Ahh, the pub – a safe haven for Aussies. We all have plenty of fond memories from the local, and maybe a few not-so-fond ones as well. Still, an Australian pub is a perfect place to unwind after an afternoon on the pitch or a long day’s work. It only makes sense to want that same experience from the comfort of your home. That’s why we’ve made this guide to help you create the perfect outdoor bar.
We crunched the numbers on Australia’s most Googled outdoor furniture trends and found that bar-related furniture search terms ranked much higher than other patio furniture searches. Who can argue with that? There’s no better place to crack a cold one with friends and enjoy a pub-like experience without the markups.
Find Your Perfect Bar
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So the first point is a no-brainer. If you want to build a great outdoor bar, you need the bar part first. There are plenty of styles to take inspiration from. For a classic Australian pub look, try a brick base with hardwood benchtops or an all-wood, glossy bar for something you’re more likely to find at a whisky bar. If you’re a Leagues club regular and want that look at your home, try a stainless steel bar top that’s always just a little bit sticky. There’s no shortage of bar front ideas, so pick whatever tickles your fancy, from tiles to wooden planks or even a tin panel design. For the cherry on top, pick up some bar runners and spill mats to complete the authentic Aussie pub look.
Bar Location
Once you have an idea of what you want your bar to look like, the next question is, where do you want it? Do you want it tucked into a corner to minimise space consumption? Or do you want it to stand out and section off part of the patio where it makes a statement? The position of your bar will do a lot for how the space feels..
Sturdy Wood & Metal Furniture
To deal with rowdy blokes and a lot of spilt beer, pub furniture is made to be durable, weather resistant and still pretty comfortable. Leather cushion stools are a pub staple, as are wooden and metal stool options. Besides stools, an outdoor bench and seat set are the perfect way to capture the pub experience in your own home.
Barrels Are Your Friend
Few things rival the look and feel of leaning against a tall barrel while sipping a beverage. Not only is this a great statement piece, but it’s a sturdy piece of furniture. Buying one new can be a bit pricy, but if you can find one for a steal on Marketplace, it will be a great bar table option.
A TV Is A Must
Would an Aussie pub be complete without a TV always in eyesight? Put a big flatscreen somewhere clearly in view from every corner of your patio so your guests never miss a moment. Bonus points if the horses or the footy is on.
Don’t Ignore Lighting
More often than not, it’s going to be dark when you’re entertaining guests at your outdoor bar. That’s why good lighting is so important. The lighting you choose can be as influential as the layout. You can even install cabinet lighting or unique LEDs on the bar itself to really make it pop.
Feature Wall
Show off your support for your favourite sports teams and classic music artists. What Australian pub is complete without a signed championship jersey or a few AC/DC records strung proudly on the wall? It’s time to take that old Don Bradman photo out of the shed and hang that piece of Aussie memorabilia proudly on the wall.
Make A Menu
Stocking a bar costs a pretty penny. If you plan to flex your bartending skills, consider making a set menu for your mates to order off. That way, they know exactly what you have in stock.
Get Your Outdoor Space Ready
No matter what you put under an SEQ Patio Group design, you’ll love how the space looks, thanks to the top-quality Stratco materials we use in each build. If you want the patio of your dreams today, give us a call and start the chat.
