What to Know About Adding a Bar or Counter to Your Garden
Whether part of an outdoor kitchen or a standalone feature, these additions can boost your garden gatherings this summer
An outdoor bar or counter can provide the extra space you need to make your garden entertaining better, whether it’s a true bar setting – with space for drinks, a sink, a fridge and possibly a built-in tap – or simply a long counter that can do triple-duty as a place to prep food, set up a buffet or gather to eat. It can be a standalone addition or part of a full outdoor kitchen.
Here, we look at how to go about adding a bar or counter, from where to place it in the garden to your material choices and more.
Here, we look at how to go about adding a bar or counter, from where to place it in the garden to your material choices and more.
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Benefits of a bar This is usually higher than a standard counter, so you can stand at it or sit on tall stools. A bar is usually not as wide as a counter, so its usefulness for food prep or dining may be limited. It can be a standalone piece, attached to a counter, or overlooking the barbecue area.
Benefits of a counter This is a flexible space, usually wide enough to prep and set out food, as well as a place to enjoy a drink or meal. You can install a counter as a separate piece or attach one to either side of your barbecue area for additional prep and cooking space. Most worksurfaces are set on a standard base, like your kitchen worktops.
Who to hire
For most projects, you’ll want to hire a landscape contractor who’s familiar with building outdoor entertaining spaces. If you’re thinking of this feature as part of a more extensive outdoor kitchen and entertaining area, you may want to consult with a landscape architect or designer. You’ll need a licensed professional to install electrical and plumbing lines, if needed.
Before you hire anyone, be sure they’re familiar with the scope of the project and are experienced in handling the materials you want to use. As with any project, check reviews on Houzz and elsewhere, and ask for references and to see examples of work.
For most projects, you’ll want to hire a landscape contractor who’s familiar with building outdoor entertaining spaces. If you’re thinking of this feature as part of a more extensive outdoor kitchen and entertaining area, you may want to consult with a landscape architect or designer. You’ll need a licensed professional to install electrical and plumbing lines, if needed.
Before you hire anyone, be sure they’re familiar with the scope of the project and are experienced in handling the materials you want to use. As with any project, check reviews on Houzz and elsewhere, and ask for references and to see examples of work.
Design considerations
Bars and counters can work well in a number of outdoor spaces. They also come in a variety of shapes and looks.
Your first step in planning is to determine what type of design will fit your needs. Consider the following:
Bars and counters can work well in a number of outdoor spaces. They also come in a variety of shapes and looks.
Your first step in planning is to determine what type of design will fit your needs. Consider the following:
Where it will go Think about what will work best for your space and how you’re planning to use it. Putting a bar or counter near the barbecue creates a convenient prep area and gives everyone a spot to sit and chat around the cooking area. Setting a bar slightly away but still near the outdoor cooking and dining areas adds another place for family and friends to gather.
Adding a bar or counter area to another part of your outdoor space provides a secondary destination for entertaining. If you have a great view, perhaps position a bar to overlook it. You can also add a bar or counter to a gazebo or position it under a pergola.
Don’t overlook the possibility of adding a counter under a window, as it will nicely link the kitchen and outdoor space. Placing one along a wall or fence, as here, is a simple way to add additional serving space for large crowds without taking over your entertaining space.
Adding a bar or counter area to another part of your outdoor space provides a secondary destination for entertaining. If you have a great view, perhaps position a bar to overlook it. You can also add a bar or counter to a gazebo or position it under a pergola.
Don’t overlook the possibility of adding a counter under a window, as it will nicely link the kitchen and outdoor space. Placing one along a wall or fence, as here, is a simple way to add additional serving space for large crowds without taking over your entertaining space.
You also need to consider the elements: getting too much sun can make an outdoor bar too hot to gather at during the day, so you may want to place it under a shade structure or cloth, umbrella or roof. The same is true if you want to sit outside while it’s raining, and don’t forget to think about wind.
Size and shape Your bar or counter can be practically any size you want, from a tiny space for one or two to an expanse long enough to seat a crowd – or at least a good number of friends or family members. As in a kitchen, you can have a long, straight run, an L or U shape, or even create a freeform look.
You also need to make sure your bar area is a good height and width for how you want to use it. Here are some standard guidelines to follow.
You also need to make sure your bar area is a good height and width for how you want to use it. Here are some standard guidelines to follow.
- Height Bars are generally about 100-115cm tall, although some are as high as 120cm. A comfortable counter height is 90-95cm. If the counter is doubling as a table, 75cm is a better height.
- Width A bar top shouldn’t be less than 30cm wide. If you want to add an overhang, allow another 30cm to 45cm to the overall width and make sure the overhang is no more than one-third of the total bar top width. A counter should be at least 60cm wide and up to 95cm wide for maximum comfort.
- Length The length will depend on both the available space and the number of people you want the space to hold. Allow 60-75cm of linear space per person. Also plan on allowing 65-105cm of clearing behind the stools or chairs if you’re incorporating seating.
Style There are plenty of style possibilities for your new bar or counter. You can opt for a traditional look, go with something rustic or natural, turn to a Mediterranean feel, create a tropical vibe, or add contemporary style.
Matching your home’s architectural style will give the new outdoor feature a sense of permanence. That said, going in a different style direction can give you the chance to create a distinct space separate from your home.
Matching your home’s architectural style will give the new outdoor feature a sense of permanence. That said, going in a different style direction can give you the chance to create a distinct space separate from your home.
Worktop material options
In addition to looking good, outdoor worktops need to be resilient enough to handle outdoor conditions. Top material choices include stone, wood, concrete, tiles, metal and new manufactured materials.
Keep in mind that not all worktop materials are suitable for outdoor use. Engineered quartz, solid surfaces, laminates and indoor-rated tiles aren’t recommended, because they don’t hold up when exposed to the sun and other elements.
Whatever material you choose, you’ll need to be sure the base of your counter or bar is strong enough to support it. You may need to add reinforcements underneath. Look to a professional with experience to fabricate and install any worktop.
In addition to looking good, outdoor worktops need to be resilient enough to handle outdoor conditions. Top material choices include stone, wood, concrete, tiles, metal and new manufactured materials.
Keep in mind that not all worktop materials are suitable for outdoor use. Engineered quartz, solid surfaces, laminates and indoor-rated tiles aren’t recommended, because they don’t hold up when exposed to the sun and other elements.
Whatever material you choose, you’ll need to be sure the base of your counter or bar is strong enough to support it. You may need to add reinforcements underneath. Look to a professional with experience to fabricate and install any worktop.
Granite Stone is a go-to material choice for outdoor use, with granite topping the list as being readily available and durable for counters and bars, according to designer John Algozzini of KD Landscape based in the US. It’s a long-lasting option that’s hard-wearing, heat-resistant and nonporous, and cleans up easily with soap and detergent. It’s also available in a huge range of colours and veining patterns.
Keep in mind that darker colours will get hotter in the sun than lighter ones and that slabs with heavy veining are more likely to show signs of sun and liquid exposure. You may need to apply a breathable sealant when the slab is installed and then reseal it on a yearly basis to keep it from discolouring and possibly staining.
Quartzite Quartzite is a natural stone that looks like marble, with the same grey to white colours, but it’s much easier to maintain. This material is not to be confused with engineered quartz, which cannot be used outside. It is considered as durable and heat- and stain-resistant as granite and resists UV rays, so it won’t fade in the sun.
Cleaning quartzite is easy, requiring just water and a simple detergent. While most quartzite is stain-resistant, it’s best to seal the stone and reseal it at least once a year. It can also be damaged by sharp objects.
Keep in mind that darker colours will get hotter in the sun than lighter ones and that slabs with heavy veining are more likely to show signs of sun and liquid exposure. You may need to apply a breathable sealant when the slab is installed and then reseal it on a yearly basis to keep it from discolouring and possibly staining.
Quartzite Quartzite is a natural stone that looks like marble, with the same grey to white colours, but it’s much easier to maintain. This material is not to be confused with engineered quartz, which cannot be used outside. It is considered as durable and heat- and stain-resistant as granite and resists UV rays, so it won’t fade in the sun.
Cleaning quartzite is easy, requiring just water and a simple detergent. While most quartzite is stain-resistant, it’s best to seal the stone and reseal it at least once a year. It can also be damaged by sharp objects.
Other stone options Some stones, such as limestone and travertine, are beautiful, but they’re more prone to damage and require much more care.
- Slate comes in a range of light to dark greys and is often a less expensive choice than granite or quartzite. Slate is heat-resistant and can be cleaned with water and a pH-neutral stone cleaner. Durability, density, smoothness and stain resistance can vary extensively. Slate’s dark colour may also be too hot when exposed to sunlight. It can also chip and crack. You will need to seal slate regularly.
- Marble will give your space a classic look, and the light colour will keep the surface cooler. Marble is softer and more porous than granite and quartzite and subject to etching, especially from acidic foods, drinks and stains. It will also show its age over time, giving it a more weathered, less pristine look as it wears. Marble is generally heat-resistant and durable and can be cleaned with soap and water. Opt for honed marble for the best long-term look, and plan to reseal it regularly.
- Sintered stone is a manufactured product that’s a fairly new addition to the market. It’s a combination of porcelain, glass and quartz. You can find it in a wide range of colours, textures and looks, even mimicking other materials. It’s weatherproof, heat- and stain-resistant, chip-resistant and almost maintenance free, just requiring regular cleaning. Though it can handle hard use, there are reports of it cracking and breaking if heavy items are dropped on it, and it’s expensive to repair.
Wood Wood is stylistically versatile – it can feel traditional, rustic, nature-inspired or casual. If you’re adding a bar area, it seems natural to have a wood worktop. That said, it’s important to consider outdoor conditions. Sustainably harvested tropical or marine-grade hardwoods, such as teak or cedar, are good options.
Wood is more high-maintenance than other materials and can be damaged by cuts and heat. You’ll need to sand and seal it frequently with a food-safe sealer. Using a marine-grade varnish will help, but it will also yellow somewhat with age. Keeping wood out of direct sunlight and rain or snow will also help to slow ageing.
Try to steer clear of installing a wood worktop next to a barbecue. You can add fireproof materials, but it’s safer to avoid using any flammable materials near a flame.
Wood is more high-maintenance than other materials and can be damaged by cuts and heat. You’ll need to sand and seal it frequently with a food-safe sealer. Using a marine-grade varnish will help, but it will also yellow somewhat with age. Keeping wood out of direct sunlight and rain or snow will also help to slow ageing.
Try to steer clear of installing a wood worktop next to a barbecue. You can add fireproof materials, but it’s safer to avoid using any flammable materials near a flame.
Concrete Concrete is a great choice for a contemporary look. It’s impervious to the elements and cleans up easily, plus it can be shaped and tinted to fit your desired look. Concrete can fade or develop small cracks over time, but sealing it can help to prevent that to a degree. It requires a professional to fabricate and install it.
Tiles You will, of course, need to choose tiles that are rated for outdoor use. Porcelain, granite and slate are good choices. Slate tiles may differ widely in looks and smoothness, so it’s best to choose each individual tile at one time to be sure they’ll match.
Generally, tiles are the least expensive option for a worktop and are easy to take care of. You can remove and replace an individual tile that’s chipped or cracked. While the tiles themselves may be fine, be aware that the grout is prone to cracking and darkening.
Generally, tiles are the least expensive option for a worktop and are easy to take care of. You can remove and replace an individual tile that’s chipped or cracked. While the tiles themselves may be fine, be aware that the grout is prone to cracking and darkening.
Base material options
Unless you’re choosing to attach a bar or counter to a wall, you’ll need a base to put it on. The base you choose won’t take quite as much of a beating from the elements as the worktop, but it still needs to be hardwearing enough to handle being outside year-round.
A base that will incorporate a barbecue requires extra precautions. Fireproof boxing around the barbecue area is a necessity. You’ll also want to avoid using wood or other flammable materials around an open flame.
Unless you’re choosing to attach a bar or counter to a wall, you’ll need a base to put it on. The base you choose won’t take quite as much of a beating from the elements as the worktop, but it still needs to be hardwearing enough to handle being outside year-round.
A base that will incorporate a barbecue requires extra precautions. Fireproof boxing around the barbecue area is a necessity. You’ll also want to avoid using wood or other flammable materials around an open flame.
Once the base is in place, how you finish it is up to you. Both natural and manufactured stone facing can give your bar or counter a polished and timeless look. Brick lends a traditional feel. Wood adds a natural or rustic touch and pairs well with other materials, including stainless steel, corrugated metal, bamboo and thatch. Or, mix and match cladding for a bespoke look.
Stainless-steel is another option for the base of a bar or counter. It can be less expensive than wood, and you can find premade cabinets designed for outdoor kitchens. There are also options that are designed to hold barbecues safely.
Most premade stainless-steel cabinets will have feet to help keep them stable and level. Anchoring them to a wall is another way to stabilise them. Stainless-steel is easy to care for, but can become extremely hot in the sunlight.
Most premade stainless-steel cabinets will have feet to help keep them stable and level. Anchoring them to a wall is another way to stabilise them. Stainless-steel is easy to care for, but can become extremely hot in the sunlight.
Bonus bar features
A simple bar or counter may be all you need to complete your space. However, before you begin with installation, think about other amenities you might want to include in your design. Some are fairly simple to include; others will take a bit more planning and money.
A simple bar or counter may be all you need to complete your space. However, before you begin with installation, think about other amenities you might want to include in your design. Some are fairly simple to include; others will take a bit more planning and money.
Storage Additional storage built into the base of a bar or counter gives you a place to store glassware, tableware and other outdoor kitchen accessories, cutting down on the number of trips you need to make in and out of the house. You can buy specially designed pre-made cabinets or have them included as part of a bespoke design.
Lighting Task lighting can make drink and food preparation easier. Ambient lighting can set the mood, whether it includes wall-mounted lights or simple fairy lights.
Consider including a lighting plan to address these issues when you’re finalising your design. That way, you can plan your approach to providing necessary lighting for the area, especially if you’ll need to incorporate additional wiring into the space.
Consider including a lighting plan to address these issues when you’re finalising your design. That way, you can plan your approach to providing necessary lighting for the area, especially if you’ll need to incorporate additional wiring into the space.
Sinks and coolers Consider adding a sink to your bar, which should be at a comfortable worktop working height. An under-counter fridge or beverage cooler also lends itself to the outdoor bar experience. A tap or a long cooler trough designed to hold ice, bottles and cans can also be incorporated into an outdoor bar. You could even add a built-in blender or ice-maker.
Other considerations
Permitting and codes Before starting any project, check with your local planning department about local regulations; ask about any permissions you might need, even for the simplest project. Also check for any other rules and regulations you might need to follow.
Permitting and codes Before starting any project, check with your local planning department about local regulations; ask about any permissions you might need, even for the simplest project. Also check for any other rules and regulations you might need to follow.
When to do this project Adding a hardscaping feature to your landscape is usually best done during good weather from spring to autumn.
Timescale For a simple project, plan for about one or two weeks, says John Algozzini. Rob Douglass, of Texas Custom Patios in the US, agrees, on the proviso that everything is in place and the different trades are available. “I hate giving an exact timeframe, but if the trades were on standby and all the materials were on-site and ordered to perfection, then yes,” he says.
Both agree you should allow more time for more complex installations, especially if you’re adding amenities.
Tell us..
Would you like to add a bar or counter to your outdoor space? Or do you have one already? Share your ideas and photos in the Comments.
Timescale For a simple project, plan for about one or two weeks, says John Algozzini. Rob Douglass, of Texas Custom Patios in the US, agrees, on the proviso that everything is in place and the different trades are available. “I hate giving an exact timeframe, but if the trades were on standby and all the materials were on-site and ordered to perfection, then yes,” he says.
Both agree you should allow more time for more complex installations, especially if you’re adding amenities.
Tell us..
Would you like to add a bar or counter to your outdoor space? Or do you have one already? Share your ideas and photos in the Comments.
Your first step in adding an outdoor bar or counter is deciding exactly what type of set-up will work best for you. Bars and counters are fairly similar in construction and materials, although each has its own pros and cons.