Turning your shed into a bar can be a fun and rewarding project. With some planning, elbow grease, and creativity, you can transform your outdoor shed into a cozy space to relax and entertain. There are a few key considerations when converting a shed into a bar that will impact the scope, cost, and ultimate enjoyment of your bar shed. In this article, we’ll walk through the requirements, costs, and steps for turning your basic storage shed into a fabulous backyard bar oasis.
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Is it Legal?
The first question many homeowners have when considering a DIY bar shed is whether it’s legal. There are a few factors that determine if you can legally turn your shed into a bar in your city or county:
- Zoning laws – Most residential areas have zoning restrictions on running a commercial business out of your home or yard. Having a backyard bar shed may be prohibited under certain residential zoning classifications.
- Building permits – You will likely need a building permit for the construction and any plumbing, electrical, or structural changes made to convert the shed. Building codes will dictate requirements like minimum ceiling height, ventilation, exits, etc.
- Liquor licenses – If you plan to sell alcohol out of your shed bar, you’ll need to apply for a liquor license. Even giving away free alcoholic drinks sometimes requires a license.
- Noise regulations – Local noise ordinances usually limit loud music and rowdy behavior after certain nighttime hours. This could impact how late your bar shed stays open.
- Insurance concerns – Your homeowners insurance may not cover accidents that occur in a bar shed depending on your policy details. You may need to adjust your coverage.
Check with your local zoning department, municipality clerk’s office, and insurance agent to understand the laws and get any required permits or licenses before starting your bar shed project. Being informed on the legalities from the start will prevent headaches down the road.
Shed Requirements
Assuming your bar shed is legal, you’ll next want to consider your existing shed (or plans for a new shed) and how it can be adapted into a bar. Here are some of the shed requirements to factor in:
- Size – The interior floor dimensions need to be large enough to comfortably fit bar stools or chairs, while leaving room to walk around. Typically 10×12 is the minimum size for a small bar shed.
- Height – Standard shed ceiling height is around 7-8 feet. For a bar, 8 feet or higher is better so guests don’t feel cramped.
- Location – Pick a level, well-drained spot in your yard. Ensure the entrance is safely away from the pool and kid play areas.
- Structure – Reinforce the floor to handle added weight. Evaluate if wall framing needs beefing up to support a new roof.
- Loft – Adding a loft provides space for storage, wine racks, a dance floor, or cozy seating.
- Windows – Increase lighting, ventilation and views by adding more windows or a sunroof.
- Power – Running electrical from your house provides lighting, music, TVs and chargers. Upgrade to 200 amps.
- Insulation – Insulate walls, ceiling and floor to control temperature and noise.
- Interior finish – Use fire-resistant, waterproof materials like stone, metal, and vinyl.
Take measurements and examine your current shed to see how it stacks up to these bar shed requirements. Determine what modifications need to be budgeted for in your plans.
Bar Shed Design Ideas
Now for the fun part – dreaming up the look and vibe of your backyard bar! There are many exciting design directions you can take:
| Theme | Design Ideas |
|---|---|
| Classic pub | Dark wood finishes, tin ceiling, ambiance lighting, ale taps |
| Tiki | Bamboo, rattan furniture, thatched roof, palm prints, fire pit |
| Sports bar | Team banners & signs, sports memorabilia, TVs, bar games |
| Margaritaville | Island mural, woven stools, patio fans, bright colors |
| Western saloon | Swinging doors, wagon wheel lights, cowhides, whiskey barrels |
Incorporating personal touches like photos, your favorite gear, and inside jokes will make the space uniquely you. Visit Pinterest, houzz, and bar design sites for more inspiration on crafting your ideal backyard bar hangout.
Basic Bar Shed Components
Every great bar shed needs a few mandatory features:
- Bar – The main focal point where drinks are mixed, served and rested. Opt for waterproof, durable surfaces like granite, metal or finished wood.
- Seating – Bar stools, chairs, benches, and couches to seat your guests. Maximize space with built-in bench seating.
- sink – A must for hand washing and washing glassware. Include draining racks and drying towels.
- Refrigerator – Keep beer, wine and ingredients chilled in a compact, built-in under-counter fridge.
- Storage – Cabinets, shelving, and cubbies to store glassware, garnishes, supplies, and spirits.
- Countertops – Additional counters provide drink mixing space and tabletop standing areas.
Optional bar additions to consider include wine racks, tap systems, ice makers, sinks, lighting, TVs, and climate control. Get creative outfitting your shed bar with fun personal touches!
Estimated Costs
Converting an existing shed into a bar or building a new shed bar involves significant investment. Here are average cost estimates:
- Basic wood shed kit (8×10) – $2,000-$4,000
- Building custom bar shed (10×16) – $15,000-$25,000
- Shed demolition/removal – $1,000-$2,500
- Excavation/concrete for foundation – $3,000-$5,000
- Framing labor & materials – $5,000-$10,000
- Roofing – $2,000-$4,000
- Siding/exterior finishing – $3,000-$7,000
- Insulation & drywall – $2,000-$3,500
- Electrical work – $2,500-$5,000
- Plumbing for wet bar – $3,000-$6,000
- Interior finishes (flooring, countertops) – $3,000-$5,000
- Interior furniture, decor – $4,000-$7,000
- Permits & fees – $500-$2,000
With custom construction, high-end finishes, wet bar features, and large footprint, total costs often exceed $40,000. Prioritize must-haves and factor in your budget restrictions from the start.
Step-by-Step Construction
If you’re ready to tackle a DIY bar shed, here are the basic construction steps:
- Demolish – Take down existing shed completely if needing extensive upgrade.
- Prepare site – Level ground, install foundation posts, construct foundation.
- Frame structure – Build floor, wall, and roof framing to dimensions.
- Roofing – Add plywood sheathing, felt, and shingles.
- Siding – Stain, panel, or shingle the exterior walls.
- Windows and doors – Add at least one large entrance door plus windows.
- Insulate – Fill walls, ceiling and floor with proper insulation.
- Interior wall finish – Install plywood, drywall or other desired wall finishes.
- Utilities – Run electricity from main house for lights and outlets.
- Plumbing – If adding a wet bar, install proper plumbing and drains.
- Interior finishes – Add flooring, trim, countertops and painting.
- Furnishings – Bring in the bar, stools, decor and everything else.
- Extras – Include other electives like TVs, outdoor lighting, etc.
Some steps will vary based on your site constraints, budget, and design choices. Always get professional support for structural, electrical and plumbing work.
Hiring a Contractor
Taking on all the bar construction yourself is an immense DIY challenge. Consider hiring a general contractor or specialist subs to handle some or all of the work:
- Shed demolition & disposal
- Excavating and concrete foundation
- Framing the walls, roofline and loft
- Roofing – trusses, sheathing, shingles
- Siding, exterior finishing
- Insulation & sheetrock
- Electrical – inside wiring, outdoor lights
- Plumbing for wet bar
- Interior carpentry finishing
Get bids from several contractors before selecting. Ensure you understand exactly what is covered in their scope of work and overall timeline.
Tips for Building Your Bar Shed
Follow these tips as you bring your backyard bar shed plans to life:
- Check permitting and zoning rules before getting started.
- Hire professionals for all structural, electrical and plumbing work.
- Waterproof carefully – use moisture barriers, treated lumber, metal roofing.
- Insulate well to control temperature and noise.
- Add extra power lines and outlets – they go fast!
- Use durable, easy-clean finishes throughout the interior.
- Purchase bar essentials like glassware, mixers, and garnishes.
- Stock the bar and break it in with a fun housewarming party!
With smart planning and diligent construction, you can build the ultimate entertaining oasis right in your backyard. Your new bar shed will become a wonderful spot for making memories with family and friends for years to come. So what are you waiting for? Grab a hammer and start your next great DIY adventure!
Conclusion
Building a shed bar in your backyard is an ambitious but rewarding project. Following the guidelines for legalities, construction steps, costs and design elements outlined above will let you successfully create your ideal entertaining space. With ample research, careful planning, professional support, and maybe some elbow grease, your basic storage shed can be transformed into a fabulous bar shed oasis to enjoy for years to come. Just be sure to send an invite for the inaugural tiki-themed grand opening party!