Your Backyard Oasis Awaits: Unlocking The Magic Of A Bar Shed
Imagine stepping out into your backyard, the sun setting, a gentle breeze rustling through the leaves, and just a few steps away, your very own private retreat awaits. This isn't just any shed; it's a dedicated space designed for relaxation, entertainment, and creating unforgettable memories. Welcome to the world of the bar shed, the ultimate upgrade for any outdoor living enthusiast. Once merely functional structures for storing lawn equipment or forgotten boxes, sheds are now being reimagined as vibrant social hubs, personal sanctuaries, and the ultimate backyard entertainment solution. The bar shed is quickly becoming the next big thing, transforming mundane outdoor spaces into the neighborhood's hottest destination.
This comprehensive guide will delve into everything you need to know about bar sheds, from their evolution and benefits to design tips, stocking essentials, and where to find your perfect outdoor bar. Get ready to explore how this innovative backyard addition can elevate your entertaining game and provide a unique escape right at home.
Table of Contents
- The Evolution of the Backyard Shed: From Storage to Sanctuary
- What Exactly is a Bar Shed? Defining the Concept
- Why a Bar Shed is Your Next Backyard Must-Have
- Designing Your Dream Bar Shed: Themes and Customization
- Stocking and Equipping Your Bar Shed
- DIY vs. Pre-Built Bar Sheds: What's Right for You?
- Finding Your Perfect Bar Shed: Where to Look
- Conclusion
The Evolution of the Backyard Shed: From Storage to Sanctuary
For decades, the humble shed served a singular purpose: outdoor storage. You'd open up most sheds, and you'd see some boxes, maybe some lawn equipment, or occasionally a workshop for the avid gardener, woodworker, mechanic, or hobbyist. These structures were practical, utilitarian, and rarely a focal point of backyard design. They were tucked away, out of sight, out of mind. However, as homeowners increasingly seek to maximize their living spaces and embrace outdoor entertaining, the shed has undergone a remarkable transformation. While the term “man cave” has been around for decades now, the terms “she shed” and “he shed” are fairly recent additions to the pop culture lexicon, signifying a shift towards personalized, dedicated spaces for hobbies, relaxation, or work. This evolution has paved the way for the ultimate backyard upgrade: the bar shed. Rather than transform a basement, people are looking outwards, seeing the potential in their existing or new outdoor structures.What Exactly is a Bar Shed? Defining the Concept
So, what exactly is a bar shed? At its core, a backyard bar shed—also known as a pub shed, outdoor pub, or home bar—is a standalone structure featuring a bar, drink storage, seating, and other functional features designed for entertaining. It is an outdoor structure that's part cabana, part storage shed, and part bar all in one. These buildings have been famous in the U.K. in the past, bringing the cozy atmosphere of a local pub right into one's garden. More recently, they have just hit the American scene as a fun solution to add storage and entertainment to your own backyard. At first glance, this looks like your average storage shed, but with clever design and a vision, it transforms into something truly special. It often has a side access door and indoor shelving, but the magic happens when the serving window opens, inviting guests to pull up a stool and enjoy a refreshing libation.Why a Bar Shed is Your Next Backyard Must-Have
The appeal of a bar shed is multi-faceted, offering a blend of convenience, style, and functionality that traditional outdoor spaces often lack. Here are compelling reasons why a bar shed should be your next backyard project: * **The Ultimate Entertainment Hub:** Your bar shed will be the neighborhood cocktail hot spot, and you'll never miss a happy hour again. Imagine hosting lively gatherings, watching the game, enjoying conversation with friends, or listening to your favorite music together, all within steps of your back door. It combines so many of our favorite entertaining pieces into one cohesive space. * **A Personal Oasis:** Escape the daily grind in a place all your own, just steps from your back door. Whether it's a workshop, a backyard bar, or a place for work or fun, it provides a dedicated space for your passions. * **Convenience and Accessibility:** No more running back and forth to the kitchen for drinks or snacks. Having a place to sit, enjoy a drink and a snack, and make memories with your loved ones brings people together and makes any gathering an event you’re sure to remember. The bar is always open with your bar shed! * **Increased Property Value and Appeal:** A well-designed bar shed can significantly enhance your property's aesthetic appeal and functionality, making it more attractive to potential buyers should you ever decide to sell. This structure can elevate even the most seemingly mundane backyards. * **Versatility:** While primarily a bar, these sheds can be so much more. We’ll be toasting to our amazing customers who transform our sheds into home bars, crafting studios, home renovation businesses, and so much more. * **Memorable Moments:** The careful curation of your bar shed’s offerings sets the stage for memorable moments and enjoyable experiences in your personalized outdoor oasis. Upon stocking your bar shed with essential equipment and beverages, step back and envision the convivial gatherings and refreshing libations that await in your new backyard retreat.Designing Your Dream Bar Shed: Themes and Customization
One of the most exciting aspects of creating a bar shed is the freedom to customize it to your heart's content. Your shed can be any theme you want, reflecting your personality and style. A sports bar, an English pub shed, a biker bar, a roadhouse, or, if you have the skills of a brewmaster, it can even be the most micro microbrewery. Just imagine, you can make your beer, bottle your beer, and serve your beer to neighborhood friends. Consider the tiny bar shed dubbed "The Drunken Crab" as an example of creative design. Its exterior is painted a crisp white, while the door and windows are painted black for a sophisticated look. On the inside, this rustic retreat has natural wood walls, plenty of framed photos, and a spot for playing darts. The color scheme itself compliments each other, matching the trim on the window as well.Choosing the Right Size and Features
When planning your bar shed, size matters. You’ll want your backyard bar shed to have enough space to host all your supplies and serve drinks from. Options range from compact designs perfect for intimate gatherings to larger pavilions designed for grand entertaining. * **Compact & Cozy:** A 5x9 bar shed size also includes a base/foundation, 30-year composite roofing, and complete installation. This size is perfect for a small, intimate setup. * **Mid-Size & Versatile:** An 8x12 cedar bar shed divided approximately 65/35 offers more space. The 32 square feet of bar includes an 8' bar top and flip-up opening, custom shelving with wrought iron detail, cedar ship lap on the interior, a 24" wood entry door, and a 24" slider. Another popular option is the 10x10 cedar bar shed divided 60/40, where the 40 square feet of bar includes an 8' bar top and flip-up opening, custom shelving, cedar ship lap on the interior, and a 24" wood entry door. * **Spacious & Grand:** For those who love to host, the Oakley 14 x 19 pavilion shed transforms any backyard into a vibrant social hub. This option can be added to almost any of our buildings, providing ample room for a full bar setup and seating. The bar shed option can be adapted to almost any shed structure, offering incredible flexibility. Our 3D configurator allows you to choose the perfect design for your dream man cave, she shed, backyard bar shed, or workshop shed. Our designer series sheds are designed to add style to your property aside from the storage solution they offer.Essential Design Elements
Beyond size and theme, specific features can make your bar shed truly functional and inviting: * **Bar Top and Prep Area:** A premium wood bar top with an interior prep area is essential. A solid wood countertop extends from the interior prep space to the exterior bar, perfect for serving drinks and snacks. * **Windows and Openings:** Three fixed transom windows and one side window with a screen can provide natural light and ventilation. Many designs feature front doors that open to transform the shed into a welcoming space. The 45 square feet of bar often includes an 8' bar top and a roll-up opening. You can even order an opening on one wall to create a serving portal so that guests don’t have to go inside the bar. The bar door attaches to the inside of the shed with hinges and swings up to open. To build the door, simply cut a piece of siding material to the right size, then glue and screw 1x6s and 1x4s to the siding to create the bar door. * **Structure and Durability:** A solid 2x4 wood frame for added strength and durability ensures your bar shed stands the test of time. This structure often features pressure-treated 4x4 runners, pressure-treated 2x4 floor joists, and 1x6 trim boards. * **Interior Details:** Custom shelving with wrought iron detail, cedar ship lap on the interior, and a 24" wood entry door add character and functionality. Inside the structure, you can find countertops, and a backyard bar shed project plan often offers a covered bar with space for seating, and inside a wrap-around work counter with a BBQ area and refrigerator. * **Outdoor Integration:** An 8'x7' cabana entertainment bar shed with 2 barstools and a storage shelf, or an 8'6 x 6'9 cedar springs bar outdoor entertainment pergola, can seamlessly blend your bar shed with your existing outdoor living space. A bar shed makes a perfect addition to your backyard deck, pool, or patio. A lakeside bar shed is genius for creating a fun entertaining experience for yourself and your friends. Even if the closest lake is 50 miles away, a lakeside bar shed still connects with the wonderful feeling of being outdoors. Of course, a lakeside bar shed is even better set right by a lake!Stocking and Equipping Your Bar Shed
Once your bar shed is built and designed, the next exciting step is stocking it! Upon stocking your bar shed with essential equipment and beverages, step back and envision the convivial gatherings and refreshing libations that await in your new backyard retreat. The careful curation of your bar shed’s offerings sets the stage for memorable moments and enjoyable experiences in your personalized outdoor oasis. Consider what you’ll be serving. This will dictate your inventory: * **Beverages:** A selection of spirits, wines, beers, and non-alcoholic options. * **Glassware:** Various types for different drinks. * **Bar Tools:** Shakers, jiggers, muddlers, strainers, bottle openers, corkscrews. * **Ice Maker/Bucket:** Essential for keeping drinks cool. * **Mini-Fridge:** For chilling beverages and mixers. * **Snacks:** Small bites to complement the drinks. * **Seating:** Barstools are a must, and comfortable seating areas inside or outside the shed.Beyond the Drinks: Concession and Coffee Bar Sheds
While "bar" is in the name, the versatility of these structures extends far beyond alcoholic beverages. A bar shed can be adapted for various purposes, making it even more valuable for your backyard entertainment: * **The Concession Stand Shed Bar:** Great for concession stands or when you are ready to raise the bar on your backyard entertainment. Imagine serving hot dogs, popcorn, and sodas during a backyard movie night or a kids' party. Built and delivered across Southern California, our designs are perfect for snack bars, ticket booths, guard shacks, and more. * **Shed for an Espresso Bar:** A shed bar is ideal for serving your friends your coffee specialties. For the coffee aficionado, a bar shed can be transformed into a cozy espresso bar, complete with a machine, grinders, and a selection of beans. These alternative uses highlight the adaptability of the bar shed concept, proving it's more than just a place for drinks; it's a hub for any kind of hospitality.DIY vs. Pre-Built Bar Sheds: What's Right for You?
When it comes to acquiring a bar shed, you generally have two main routes: building it yourself or purchasing a pre-fabricated kit or fully assembled unit. Each has its pros and cons. * **DIY Bar Shed:** For the handy individual, building your own bar shed can be a rewarding project. Sam built the bar inside his shed himself, and he laughs, saying, “it really was a welcome project while we stayed at home.” The result is the perfect pub shed, right in their backyard. Our bar shed isn't fancy; it's a 10x12 rectangle, 98 percent is salvaged material, so it wasn't expensive and certainly doesn't have to be perfect to have a good time. This approach offers maximum customization and can be more budget-friendly if you have the skills and access to materials. There are so many wonderful bar shed ideas out there that can inspire your build. * **Pre-Built/Kit Bar Sheds:** For those who prefer convenience, there are numerous pre-fabricated options available. Plus, keep in mind you can have your very own prefab outdoor bar sheds too. Sam's Club is selling the ultimate outdoor bar shed for summer, and it's literally half the price of Costco's viral version (as of Jul 19, 2024, 2:40 PM EDT). Costco’s Suncast Cabana Entertainment Shed is a bestseller and an affordable outdoor “bar in a box.” Angela from Costco Guide on Instagram said in a recent video, “[You] open this door that has a lock.” This entertainment shed also includes an integrated bar top that flips down with ease and provides an ideal spot to pull up a stool for a cool drink or snack with friends and family (barstools included). Smart inside and out, the Suncast® 8 x 7 Cabana Entertainment Shed is the ultimate storage and entertainment solution. The Oakley 14 x 19 bar shed pavilion (delivery & assembly included) is another example of a high-end, ready-to-go option. You can save $300 to $400 through April while supplies last on certain models.Considerations for Installation and Maintenance
Whether DIY or pre-built, consider the practicalities: * **Delivery & Support:** Many companies offer delivery and support to learn more about installation. * **Foundation:** Ensure you have a level and stable base for your shed. The 5x9 bar shed size, for instance, includes a base/foundation and complete installation. * **Utilities:** Think about electricity for lighting, refrigeration, and sound systems. * **Maintenance:** Fixing things is quick & easy with quality materials and proper construction. Enjoy the fall weather being outdoors with a couple of drinks and food in your shed, knowing it's built to last. Make the next summer season even more enjoyable.Finding Your Perfect Bar Shed: Where to Look
With the growing popularity of bar sheds, finding the right one has never been easier. * **Specialty Shed Retailers:** Oaktree Sheds & Gazebos in Monroe Township, NJ, for example, has a huge selection of sheds, gazebos, bar sheds, pavilions, and sunrooms available in different styles and options. You can visit them at 943 State Highway 33 West, Monroe Township, NJ 08831. To speak with a shed expert today, call Oaktree Sheds & Gazebos at 732.303.0747. Bar shed installations in New Jersey by Oaktree Sheds & Gazebos are one of their most popular items. * **Large Retailers:** Stores like Sam's Club and Costco often carry popular outdoor bar shed models, especially during peak outdoor living seasons. * **Online Marketplaces:** Browse selections online from various manufacturers and suppliers. Many offer detailed product information of bar sheds, customer reviews (e.g., Key West 10x8 bar shed rated 4.9 out of 5 stars from 62 5-star reviews, 5 4-star reviews, 1 3-star review, 1 2-star review, and 0 1-star reviews, with customers consistently praising the product's high overall quality and excellent value). * **Custom Builders:** If you have a very specific vision, consider working with a custom builder. New Jersey’s most extensive collection of sheds, pool houses, pool bars, pavilions, garages, workshops, all customized to fit your needs and lifestyle, can be found through local experts. Feel free to give us a call or visit with any questions about customizing your own shed, barn, or garage. Call to learn more, browse our selection online, or place an order! Find the perfect shed for your backyard today! This bar shed offers a stylish covered space for entertaining or secure storage. Shop our collection of backyard bars to buy yours today!Conclusion
The bar shed represents a significant evolution in outdoor living, transforming a utilitarian structure into a dynamic space for entertainment, relaxation, and personal expression. It’s clear that outdoor living continues to evolve with the newest trend being outdoor bar sheds. People are taking their sheds and making them into a great gathering place out in the yard, from transforming these bar sheds into mini pubs. Your bar shed will be the neighborhood and friends' cocktail hot spot, and you'll never miss a happy hour again. With so many wonderful bar shed ideas out there, your dream of having your bar in your very own backyard can truly be someone’s dream come true. Whether you envision a bustling sports bar, a tranquil coffee nook, or a microbrewery, the possibilities are endless. Don't let your backyard be just a yard; open up some fun and make the next summer season even more enjoyable. As the saying goes, "You don’t have to go home, but you can’t stay here" – because your bar shed will be the only place you want to be! Ready to create your own garden bar with these wooden buildings or explore the endless customization options? We expect more from us in the future on building and outfitting your bar shed. For now, however, it’s time to start planning your perfect backyard oasis. Share your bar shed dreams in the comments below, or explore more of our outdoor living guides to inspire your next project!
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