If you plan to do some outdoor entertaining, a key piece that can help make any patio into a party is a patio bar. Patio bars are smaller pieces with a countertop and shelving inside that can help you serve drinks. You can make your backyard into a bar without any heavy remodeling of the space.
But this is another product that comes in a wide variety of materials, styles and features. Below we'll look at which type of patio bar works for your design and entertaining goals.
What are the best materials for a patio bar?
You have a wide variety of choices when it comes to the materials that patio bars are made out of. Each imparts its own unique style. Some of the most common materials include:
Wood
Wood creates a timeless base for a home bar. Choose a wood style if you want a piece that can fit in with just about any home style. Non-painted wood, especially in the slatted bar designs, can give your outdoor space a more rustic look. Bamboo is a common wood texture that gives a tropical island party feel. especially in slatted bar designs.
If your wooden patio bar is going to be exposed to the elements a lot, either choose dense wood varieties that are naturally decay-resistant, such as Western Red Cedar, white oak, teak, and bald cypress, or seal the piece adequately with coating of polyurethane, varnish, or lacquer.