Preparation

• Determine the purpose that your bar will serve. If you will be using the bar area to grill, your bar design should include a grilling surface. Bars that will house and distribute beverages need extra shelving for drinks and glassware. After discovering the most useful components for the bar, select a location in your yard that will fit the basic, large elements of the design. Keep in mind that if you plan to enjoy your bar with a group of people, the bar needs room around the perimeter for people to roam comfortably. If you live in a region with consistently high temperatures, consider putting the bar underneath a shade tree.
  
  

Designs

• Use two separate counters, a front and back, for bars that have a grill. The back counter will hold the grill and food preparation tables. It's important to keep the raw food, especially meats, away from the drinks to prevent the spreading of germs and harmful bacteria. Consider placing a sink next to the grill to wash your hands between handling the food and drinks. The sink will also be a good place to put dirty utensils until they are taken inside for washing. Use the front counter for handing out drinks and as an eating counter. Put shelves underneath the front counter for storage. This design would also benefit from a small refrigerator at one end of the front counter. Putting in a refrigerator eliminates trips to the house kitchen and gives you more time to spend with your guests.
  
  Bars that will only serve drinks can use one counter comfortably. The front counter uses the same setup as the bar design with the grill. Consider adding a sink at one end of the counter for used glasses and other barware. To provide shade for your guests, add an awning that covers the counter and extends over the seating.