Building a Backyard Tiki Bar

Anybody can stick a couple of tiki torches around the back deck to add a little island feel to the backyard and help keep away the bugs. Creating the look and feel of an actual tiki bar requires a little more effort and ingenuity--and it can be accomplished at a very reasonable cost. Create an attractive and functional outdoor haven for special occasions or just relaxing evenings with the family.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Outdoor bamboo blinds, approximately 10- by 10-feet 3 long folding tables Hawaiian sarong 4 to 6 10-foot bamboo posts Colorful tarp or thatched roof Colorful outdoor lights Plastic candle holders Fishing line Island themed decorations Coconut cups

1. Choose the area where you want to build the bar. Pick a flat area with as much tree cover around as possible to hang additional lighting. If possible, choose an area that is not flooded with light from the house and one that is framed by a back fence or wall that can serve as an anchor for the rest of the bar.

2. Lay large (approximately 10-feet by 10-feet) bamboo blinds down on the ground, with the top of the blind running along the wall that will serve as the back wall of your bar. Place a long table lengthwise across the front. Cover the table with a colorful Hawaiian sarong that covers not only the top of the table, but the entire structure. Pull the front of the sarong taut across the front of the table and secure it tightly at the base of each leg. This gives the bar the illusion of a flat, closed front.

3. Drive bamboo poles approximately 1 1/2 feet into the ground at each corner of the floor. If you like, add more poles to the sides and back, but leave the front of the bar open.

4. Add the roof. Depending upon how realistic you want to be, there are two options. One is to purchase a pre-made thatched roof that can be placed right on top of your structure (see Resources below). These roofs vary greatly in price. A more cost-effective way to create a temporary roof is to use a colorful tarpaulin. Drape the tarp over the four corner posts, with the front of the bar area open. Secure each corner to a post.

5. String colorful outdoor lights both in front of the table and inside from pole to pole. Novelty stores sell all kinds of special lights for special occasions. A string of parrots or fish would be perfect. To make the lighting even more special, grab some plastic candle holders from a thrift or dollar store. Try to find very light and colorful hanging holders. Using fishing line, string the holders throughout the low-hanging branches in the tress around your bar and light the candles.

6. Decorate and surround your bar with everything tiki. Fill the bar with tiki statues and items like hula girl mugs and accents like loose flowers and tealeaves. Decorate the inside and outside of your tarpaulin with any and all things Hawaiian--using lauhala mats as wall hangings and backgrounds. Place plenty of salty snacks around the tables in wooden bowls and coconut cups.