My only comment is that you may want to consider a lightweight chain or wire instead of the ropes. That's a fair amount of weight, and the sisal may degrade in the sunlight and weather. I'm going to go with brass and barnwood so I get some of that nice weathering. Thanks for the great idea!

Barb @ Turtles and Tails said...

Yes, the rope is also starting to look a little mildewed, so we might switch to a chain. Barnwood sounds beautiful. Good luck!

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