This project was built and designed by Jonny from Jonny Builds. It’s a creative and highly functional outdoor bar featuring durable joinery and a stunning epoxy-finished concrete countertop that gives the piece a polished, professional appearance.
Jonny’s careful planning, smart design choices, and willingness to adapt during the build make this project both inspiring and approachable. Whether for a backyard patio or larger outdoor space, this bar is a standout piece that blends style with utility.
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Building the Base Frame
The frame for the bar starts with solid four-by-four pine lumber, offering durability and strength. Each piece is carefully cut to length, ensuring clean lines and a solid structure.
Jonny uses half lap joints to connect the frame pieces, a technique that adds strength without relying on additional hardware. He demonstrates both circular saw and table saw methods for cutting the joints, allowing for flexibility depending on the tools you have.
Assembling the Frame
After cutting the joints, the overlapping pieces are cleaned up and fit together tightly. The choice to use glue only—without screws or dowels—is a testament to the strength of the half lap joint system.
Once assembled, the frame is clamped securely and left to dry overnight. This patience ensures a sturdy base that will easily support the heavy concrete countertop later in the build.
Crafting the Concrete Countertop
The concrete slab starts with a melamine form, carefully built and sealed to prevent leaks. Jonny uses paste wax and silicone caulk on the seams, helping the concrete release cleanly once it cures.
The concrete is mixed to a thick, pancake-batter consistency and carefully shoveled into the form. After leveling the surface with a screed board, the slab is covered with plastic to slow the curing process and prevent cracks.
After a few days of curing, the form is removed to reveal a smooth, solid slab ready for finishing. It serves as the perfect foundation for the upcoming epoxy marble finish.
Adding a Cooler and Building the Panels
To boost the bar’s functionality, Jonny designs a built-in cooler compartment. Cedar planks are cut and glued up to create panel doors, using careful clamping techniques to avoid warping.
By stacking scrap wood under the cooler during assembly, Jonny ensures that the cooler sits just above the bar surface. This thoughtful touch keeps the design clean and practical for serving guests.
Applying the Epoxy Marble Finish
One of the most eye-catching parts of the project is the marble-effect epoxy countertop. Jonny uses TotalBoat’s tabletop epoxy with black, copper, pearl white, and silver pigments to achieve a high-end look.
Challenges arise when loose concrete affects the first coat, but Jonny adapts by sanding and reapplying a second, more carefully layered pour. The final result is a dramatic, natural-looking marble pattern that elevates the entire piece.
Building the Cabinet and Drawer
On the left side of the bar, Jonny constructs a cabinet for storing glasses and bottles. Using simple blocking and brad nails, the panels are secured firmly while the glue dries.
A drawer is added to store liquor and smaller items, and a partition and shelf maximize storage options inside the cabinet. Reinforcing the door panels ensures that the hinges will stay securely attached over time.
Final Assembly and Insulation
To improve the cooler’s performance, spray foam is added to the lid for better insulation. Jonny also fits drain plumbing for easy cleaning and maintenance.
The final sanding of the epoxy surface ensures a smooth sheen without excessive gloss, and a natural wood finish is applied to highlight the cedar and pine accents. These final touches tie the whole project together.
A Stunning Outdoor Addition
Once fully assembled, the bar strikes a perfect balance between rugged construction and upscale design. The concrete and epoxy top provides incredible durability while giving the piece a luxurious feel.
This outdoor bar project shows how combining traditional woodworking skills with modern techniques like epoxy finishing can create something truly special. Jonny’s careful approach, practical solutions, and creativity make this a rewarding and inspiring project for any DIYer.
Please support Jonny by checking out his website here: https://www.jonny-builds.com/.