Category: Outdoor Space

Garden design can be as much a part of curating a beautiful home as any of your interior living spaces. And if you’re planning to put your home on the market anytime soon, you can never have too much curb appeal.

While plant life is practically a must, there are countless structural elements that can be used to bring dimension, style, and functionality to your backyard. Arbors are one — tragically underutilized — example.

Whether you’re starting from scratch or reimagining an existing outdoor space, keep reading for the best garden arbor ideas of the moment!

[view_toc]

1. Create a Relaxing Garden Nook with Bench Arbors

Arbors don’t just make great archways. Add a functional seating area to your garden with a stylish bench arbor.

A bench arbor is exactly what it sounds like. Most bench arbors are made of solid wood. Some benches swing. Others are stationary.

You can find countless arbor designs with bench seats already attached or build your own as a weekend DIY project.

The best thing about a bench arbor is the built-in shade. Opt for a solid roof to protect yourself from the sun’s rays while enjoying your garden space.

Or train thick vine plants across your arbor rafters for shade that’s a bit more visually appealing.

2. Welcome Visitors with Elegant Entry Arbors

Freestanding arbors are used throughout garden design. But the most common place to find an arbor is above a fence gate or entryway.

Framing your garden gate with an arbor structure draws attention to the entry and makes it feel more like a formal doorway.

Arbors are often — not always — made from the same material as the attached gate and fence.

Arbor gates are purely decorative. They do not affect the function of the gate below. You can use your arbor to grow fruit-bearing or ornamental climbing plants and add some color to your fence gate!

3. Cultivate Charm with Garden Arbors

An arbor is an excellent alternative to a traditional trellis, especially if you don’t have a building exterior or fence with which to mount a trellis.

Arbors aren’t just for flower gardens! Use a garden arbor to grow delicious sweet peas, squash, or grapevines.

Don’t be discouraged if your new garden arbor looks barren the first year or two. Arbors get better with age. It will just take a little bit of time for your climbing plants to fill out.

Add winter color to your garden arbor with string lights, evergreen branches, and other decor. Come springtime, your garden greenery will re-emerge bigger and better than before.

4. Enhance Durability and Style with Metal Arbors

Metal is one of the most durable materials used in arbor design. And, despite their sturdy appearance, metal arbors are often lighter and more flexible than solid wood ones.

In a pinch, you can build a DIY arbor out of mesh fencing or metal arches. This project is ideal for supporting climbing vegetables or for wrapping with string lights as temporary yard decor.

Wrought iron arbors come with a Victorian charm that pairs nicely with traditional English- or cottage-style gardens.

This material can also be used to create modern, avant-garde arbor designs that will ensure your landscaping stands out from the neighbors’.

5. Define Your Patio Space with Arbors

Your patio might be a small section of your backyard. Or it could be the entire thing.

Either way, great patio design is the secret to giving yourself a beautiful outdoor living space that meets your entire household’s needs.

An arbor can be used to frame the entry point of your patio. Connect your new garden arbor to an existing privacy fence or opt for a freestanding design.

Installing an arbor or trellis can be practical as well as decorative. A wooden trellis covered with your favorite flowering vines (or even left bare) can double as a privacy screen for your patio space.

6. Grow Beautiful Climbing Roses on Arbors

According to Shakespeare, “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” And that applies to climbing roses, too.

Many gardeners are intimidated by the climbing rose. While it’s true that some varieties are sensitive to disease and pests, this isn’t the case for all.

The key to a successful climbing rose is selecting a variety suited to your climate and the specific planting location.

A garden arbor is the ideal support system for a climbing rose bush. An arbor will provide more surface area and be sturdier than a regular trellis — both important factors when cultivating a show-stopping rose bush!

7. Add a Touch of Tradition with Rustic Arbors

Rustic garden decor is beloved by many. So if you’re planning on adding an arbor to your garden layout, it’s important to know what rustic arbor ideas are at your disposal.

Many pre-built arbors boast a rustic finish. Look for a simple arbor made of cedarwood or another textured lumber. Leave your new arbor bare or adorn it with seasonal wreaths, lights, and other decor.

If you’re feeling crafty, customize your yard with a DIY garden arbor. A rustic arbor can be easily built out of foraged lumber or reclaimed pallet wood.

8. Embrace Nature with Vine-Covered Arbors

Some arbors are decorated with climbing plants as an afterthought. Others exist solely to support the vines that cover them.

Even if your garden arbor is more practical than ornamental, you should still invest time into finding the best design possible for your outdoor space.

There are many plant species that can be grown across an arbor or trellis.

But none can compete with the classic aesthetic of a lush, mature grape vine. Select a cultivar that grows well in your area to cover your grape arbor.

No matter the plant you choose, covering your arbor with a vine can be a great way to boost available shade. You can also use a vine to fill in your pergola roof.

9. Celebrate Special Moments with Wedding Arbors

Outdoor weddings will never go out of style. But turning your backyard or local park into a high-class venue can take a heavy dose of creativity. Arbors are the perfect structure to use at either end of your wedding aisle.

Even the simplest arbor can be decorated with live or artificial flowers and foliage. Twinkle lights are an excellent option for an evening ceremony and reception.

Be sure to explore all of your options before settling on a wedding arbor for your own special day. If you don’t have a garden arbor at the ready, many companies offer rentals specifically for this purpose!

“Life is checkered shade and sunshine.”  –  Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Every sunny day is better with a little shade. But what do you do if your outdoor living space is uncovered, and you need a quick backyard shade solution? Start shopping for a shade sail.

Also called sail shades, these fabric canopies are an excellent way to cover a patio, deck, swimming pool, or garden. Shade sail installation is a relatively easy DIY process, and certain types of sun sail are ideal for renters who need a removable type of sun protection.

Check out these amazing shade sail ideas and see if one is the answer to your backyard shade cover needs.

[view_toc]

1. Shade Sails for Your Backyard Area

A sun shade sail is a great way to add a shady corner to your backyard. When planning the outdoor space around a playground, include a shade sail to keep children from getting overheated.

A shade sail can also keep a trampoline, putting green, or bocce ball pit comfortable on sun drenched days.

For a creative splash of backyard color, purchase three or more smaller shade sails in different colors and slightly overlap them over your deck or patio.

As the light filters through them, they will cast festive rainbow hues on you and your guests.

2. Shade Sails for Deck

Many backyard decks are uncovered, making an awning or other shade structure a great idea.

An outdoor shade sail protects your skin from harmful UV rays and helps protect your deck surface and patio furniture from sun damage.

Shade sail fabric comes in a wide variety of colors to coordinate with any décor style. Keep in mind that white and light colors reflect sunlight the best and will keep you cooler than darker hues.

This might not matter so much in a cool climate, but in hot regions, maximum backyard shade is welcome.

3. Freestanding Shade Sail

A freestanding sun shade sail is basically an oversized outdoor umbrella. Its canopy opens above a tall shade sail post affixed to a heavy platform.

It’s often set at an angle, so the canopy adequately covers the desired outdoor area without interfering with foot traffic.

A freestanding waterproof shade sail will protect you from rain as well as UV rays. A big advantage to a freestanding patio shade sail is that it can be moved to cover different areas as needed.

For example, you may want shade over your outdoor kitchen while cooking, then move it over your outdoor table while dining.

Another benefit of this type of sun shade is that you can close it when sun protection is no longer needed and enjoy gazing at the stars.

Some freestanding sun shade sails are attached to permanent posts set in concrete. Others are mounted to the wall on movable arms that can be repositioned to follow the sun’s path through the sky each day.

A freestanding sun shade sail might not cover as wide an outdoor area as a larger sail, but they’re a perfect shade idea for a smaller outdoor area.

4. Shade Sail Attached to House

Some shade sail styles are meant to attach to the side of your house. It’s important to find out ahead of time if your exterior wall material can handle the strong tension required to keep a shade sail canopy extended.

If you’re renting your home, check with your landlord before attempting a DIY shade sail installation.

Ideally, at least two of the sail shade anchor points should be located on the house. The other anchor points (one with a triangle shade sail; two with a square shade sail) can be attached to a large tree or sturdy post instead.

5. Shade Sails for Patio Area

No matter the size of your patio, it can benefit from some form of sun shade.

Some patios are covered, perhaps by an upstairs balcony, but many backyard patios are fully exposed to the sun. Often, your best bet for UV protection is a professional or DIY shade sail installation.

If you have a chiminea or fire pit on your patio, you can still enjoy the protection of a shade sail. Just find a custom shade sail with a hole in the middle to allow smoke to escape.

Line up your fire source under the hole and you’ll be set. Hang string lights beneath your patio sun shade to add to the backyard magic at night.

6. Shade Sails for Pergola

A pergola is a backyard structure that has a lattice or beamed roof instead of a solid ceiling. It’s often positioned over a deck or patio or may be used to designate a special garden area.

If you need solid sun shade while sitting under your pergola, attach a shade cloth, canopy, or awning to the pergola’s roof beams.

In addition to a sun shade, consider adding tie-back curtains to your pergola. Draw the curtains closed for cabana-like privacy or to create an outdoor room instead of an open outdoor living area.

7. Shade Sail Ideas for Pool Area

Enjoyment of a backyard pool is far greater when there is a good source of shade. If your pool and deck are fully exposed to the sun, installing a sun shade sail will allow you to spend more time outdoors without getting sunburned.

UV rays are strongest in the middle of the day, so if your family spends all day at the pool, the chance of sunburn is great. You may want to install two or more shade sails over the pool itself. It will protect you from direct sun rays and the rays reflected off the water’s surface.

8. Retractable Sun Shade

A retractable sun shade may be a better choice than a permanently affixed shade sail. This is especially true if you enjoy having an uncovered patio or deck and only plan to use the awning occasionally.

Retractable sun shades can be manually retracted, but more expensive models are electronically powered. While sun shade sails are usually made of water-resistant fabric, a retractable awning may be made of cloth, vinyl, or natural fibers.

9. Shade Sail for Driveway

A sunshade isn’t just for the backyard. If your neighborhood association permits it, consider installing a shade sail over your driveway to protect your car from UV ray damage. If your front door lacks a cover, a shade sail can work there as well.

10. Roof to Fence Shade Sail

Shade sails can provide a much-needed oasis of coolness and tranquility in even the hottest gardens. Not only are they practical and aesthetically pleasing, but their versatility makes them a welcome addition to any outdoor area.

If you’re looking for an alternate fence line for your garden, why not replace it with the inviting prospect of a breathable shade sail? Not only will it allow air flow between plants, but the lightweight and easy installation make it an ideal choice for landscaping projects large and small.

Let a shade sail bring all the benefits of sunshine to your green space without the often unwelcome intensity of direct UV rays.

11. Playground Shade Sails

Shade sails are a great playground accessory, providing both coverage and fun! Nothing helps to turn a playground into an oasis quite like a bright and colourful sail. They’re also practical—shade sails provide shade from the sun and wind-resistance while children are playing outdoors, making it safer and more pleasant for everyone.

Plus, they make playgrounds look awesome—imagine the excitement when kids arrive to see their playground decorated with something like a bright pink or yellow sail! The possibilities for positioning within playgrounds are endless too—shade sails can be used to section off areas or attached above playground equipment for extra protection.

12. Shade Sail for a Public Space

Shade sails are an eye-catching public design feature that helps to create a unique atmosphere. Not only do they offer protection from the sun, they also add a classic, modern look to any public area.

Their curves and colors will brighten up any space while providing much needed respite from the sun’s rays.

Whether it’s to sit and relax, socialize, or just enjoy the view, shade sails can transform public spaces into inviting community hubs.

“Your home should tell the story of who you are—and be a collection of what you love—brought together under one roof.”  –  Nate Berkus

Just as your home’s interior reflects your personality, your home’s exterior should as well. View an outdoor wall as an extended decorating opportunity and you begin to understand why outdoor rooms are a big decorating trend.

Homeowners’ associations and other rules may somewhat limit your outdoor wall décor options, but that’s no reason to settle for a dull home exterior. Learn ways to liven up your outdoor wall décor when you scroll through this collection of great ideas!

[view_toc]

1. Illuminate with String Lights on Reed Screens

Transform your outdoor space by draping string lights over a reed privacy screen. This creates a warm, inviting ambiance, perfect for evening gatherings. Ensure the lights are outdoor-rated for durability and safety.

2. Adorn Reed Screens with Hanging Planters

Utilize a reed privacy screen as a backdrop for hanging planters. Mix and match plant varieties to create a vibrant, living wall. Ensure planters are securely fastened and consider the water drainage to maintain the screen’s integrity.

3. Maximize Space with Balcony Wall Planters

Utilize the vertical space on your balcony with wall planters. This approach allows for a lush green environment without sacrificing floor space. Choose plants that thrive in your local climate for a low-maintenance, beautiful display.

4. Create a Pallet Garden on Your Wall

Repurpose wooden pallets into a rustic wall garden. This eco-friendly option is ideal for growing herbs or small flowers. Treat the wood to withstand outdoor conditions and arrange plants for visual appeal.

5. Enhance Balcony Aesthetics with Wall Art

Select weather-resistant wall art to add a personal touch to your balcony. Art pieces that reflect nature or abstract designs can transform the space into a stylish outdoor retreat.

6. Install Floating Shelves for Plants on Balcony Walls

Install floating shelves on your balcony wall for a sleek, modern look. Decorate with potted plants, adding greenery and life to the area. Choose durable materials like metal or treated wood for longevity.

7. Beautify Wooden Walls with Potted Plants

Arrange a variety of potted plants on shelves attached to a wooden privacy wall. This creates a dynamic, natural element that can also serve as a visual barrier. Select plants with different textures and colors for visual interest.

8. Display Sun-Themed Metal Art on Brick Walls

Attach sun-themed metal art to a brick wall for a timeless, elegant look. The contrast between the metal and brick textures adds depth and character to your outdoor space.

9. Revitalize Brick Walls with Blue Photo Frames

Create an artistic display using empty photo frames painted in various shades of blue on a brick wall. This unique idea adds a pop of color and an element of surprise to the wall.

10. Greenify Brick Walls with Stylish Planters

Secure planters on a brick wall to introduce greenery in a structured manner. This approach is space-efficient and can turn a plain wall into a focal point of natural beauty.

11. Transform Brick Walls with Murals

Commission a mural on your brick wall for a bold statement. This can be a reflection of your personal style or a depiction of a natural landscape, adding depth and color to your outdoor space.

12. Vintage Plate Decor on Wooden Walls

Display a collection of decorative vintage plates on a wooden wall for a charming, nostalgic touch. This idea brings a sense of history and elegance to your outdoor area.

13. Set a Cozy Ambiance with String Lights on Wooden Walls

Adorn a wooden privacy wall with string lights to create a cozy, fairy-tale atmosphere. This simple addition can make your outdoor space feel magical, especially in the evenings.

14. Craft a Brick Wall Green Space with Vertical Gardens

Turn a brick wall into a living artwork with a green wall. Select plants that provide texture and color variance, creating a tapestry of greenery that’s both visually stunning and environmentally beneficial.

15. Turn Wooden Fences into Lush Vertical Gardens

Install a vertical garden on a wooden fence to maximize your gardening space. This approach can transform a mundane fence into a lush and vibrant feature.

16. Effortlessly Decorate with Artificial Vertical Gardens

For low-maintenance greenery, consider an artificial vertical garden. It provides the visual appeal of living plants without the upkeep, ideal for busy homeowners or those with less green thumbs.

17. Make a Statement with Extensive Vertical Gardens

Create an extensive vertical garden with lush green plants cascading down the wall. This not only serves as a stunning visual feature but also acts as a natural air purifier, enhancing the quality of your outdoor environment.

18. Elegance of Pink Climbing Roses on Walls

Train pink climbing roses against a wall for a romantic and fragrant display. This classic choice brings a touch of elegance and charm to any outdoor space.

19. Unique Woven Art on Wooden Privacy Walls

Decorate a wooden privacy wall with woven art pieces, like hats or decorative panels. This adds a bohemian, earthy vibe to the space and introduces interesting textures.

20. Privacy Meets Art with Cut-Out Metal Screens

Choose a cut-out metal privacy screen for a functional yet artistic element in your outdoor area. These screens provide privacy while featuring intricate designs that cast beautiful shadows.

21. Refine Your Space with Metal Wall Decor

Select metal wall art for a durable and timeless decorative element. Metal art can range from abstract designs to nature-inspired pieces, adding sophistication to your outdoor walls.

22. Enhance Privacy with Lattice Top Fencing

Incorporate lattice top fencing for a blend of privacy and openness. This style adds an architectural element and can support climbing plants for added greenery.

23. Combine Privacy & Greenery with Raised Planter Fences

Combine functionality and aesthetics with a privacy fence that includes a raised planter box. This design allows for a mini-garden and privacy, making it perfect for small spaces.

24. Brighten Spaces with Colored Walls

Paint your outdoor walls in vibrant colors to instantly revitalize the space. Choose colors that complement your home’s exterior and outdoor furnishings for a cohesive look.

25. Illuminate with Stylish Wall Sconces

Install wall sconces to provide soft, ambient lighting. This not only illuminates your outdoor space but also adds a touch of elegance and can highlight other decorative elements.

26. Personalize with Inspirational Framed Quotes

Display framed quotes on your outdoor walls for a personal touch (ideal for patio or deck). Choose sayings that inspire or resonate with you, creating a space that reflects your personality and values.

27. Practical Privacy Wall Shelves for Planters

Attach shelves with planters to a privacy wall for a functional and decorative feature. This setup is ideal for small herbs or flowers, adding life and color to the area.

28. Outdoor Elegance with Canvas Paintings

Choose a canvas painting that’s suitable for outdoor conditions to add an artistic flair to your space. Opt for themes that complement the natural surroundings or your personal style.

29. Craft Your Own Floral Wall Backdrop

Create a DIY floral backdrop for a whimsical, garden-inspired look. Use a mix of real or artificial flowers and foliage to craft a stunning feature that can be a focal point for events or everyday enjoyment.

Maybe your landscaping feels like it’s missing something. Or maybe you want to increase the diversity of plants and animals living on your property. These are just two of the many reasons to install a backyard pond.

Few homeowners realize just how versatile a pond can be until they own one themselves.

A backyard pond could be purely ornamental. It could be a home for colorful koi fish. It could even be a water garden full of unique aquatic species.

No matter the reason for dreaming of a pond of your very own, you’ll love the backyard pond ideas featured below!

[view_toc]

1. DIY Backyard Pond

The backyard pond has a reputation for being hard to maintain and even harder to install. In reality, a DIY garden pond is within reach for nearly all homeowners (and even some renters!).

If you have the tools, digging a shallow pond is a quick and easy weekend project. Use a prefabricated liner for your DIY pond and line the edge with rough-cut stone for a natural look.

On the other hand, a container pond is an excellent alternative for anyone who can’t or doesn’t want to dig in their backyard. With the right filtration, raised pools can sustain aquatic plants and small fish just like any in-ground pond.

2. Japanese Style Garden

It’s hard for many to picture a Japanese- or zen-style garden without a large pond in the center. Koi fish are an integral part of many Japanese-style ponds, along with tranquil walkways that encourage private meditation.

While modern-style ponds do exist in Japanese-inspired gardens, they aren’t the standard. Instead, asymmetrical ponds are included in these gardens to represent natural resources like rivers and oceans.

You can emphasize the organic aesthetic of your backyard water feature with floating plants and mismatched stones. Include stepping stones, sculptures, and bridges in your garden pond design to contrast with the natural elements.

3. Pond Landscaping

Installing a pond can help elevate your backyard to a whole new level. But a water garden of any kind doesn’t negate the need for a well-curated landscape.

Whether you prefer an ultra-formal or au naturel aesthetic, a backyard pond makes a great centerpiece for any landscape design. Use ornamental plants and decorating hardscaping to frame your garden pond.

Arrange taller plants around the back and sides of your pond — be careful not to smother your water feature with too many plants in the front. Don’t forget to include some plant life inside your pond, as well!

4. Large Backyard Pond

Countless homeowners spend time and money to install a small pond in their backyard. Yet others are lucky enough to have a large or natural pond right on their property. While gorgeous, designing around them often requires special care.

Design elements like a fountain or waterfall can help break up a large pond. Aquatic plant species like cattail and water lily are also great options for adding texture and color.

If your backyard pond is natural, there may be limits to what you can and cannot do. Check with your local natural resource authority before altering the shoreline or adding structures to the pond. Often, it’s best to let the pond’s innate beauty shine than mess with Mother Nature!

5. Luxury Pond

On the one hand, backyard pond ideas do not have to be as high-maintenance or expensive as many homeowners believe. On the other, some of the most beautiful backyard ponds in existence are designed with luxury in mind.

While the easiest way to create a luxury pond is with a big budget, there are a few tricks to making your garden feel as high-end as possible. Start by choosing your pond’s size, location, and style carefully — you want every detail to look expertly curated.

Bring an extra touch of elegance to your water garden with a fountain, waterfall, or collection of pond fish. Finish off your design with a comfortable seating area overlooking the water.

6. Modern Backyard Pond

It’s not hard to come up with backyard pond ideas that draw inspiration from nature. However, these ponds don’t suit every style of architecture. If you prefer sleek, modern design in your home, then you’ll want to go with something more angular.

Whether installing an in-ground or raised pond, opt for one with a clean, geometric shape. Rectangular ponds are easy to fit into most backyards. Oval and round designs are a bit harder to DIY — most homeowners hire a professional or use a preformed pond insert.

Once your new pond is in the ground, the last thing you want is to muddy your design up with unnecessary decor. Water plants will soften your aquatic garden without adding clutter.

7. Natural Pond

There are two types of natural ponds: Those that actually are natural and those that just look it. For the latter, you’ll need to find a delicate balance between maintenance and letting nature take its course.

While it’s possible to manage algae and other water quality issues naturally, don’t hesitate to install a pond kit if necessary. You can easily mimic the appearance of a naturally occurring pond by lining the edge with rocks and native plant life.

Natural ponds are a safe haven for aquatic plants and animals. Frogs, birds, turtles, and other creatures will flock to the water as long as it is left undisturbed — provide shelter and food sources for a bona fide wildlife pond.

8. Backyard Oasis

Every person’s definition of a backyard oasis is slightly different. What matters most is that the space instantly makes you feel calm and refreshed (especially after a long, stressful day).

Prioritize design elements that appeal to multiple senses. Install a small waterfall or fountain in your backyard pond for the gentle sound of running water. Line the water’s edge with flowering plants that add aroma and color.

Living fish aren’t a requirement for an oasis-inspired water feature. But a backyard koi pond is incredibly rewarding if you have the time and patience to keep up with its care. Many homeowners even find high-maintenance koi pond ideas to be a great form of meditation.

9. Raised Backyard Pond

Some homeowners opt for a raised pond design because they like the look. Others choose this style over an in-ground pond because it is more practical. Either way, you shouldn’t dismiss the beauty of an elevated backyard pond until you’ve seen the potential!

Raised ponds require zero digging — you can even install one on a patio slab or deck. The raised design also makes it much easier to access elements like the pond heater or filter for routine maintenance.

Almost anything you can do with an in-ground pond you can also do with a raised one. The only real limitation is size. You can even use a raised container in koi pond design.

10. Small Pond

Are you afraid of installing a backyard pond because of the amount of space required? You’re definitely not alone! But opting for a smaller pond doesn’t need to mean sacrificing style or practicality.

You can easily tuck a small pond into a corner of your backyard or garden. Many aquatic plants thrive in tight spaces. You may even be able to keep minnows or small goldfish in your pond.

While a little pond can be installed almost anywhere, there are some potential drawbacks to consider. Small ponds are more likely to overheat. It’s also harder to keep shallow ponds clean — proper care and filtration are a must.

11. Swimming Pond

Yes, backyard ponds are beautiful. But did you know that they can also serve as a functional swimming pool? Natural pools are a new trend that blends together the best of both worlds.

Traditional swimming pools use chemicals like chlorine and physical filters to keep things clean. In a natural pool, these elements are replaced by filtering plant species that keep the water clean, clear, and safe.

Natural swimming ponds are also considered by many to be more eco-friendly than regular pools. And once installation is complete, they require much less yearly maintenance than their chemical-based counterparts.

12. Pond with Waterfall

Adding a waterfall to your backyard takes a bit more work than installing the pond itself but is 100% worth it. A pond waterfall keeps the water moving. It’s also a great way to disguise the filtration system in your pond regardless of size and style.

Natural-looking rock waterfalls are incredibly popular and easy to DIY. Other options include recycling old piping for a rustic aesthetic or investing in a sleek outdoor waterfall wall for your raised or in-ground pond.

Of course, you don’t need a pond to have a waterfall. If you’re looking for a relatively simple way to update your existing water feature, though, there’s really no better choice.

You love your man cave and wouldn’t give it up. However, it forces you to stay stuck inside. This isn’t appealing when the weather is warm, the sun is shining, and summer is in full swing. What you need is a backyard pub. This gives you the perfect place outside to enjoy a few cold drinks with friends on a Saturday afternoon.

What’s nice about building your outdoor bar space is that it can be as simple or elaborate as you’d like. From a basic bar made from pallets to one that’s custom-designed and built from granite. These backyard bar ideas will help you get started building the perfect gathering place for your family and friends.

[view_toc]

1. Explore Elegant Countertop Ideas

The countertop of your bar needs to be durable enough to withstand the weather elements. Unless you have a cover for your bar, it’ll get exposed to the sun, rain, wind, and ice. This makes some materials a bad idea. While wood is a popular choice for your bar inside, it will require a lot of upkeep to stay looking nice outside.

If you really want wood, try a murphy bar. It folds away flat against the wall when not in use. Then you can set it up when you need it and throw an ice chest under it. This style of op-up bar is ready when you need it and out of the way when you don’t.

2. Discover Stylish Bar Coverings

Nothing puts a damper on good times like bad weather. Add a cover to your outdoor bar and let the party continue. You can do this with a gazebo or pergola. These are structures that you can have built over your bar and surrounding area.

While there are metal pop-up style gazebos, you’ll want to avoid these. Invest in a permanent wood frame option. This will have better durability and give you more protection. If you choose to build a pergola instead, look for one with adjustable slats on the roof. Some are manually operated and others are motor operated.

3. Embrace DIY Outdoor Bar Projects

You don’t have to hire an expensive contractor to build your bar. With a little carpentry know-how, you can have your own DIY outdoor bar.

Simple DIY outdoor bar ideas show you how to use a wine barrel or old door. These create the main structure of the bar and then you only have to build around them.

You could also build a DIY bar from the ground up. This is the best option if you want a custom bar. Consider this option if you need an unusual size or shape for your bar.

4. Built an Outdoor Bar on an Existing Deck

If you have a deck, then you already have an outdoor living space. This makes it easy to add an outdoor bar. There are several design ideas that show you how to build the bar into your deck.

You could build the bar top into the railing and then line bar stools up along the railing. This is a great idea if you have a great view from your deck.

Another option is to build your bar in a naturally dead corner of your outdoor space. It’s the corner that’s awkward to put furniture in and ends up sitting empty or getting used for storage. Turn it into a functional space by building a bar around it.

5. Blend Your Bar with Backyard Aesthetics

Get creative with your backyard bar design. You could have it blend in with your other backyard structures for a cohesive look. If you love to plant and have a garden, why not build a garden bar. This gives you an entertaining space that seamlessly blends in with its surroundings.

Instead of the standard bar design, use an outdoor bar cart. This gives you an elegant design. If you have a fire pit, build a rustic bar out of the same materials that you’ve built the fire pit out of.

6. Create a Cozy Seating Palace for Comfort

Don’t stop at just the bar. You need to have a palace for people to sit down. This will encourage people to stay in the space longer as they will be more comfortable.

If you have a limited amount of square footage, then all you need are a few bar stools. Try to have at least three; otherwise, it will look off-balance and odd.

If you have more space, then create a lounge-like atmosphere. Arrange an accent chair, love seat, or sofa. Even a long bench would work. Then add cushions and throw pillows. Look for seating that is deeper, which creates a more relaxed sitting position.

7. Embrace Upcycling: Build Your Pallet Bar

Modern trends embrace the idea of upcycling wood pallets. A popular use is to make a pallet bar. There are two ways you can go about building your bar. The first is to leave the wooden pallets intact and just attach them to each other. This is fast and easy but limits your customization ability.

The other option is to break the pallets down. Now you have several similarly sized and shaped pieces of wood. You can use them to build a bar that fits your space and needs. Try taking it a step further by making a design out of the wood. Alternate light and dark pieces for a striped effect.

8. Transform Backyard Sheds into Cozy Bars

Building a bar shed lets you build an outdoor bar idea without having to leave your bar outside. You could convert an old gardening shed. Replace the potting bench with a drinking bench.

Replace the small door with two large double barn-style doors. Or you could have a lift-up style door to open the bar from the side. People would then walk up or sit at bar stools on the outside, and the person preparing the drinks would stand inside.

Bar sheds tend to work best when they are a flex space. This blends indoor and outdoor living together so that you can easily transition from one to the other.

9. Experience Tiki Bar Escapes

Create your own island oasis getaway right in your own backyard by building a tiki bar on your patio. Use bamboo for the front of the bar; it comes in easy to work with rolled sheets or panels. Then create an overhead cover with a grass roof.

Finish your tiki bar by painting the wood elements bright tropical colors. Then decorate it with all of the island decor that you would expect to see at a tiki bar. It could be decorative surfboards, theme signs, Hawaiian totems, or tropical animal wall hangings.

10. Go with the Hardwood for Outdoor Bar Construction

The popular wood of choice right now is reclaimed wood. It has an authentic rustic and vintage feel. The problem is that it isn’t the best choice for your backyard bar. Your best option is to build your bar out of hardwood. These woods are the most durable because they are impervious to water.

If you can’t afford or find hardwood, then your next best option is a treated softwood. They won’t last as long as hardwood, but they’ll last a decent amount of time. You’ll want to regularly treat the wood to ensure you get the most out of it.