4 Best Outdoor Bar Buildings in America

Trying to create the perfect outdoor bar area can take time and effort. However, finding the right kind of building to have for your outdoor bar doesn’t have to be. Whether you like the Mediterranean look of a pergola or the classy look of a gazebo, there are multiple options to give you the best outdoor bar building. To help you understand what outdoor bar building will best suit your needs, we have compiled a list of pros and cons to help you make the best decision possible.

So grab a cold drink, find a comfy chair, and let’s start looking at the outdoor bar building that will fit your needs.

Outdoor Bar Building | Pergola Bar

Whether you want to have a genuinely Mediterranean feel to your backyard space or simply enjoy the sun peeking through the roof, a pergola may be just the right fit for your outdoor bar building. However, Pergolas are not the right outdoor bar fit for everyone as they lack full roofing and walls.

Outdoor Entertaining: Bar Area Set Up with Pergola

Pros

  • Allows for Sun to come through for added warmth and lighting
  • Compliments Mediterranean Style homes
  • Can grow plants in, around, and on the building

Cons

  • No walls or Roof
  • Adding in a wall or roof is an option, but it will cost more money
  • Plants that grow quickly can damage the structure if not put together correctly

Outdoor Bar Building | Gazebo Bar

Gazebos bring the open-air feel of a pergola with the roof of a pavilion to give you a beautiful outdoor bar building. However, some people may find the octagonal shape less desirable than other outdoor bar building styles.

Vinyl Octagonal Gazebo (Overview + Specs)

Pros

  • Have a Roof
  • Come in wood or vinyl
  • Can be screened in
  • Hometown Structures offers more than just octagonal gazebos.

Cons

  • Limited sizing options
  • Difficult to Customize
  • Screening can make the space feel small
  • DIY kits are hard to find in an octagonal style

Outdoor Bar Building | Pavilion Bar

Pavilions are a great option when you want the appearance of a pergola with the roof of a gazebo for your outdoor bar space. With a rectangular design, these styles of outdoor bar buildings do a great job of making them a quality option for parks or retreat centers. However, because of the design of these outdoor bar buildings, some people feel it is a bit industrial.

Outdoor Bars

Pros

  • Solid roof
  • It can be vinyl or wooden
  • Can easily match surroundings structures

Cons

  • Pillars can seem built large and lackluster
  • Only available in a rectangular shape
  • Seen as cookie cutter

Outdoor Bar Building | Shed Bar

Sheds have become increasingly popular and make for a great outdoor bar building. These buildings are a great way to get the best of both worlds in an outdoor entertainment space. Large windows offer a bright and breezy feel when open. However, the sheds are built to a residential standard, making it is to create a completely insulated and comfortable outdoor bar space no matter the season.

Backyard bar shed walk thru "the matt cave"

Pros

  • Can be custom painted
  • Able to use year-round
  • It can be used as a storage shed if you no longer desire an outdoor bar

Cons

  • Additional windows are an extra fee
  • Walls can make the space feel crowded
  • Maintenance and upkeep will be required

What Is The Difference Between A Pergola And A Pavillion?

The biggest difference between a pergola and a pavilion is the roof. A pergola has an open-style roof that allows light in. A pavilion has a roof that is closed and like the residential roof of a home. Both of these buildings make for a great outdoor bar building. However, these structures do not bode well for use in cold weather months. If you want some more information on the difference between pavilions and pergolas, check out our blog.

What Is the Difference Between A Shed And A Gazebo?

The biggest difference between a shed and a gazebo is the walls. Both structures have a residential roofing style and are built with great integrity. However, a gazebo traditionally has railings around the structure and cannot be used year-round due to its lack of insulation. However, a shed’s walls can be insulated and created as an outdoor bar building to be used year-round.

How Tall Should An Outdoor Bar Top Be?

The best height for a bar is 42 inches. With a bar height of 42 inches, you can comfortably add chairs or barstools to have your guests enjoy their time around the bar. A 42-inch bar height is most desirable as it allows those not in a seat to enjoy having a tabletop appropriate for their height.

How Deep Should My Outdoor Bar Top Be?

Your bar top should be at least 18” deep. By giving your bartop this depth, your outdoor bar can accommodate a place setting and drink quickly. This way, your guests can enjoy the environment and not worry about spilling a glass of their favorite drink.

Which Outdoor Bar Building Is The Best?

The best outdoor bar building is the one that suits your needs the best. However, the versatility of a shed for an outdoor bar building sets them apart from the others. Out of all the building styles, the Shed is the only outdoor bar building that can truly be used year-round. However, there may be better solutions than a shed if you intend to enjoy as much of nature as possible. The building styles that best suit the person who wants to enjoy nature are the pavilion, pergola, and gazebo.

If you are looking for some more ideas to design your backyard area, check out this article.

Can My Outdoor Bar Building Be Customized?

Every outdoor bar building can be modified to fit the needs you have. Maybe you want your pergola built out of a certain material. Or, perhaps, you want your shed painted to match your favorite sports team for the ultimate fan experience. No matter what you are looking for, we have the expertise and know-how to make your outdoor bar building all that it needs to be.

What Outdoor Bar Building Fits Your Needs The Best?

As you can see, all of the outdoor bar buildings are great options. Yet, some are better suited for specific applications. Take a look at the list of pros and cons of each and decide for yourself what bar building is best for you. No matter what outdoor bar building suits your needs the best, we would love to hear from you. Call us, stop by our shop, or fill out a quote form. No matter what it is, we are looking forward to starting your outdoor bar-building project!

Outdoor Bar Buildings From Hometown Structures

At Hometown Structures, we have four buildings you can use for your outdoor bar-building dream backyard. These structures can be customized and set up right in your backyard. You can also browse our inventory to see the in-stock models of these four structures and find the best one that fits your needs.