Building Your Dream Garden Bar: A How-To Guide & Ideas
Remember the last time you queued at a packed pub, waited ages, then paid £7 for a pint? Your own garden bar solves that headache. With no closing time, expensive taxi home, or half-cut strangers breathing down your neck, it’s perfectly understandable why building your own garden bar is becoming so popular in the UK.
But creating a home garden bar isn’t just about saving money (though you will); it’s more about the sheer joy of creating your perfect social space, whether that’s a rustic shed conversion or a sleek modern space.
The DIY Garden Bar Experts
As you might expect, it is a subject we happen to know a thing or two about. So, we put together this blog post to offer a few garden bar ideas that will suit any budget, from simple DIY outdoor bar projects to full transformations that would leave the local Red Lion bursting with envy.
We also have more than just ideas for building your own garden bar; we will cover planning, building, and adding those little finishing touches (similar to what you might consider when learning how to build a garden room) that make your new boozer extra special.
Why Build a Garden Bar?
A dedicated garden bar has the potential to become the natural centre of every gathering at home. BBQs flow better when drinks are a few steps away, not a back-and-forth kitchen trek.
Your parties gain a focal point where people naturally congregate, chat, and help themselves without disrupting the house. If we are being honest, it also feels pretty amazing to tell people I have my own pub at home.
Convenience
Everything stays in one place, including glasses, bottles, ice, and snacks, all within arm’s reach. No more traipsing back from the kitchen (with a tray full of booze stacked perilously on a tray). The serving hatch means you can drape a tea towel over your shoulder and play landlord while staying part of the action.
Personalised Space
Unlike pubs, you control everything. Music volume, drink selection, opening hours, and (more importantly) the guest list. You can paint it purple if you like, stock nothing but obscure gin, and play 80s hits exclusively. It’s your rules. That level of personalisation creates spaces that actually truly reflect who you are.
Increased Property Enjoyment
With a home garden bar, dead garden corners suddenly become rather useful. That awkward bit behind the garage, for example, could be the perfect spot for a bar. You are essentially adding another room to your house, albeit an outdoor one. Estate agents love unique features, and a well-built garden room adds genuine appeal.
Planning Your Dream Garden Bar: The Foundation of Success
Location, Location, Location
Choosing the right spot for your garden bar needs more thought than you might imagine. Start by watching how sunlight moves through your garden across a typical day. That corner that gets blasted by afternoon sun might seem perfect until you realise nobody wants to squint into glaring light while mixing drinks.
By the same token, the shadiest spot could make evening sessions feel a bit gloomy once the sun sets.
Think about proximity to your house, too. Running electricity gets expensive when you’re trenching armoured cable across half your garden, and the costs mount up faster than you might think. On the other hand, tucking your bar right against the back door defeats the whole ‘garden escape’ feeling you want. One more thing: take a walk around your garden and check sightlines from neighbouring windows, as you might spot angles you hadn’t considered.
Budgeting
The main expenses are the structure itself, which includes the base, frame, and roof. Everything else – dart boards, mood lighting, beer towels – can wait until funds permit. If you are building your own garden bar, you can expect to spend upwards of £300 for a basic setup, to around £1000 for something more fancy.
If you are buying a new but affordable garden room bar, a solid setup starts at around £1100 for the Diamond Barnham Apex, while around £5,000 will get you a wonderful Platinum Pent Odiham garden bar.
Size & Scale
If it’s usually you and a couple of mates, you need far less space than someone who hosts big family BBQs every weekend. Standard shed sizes like 8×6 or 10×8 work well for most gardens, though going slightly bigger is rarely regrettable. Remember to factor in space to actually move around once it’s built, because cramped bars aren’t fun bars.
Planning Permission
Your typical DIY outdoor bar falls within permitted development rights. Keep the height under 2.5m at the eaves and position it sensibly away from boundaries, and you should be fine.
That said, conservation areas and listed buildings come with different rules, so a quick check with your local council can prevent potential headaches later.
Garden Bar Ideas: Inspiration for Your Design
Modern & Minimalist
For contemporary homes, clean lines and sleek materials probably make more sense. Think composite decking, anthracite-coloured frames, and clever hidden storage.
Yes, the materials may cost more initially, but ultimately they will look sharp for years without constant maintenance.
Tropical Oasis
British summers might be rare, unpredictable, and often disappointing, but your bar’s atmosphere doesn’t have to be. Bamboo screening, bright colours, and warm lighting create an escape that feels a million miles from Milton Keynes.
Add some hardy tropical plants, and hey presto, you have now transformed your property into something altogether more exotic.
All-Weather Bar
Limiting your bar to summer use wastes most of the year. Enclosed structures with proper windows mean February beers become infinitely more enjoyable. Add heating and insulation, and you’ve got a year-round social space. Toasty.
Build Your Own Garden Bar: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: The Base
A concrete base offers maximum stability. Dig down six inches, add hardcore, compact thoroughly, then pour concrete to four inches thick. Level meticulously because fixing wonky bases later is nothing short of abject misery.
Paving slabs work well too, assuming they are laid on a proper mortar bed. Either way, ensure the base matches your structure’s footprint exactly.
Step 2: Choosing Your Structure
Converting a Shed: That old shed gathering spiders might be your perfect starting point. Check the structure’s solidity first, then reinforce where needed. Installing a serving hatch transforms everything. Just cut at chest height, frame properly with timber, and add a hinged counter that folds down when not in use.
Building from Scratch:
Alternatively, if you are starting fresh, use pressure-treated timber throughout, just like high-quality summerhouses and garden bar sheds available right here at 1st Choice Leisure Buildings. Your frame needs proper corner bracing because wobbly bars do not help matters when you have had a few too many.
For cladding, remember that shiplap boards interlock (not overlap, there’s a difference) to keep rain out properly – that’s also something we insist on with our own garden shed bars.
Step 3: Roofing
Apex roofs look traditional and shed water efficiently, though they need more carpentry skill. Pent roofs offer simpler construction with their single slope. Whatever garden room roof you choose, always invest in quality roofing felt, because the cheap stuff falls apart after just one winter.
Step 4: Weatherproofing
Every piece of exposed timber needs proper treatment. Quality exterior wood stain or paint prevents problems before they start. Seal every joint and potential water entry point with good silicone sealant. Add guttering to manage rainwater properly (it seems minor, but it may prevent major issues).
Step 5: Electrics & Lighting
Unless you are a qualified electrician, get a professional for mains power. They will run armoured cable from your consumer unit with proper earthing and RCD protection. Solar lights and battery-powered options offer simpler alternatives that still create a great atmosphere, especially given the improvements in that regard.
Step 6: Interior Fit-Out
Strong shelving is essential because a selection of spirits is heavier than you might think. Position your mini-fridge where it gets ventilation but remains easily accessible.
Try to mix seating heights for comfort, and don’t forget the basic essentials like a fixed bottle opener and somewhere to hang tea towels (unless you are going for the ‘friendly landlord’ look and prefer to drape it over your shoulder).
Essential Accessories for Your DIY Outdoor Bar
Invest in proper bar tools such as a good shaker, strainer, and jigger, which make all the difference.
Outdoor-rated fridges handle temperature swings better than indoor models. Add comfortable seating (bar stools need footrests), decent lighting, and maybe a Bluetooth speaker.
Traditional touches like a dartboard are another great garden pub idea; even if you don’t play darts, it’s worth it for the general pub vibe it affords.
Maintenance
It’s all pretty simple, really. Wipe surfaces after use, sweep floors, and clean up spills quickly. Other than that, annual timber treatment is a good idea if you want your bar to last for decades. Check the roof each autumn, clear gutters, and repair any damage quickly.
Last Orders!
Creating your home garden bar will utterly transform how you socialise. From planning to hosting your first session, every step in this exciting, fun project brings great satisfaction as you build something uniquely yours.
You can start small, if budget restrains you (even a basic counter is better than pub queues and expensive pints), then evolve and improve over time as inspiration and funds allow.
But if you prefer to avoid building a DIY outdoor bar and get straight to the drinks, check out our wonderful range of purpose-built garden bar sheds, right here at 1st Choice Leisure Buildings.
- FREE professional installation included
- Optional serving hatches and fold-down counters built in
- Fully customisable, choose your size, paint finish, and even add insulation
- Quality timber construction from our UK workshops
- Over 60 display buildings to view at our showroom
- Prices from just £1,106
Visit our collection of beautiful garden bar sheds for sale and start planning your perfect pub today!
FAQs For Garden Sheds by Size
- Are there any limits on customisation?If you are looking for a shed slightly different from the standard, then we can help. You need to chat with us about your needs, and we will then let you know the costings. If you want a slightly different size, extra or no windows, a different door, or extra height, that will not be a problem. You can even add a room inside, making your shed a combination shed.
- Can you put a shed straight onto paving slabs?Garden sheds are a must-have feature for every typical British garden. These sanctuaries allow you to appreciate the seasons’ glory while also giving shelter from the sun, wind, and rain. To ensure your shed stands the test of time, mastering the art of a solid foundation is essential. Without it, your shed could slowly rot, tip over, or be swept away by a strong gust. You can choose from paving slabs, a concrete base, sturdy timber beams, or a timber subframe. Fortunately, you will not have to learn how to build a garden shed on your own. This guide is here to help. It discusses the various types of bases for garden buildings, how to construct them, who to hire for base construction, and how to repair and maintain your installation. Everything you need is in one location.
- How do I determine the right shed size for my garden space?To determine the right shed size for your garden, you will need to measure the available space and consider where the door and windows need to go. You need to allow about 12 inches all around the shed so you can treat the shed afterwards.
You do not want your shed to take over the garden, so bear that in mind when deciding. A 7ft x 5ft or 8ft x 6ft shed is a useful 'all rounder' for most gardens. If you have a larger-than-standard garden, then make sure you don't go too big. - How long does installation take, and do I need to prepare anything?If your foundation is prepared before we arrive, most buildings can be assembled in just one day, depending on the project's scale. Our team designs, organises, and transports all necessary materials the same day to ensure an efficient process. This approach allows us to erect your building quickly and with minimal disruption. If you require assistance constructing a shed base, we can help - visit our services page for further information and support.
- What factors should I consider when choosing a shed size?When considering what size shed to buy, the first thing to think about is how you will use the shed. How much garden equipment do you have, for instance?
Are you likely to need any future storage needs? It is always a good idea to opt for a larger shed, as this will provide more flexibility for the future. You will be glad that you did. - What is the life expectancy of a shed?The lifespan of a garden shed can vary depending on several factors, such as the materials used, the quality of construction, the climate, and maintenance. However, according to various sources, the average lifespan of a garden shed is between 20 and 30 years.
The quality of materials really matters. Be careful with sheds made from man-made boards like OSB, or oriental strand board. These can fall apart if they get wet, which is not ideal for something kept outdoors.
If you choose proper timber for your new shed and treat it on a regular basis, there is no reason for it to deteriorate in the short term. - What shed size is best for my gardening needs?When deciding on the right size of shed, you need to consider what you will use it for. If you want just a small one to store your garden tools and a few bits, then a 6ft x 4ft shed would be OK.
If you would like to use it as a workshop, then look at buildings 10x8 and over. If you have mighty plans for the future and wish to share the space with family members, then any size from 12x8 to 20x10 might be the right choice.
