Building your own tiki bar can be a rewarding project. If you’re a do-it-yourself type of person, then this project might excite you. A “tiki bar by day” can be built in just a week, with the right instructions and tools. I find a set of plans to be the best tool you can have, especially if this could be your first big project. Ok, let’s start with a list of things you will need to build your backyard paradise.

Tools you will need- Here is an alphabetical list of the tools you will need. You will need a chalk line, circular saw, clamps, cordless drill, hammer, jigsaw, square, stapler, table saw, tape measure, wood chisel, and miscellaneous items. These tools are essential for a DIY tiki bar project. Of course, if you have power tools, it will speed up the process.

Material for your project- Here is an abbreviated list of what I used to build my own 4′ x 8′ tiki bar. This will give you an idea of ​​what it will take to build this project.

Pressure treated lumber for any surface that touches the ground.
2″ x 3″ x 8′ fir lumber for tiki bar frame.
3 sheets of 4′ x 8′ x ¾” oak plywood
Cedar logs (white cedar) to support your roof structure. They should be 4″ x 6′ round logs.
Approximately 10 pounds of 10-cent nails as needed.
Hardware to mount the top of the bar; squares, screws and liquid nails.
Two gallons of marine varnish to seal your bar and prevent water damage.

Material for roof structure- This will give you an idea of ​​what you will need to build the roof and the palm thatch required.

The cedar posts needed to build the roof will consist of; 3 3 ½” x 9′ cedar posts, 10 3 ½” x 8′ cedar posts, and 12 2″ x 12″ cedar posts.

Roof made of palm leaves, approximately 60′ x 4′ roofing roll. You can buy the palm leaves, but the only thing I found is that it takes longer to roof the roof. I like easy, but it totally depends on the individual.

Various nails and staples.

Places of purchase of materials- Most materials can be purchased at your local home supply store and items like cedar posts can be purchased at a lumberyard or ordered online. Most of the palm leaves and thatch are also available online.

You need a guide- Unless you are a super carpenter; you need to buy a set of plans. It’s much easier to follow the step-by-step instructions along with pictures to make sure you’re building your DIY tiki bar correctly. Let’s be realistic with the price of lumber and materials; you don’t want to make mistakes. You will definitely thank me if you buy a comprehensive guide showing you how to build your outdoor bar.
I built my DIY tiki bar because I enjoy the islands so much that I wanted to bring that atmosphere home with me. You can have a good time and have fun in your own tiki bar.