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DIY

DIY Backyard Bar

This simple DIY Backyard Bar project is perfect for enhancing your outdoor space and creating a functional centrepiece for entertaining. It’s a great way to ensure you can stay among the action instead of having to run back and forth to the kitchen grabbing drinks and nibbles for your guests.

RYOBI TEAM Tue, 11/12/2024 - 10:18
In This Article

Using structural timber, nails, and screws, you'll build a sturdy bar frame and add a bar top of your choice. Follow along with these clear step-by-step instructions, and soon you’ll have a stylish bar ready for your next outdoor gathering.

Materials

  • 70 x 35mm structural timber
  • 70mm timber screws
  • 16GA nails
  • 2 angle brackets
  • Pine sleeper or bar top of your choice
  • Paint or stain (optional)

Tools used

  • Hammer
  • Drill Bit
  • Screwdriver Bit
  • Tape Measure

How to do it

Preparing the timber frame lengths

Step 1: Prepare the Frame Pieces

Cut the following lengths of 70 x 35mm timber:

  • 4 pieces at 600mm
  • 4 pieces at 800mm
  • 4 pieces at 1000mm
  • 2 pieces at 1400mm
Assemble a timber frame

Step 2: Assemble the Smaller Frames

Pre-drill 2 holes at each end of the 800mm lengths.

Take 2 of the 800mm pieces and attach them to 2 of the 600mm pieces to form a rectangle.

Repeat this step to create 2 identical small frames.


Step 3: Assemble the Larger Frame

Pre-drill 2 holes at each end of the 1400mm lengths.

Attach 2 of the 1000mm pieces to the 1400mm pieces to form a larger rectangle using 70mm screws.

Insert the remaining 2 x 1000mm pieces at each end and secure them with 70mm screws.


Step 4: Attach the Smaller Frames to the Larger Frame

Secure the 2 smaller rectangle frames to the larger rectangle frame using 4 x 70mm screws.

Attach the Paling Boards to the Frame

Step 5: Prepare the Paling Boards

Cut the following paling boards:

  • 6 pieces at 1400mm
  • 10 pieces at 600mm


Step 6: Attach the Paling Boards to the Frame

Once the frame is complete, nail the paling boards to the frame using 16GA nails. Space the boards 42mm apart.

Step 7: Install the Angle Brackets and Bar Top

Screw 2 angle brackets at each end of the bar, ensuring they’re fixed into the frame ends.

Fix your pine sleeper or chosen bar top to the angle brackets and, if necessary, screw into the frame from the top for added durability.


Step 8: Paint and Stain

Once complete, paint or stain your bar to achieve the desired finish.

Finishing a DIY backyard bar using a RYOBI Brad Nailer

Now that your DIY backyard bar is finished, you'll have a durable and stylish setup for serving drinks and snacks. The customisable bar top and sturdy frame ensure that your bar will be both functional and attractive for years to come. Don’t forget to add a coat of paint or stain to protect the wood and match your outdoor décor. 

See the full transformation

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