How To Install a Tiki Bar

Introduction
Step 1: Determine Size and Shape of your Structure
A simple drawing will help visualize your final project. Let your imagination take you places you want to go!

Step 2: Cut Walls for Bar Shelving and Storage
Fit the three sections together. Measure and cut the plywood for the face of each bar section. Miter cut the adjoining sides. Attach the plywood to the bar sections using glue and framing nails. Move the bar into its permanent place and nail the three sections together. (It might be too heavy to move after you attach the three sections together.) Use L brackets to attach the sections together.

Step 3: Measure and Cut Plywood for Countertops
Determine how many inches of overhang you’d like on the front and back of the bar. Before attaching countertop to the bar sections, mark the top of the bar base at each corner where you’ll be placing the posts for the roof. Measure and cut out the four holes at each corner of countertop to allow for bamboo poles. Dry fit the
countertop through the posts to make sure they fit.

Step 4: Install Countertops
Use 3/4” plywood for the base. Attach the countertops to the bar sections with glue, and nail them on from the bottom.

Step 5: Attach Posts for Roof
Spread glue into the post holes in the countertop. Insert the bamboo poles into the hole and hold it level while someone else nails it into place from underneath. For extra support, nail a piece of plywood to the underside of the bar up through the post.

Step 6: Add Bamboo Facade
Sheath the face of the bar with bamboo slats or bamboo paneling using glue and/or finishing nails.

Step 7: Attach Frame for Roof
Cut two sets of the 8-foot Bamboo poles to fit around the top perimeter of the four posts. Attach one set of the boards to the outside of the posts with lag bolts. The second set of 2x4s will be used to make the frame of the roof structure

Step 8: Attach Thatching
Attach the thatching to the roof structure using heavy-duty staples. Trim the excess as needed.

 

 

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