Reuse Wood Pallets To Build A Stylish Outdoor Bar That's Perfect For Entertaining

Outdoor bars for entertaining may seem like a luxury, in line with large and elaborate outdoor spaces far above your budget. However,  no matter the budget you are working with or the style of your backyard, a small one can be a great way to take advantage of your outdoor living space. Not only do you get a surface to mix drinks and store liquor bottles when outside, but it gives people a place to gather. While there are numerous options for outdoor bars — everything from cute wheeled carts to luxe outdoor bar sheds — you may be overlooking a great source of budget wood for building a simple yet stylish bar. Wooden shipping pallets are perfect for creating an outdoor bar that is durable and sizable enough to meet all your needs. 

These wood pallets are an amazing source of durable and treated wood. They are meant to withstand heavy loads and movement, meaning their construction is usually sound and perfect for reusing for other wood pallet furniture ideas that you can customize. You can find them on sites like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace priced inexpensively or for free. Or you may be able to secure extras from a manufacturing business or retailer, who often dispose of the pallets after they've unpacked the goods that were once on them. 

For an easy wood pallet bar, you will need two wood pallets, as well as a wood piece in your desired width for the top of the bar. Great ideas include salvaged wood, old doors, old countertops, or thick plywood. Cut one of the pallets in half to serve as the sides, while the other will serve as the front of the U-shaped bar. Fasten the pallets together with 2-inch wood screws, then use more screws to attach the top into the pallets below. Paint and stain with your favorite shade or finish, making sure to add a poly coat if your bar will be subjected to the elements. While the result of the above tutorial is a rustic bar, you can also create a more elevated look by repurposing the boards from other pallets to cover the front and sides with closer-set planks. You can also use a plywood overlay that you finish and paint.

Options for customizing this bar project are many. Using three door hinges, you can make a hinged version that folds up with a removable top and shelves perfect for stowing away during colder weather months. Create a roofed version to offer shade with some 2 x 4s and additional pallet wood to create a slanted overhang, or just build an entire wall of pallet partitioning behind and around the bar to create privacy and define the space. Pair the outdoor bar with other wood pallet outdoor pieces like a stylish outdoor coffee table or DIY wood pallet loungers.