Want a sleek backyard bar with a concrete countertop that doesn’t require advanced masonry skills? It’s totally possible! Take your party outdoors—we’ll show you how.
Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ or gathering around a fire pit during Christmas, an outdoor bar provides the perfect space for serving drinks and food while enhancing your backyard’s atmosphere. However, finding the right bar can be tricky: professionally built masonry bars are stylish but costly, while store-bought wicker bars often wear out quickly.
The ideal solution? A stucco-sided outdoor bar that’s sturdy, budget-friendly, and easy to build. By using a dry-stack concrete block construction method, you won’t need specialized masonry skills. Plus, its durable concrete countertop ensures year-round usability. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get started!
Building a Sturdy Outdoor Bar with Dry-Stack Concrete Blocks
Forget mortar—you can stack regular concrete blocks to form the bar structure and then secure it with a stucco coating. This method offers flexibility in design, allowing you to build a rectangular, L-shaped, or U-shaped bar that best suits your outdoor space.
For best results, keep these tips in mind:
- Build on a solid, level surface – Place the blocks on a concrete slab for stability. Avoid grass, sand, or gravel, as they can shift over time. If you don’t have a concrete slab, consider pouring one first.
- Use a staggered block pattern – Don’t stack blocks directly on top of each other; stagger them for strength.
- Fill the entire base with blocks – Avoid leaving empty spaces inside the bar frame for better stability.
- Ensure proper alignment – Use a rubber mallet to adjust block positioning instead of a regular hammer, which can chip the blocks.
- Choose the right height – A standard bar is 40 to 44 inches tall, but if you plan to use regular chairs, consider making it 30 inches high. Keep in mind that the countertop will add about 2 inches to the total height.
Applying a Stucco Finish
Once the block structure is complete, applying a stucco finish is simple. Quikrete Quikwall Surface Bonding Cement strengthens the bar with a fiberglass-reinforced cement layer, creating a stylish, durable surface.
Steps to apply the stucco:
- Pre-wet the blocks before applying the coating to prevent moisture absorption.
- Spread an even 1/8-inch layer using a trowel.
- Customize the color – Quikwall naturally dries to light gray, but you can add Quikrete Cement Color to achieve shades like terracotta, buff, charcoal, brown, or red.
Installing a Strong and Stylish Concrete Countertop for Your Outdoor Bar
A concrete countertop needs to be strong, smooth, and visually appealing. Use high-strength concrete like Quikrete Countertop Mix, which contains super-plasticizer additives to minimize air bubbles and ensure a flawless finish.
Important tips:
- Pour the countertop in small sections (~2 feet wide) to make handling easier, as concrete is extremely heavy.
- Use melamine-coated plywood for the form to create a smooth surface.
- Mix the concrete for at least 5 minutes to blend all ingredients properly.
- Let the sections cure for at least 18 hours before removing the molds and sanding the edges.
- Apply silicone caulk on the base before placing the countertop to provide cushioning and keep the slabs stable.
Should You Seal the Countertop?
Sealing the concrete countertop is optional. Here’s what to consider:
- Unsealed concrete develops a natural patina over time but may absorb stains from wine, BBQ sauce, and other spills.
- Sealed concrete retains its original look and offers better stain protection. Use Quikrete Concrete and Masonry Gloss Sealer for a glossy finish.
- For extra protection, consider applying a food-safe wax coating.
Now you have a step-by-step guide to building a sturdy, stylish, and cost-effective outdoor bar! Get started today and enjoy endless backyard gatherings with your brand-new DIY bar.