An outdoor bar is a great focal point of any backyard patio, and can quickly be customized to fit your aesthetics and entertaining style, with a built-in refrigerator, BBQ grill, shelves and even a sink. Watch the video, to learn how.
When working with cement-based products, always wear eye protection and waterproof gloves.
Step 1
Stage the first course of block, on top of solid, level concrete slab.
QUIK-Tip: If you need to build a pad for the outdoor bar, use QUIKRETE 5000
Step 2
Snap a chalk line on each side of the intended block wall, to make sure the corners are square and the wall is straight.
Step 3
Set the first course, against the chalk line.
QUIK-Tip: Make sure the first course is level by checking every third or fourth block.
Step 4
Once the first course is set, dry stack the remaining block in a running bond pattern, making sure the corners are interlocking.
Step 5
Mix the necessary amount of QUIKWALL, following the directions on the bag.
QUIK-Tip: The mix is the right consistency when the stucco will hang from a trowel at a 45 degree angle.
Step 6
Dampen the block with water using a garden sprayer.
Step 7
Apply the stucco at 1/8” to ¼” thickness using a square trowel, starting from the bottom and working up the block wall.
Step 8
Once the stucco is applied to the entire base, water cure with a fine mist to prevent cracking.
Step 9
Re-confirm the dimension for the countertop by measuring the top of the block base.
Step 10
Build forms from ¾” melamine by screwing four 2” strips to a base sheet, according to the countertop dimensions.
QUIK-Tip: Concrete is heavy, so use multiple forms that don’t exceed 2’ x 3’ and 2” thick to manage larger countertop projects.
Step 11
Squirt a bead of silicone caulk in the seams of the forms, and smooth with a caulk tool or fingertip to give the countertop a smooth edge. Remove any excess.
Step 12
Mix QUIKRETE Countertop Mix, following the directions on the bag, and pour into the forms in two 1” layers. If necessary, place metal rebar or wire mesh between the two layers for added strength.
QUIK-Tip: QUIKRETE Liquid Cement Color can be added to the fiber-glass reinforced stucco and/or the concrete countertop mix to give the outdoor bar more decorative flair.
Step 13
Over fill the forms slightly, before pulling a 2x4 in a sawing motion over the surface several times each direction.
Step 14
Consolidate the mix, and remove air voids by tapping the forms with a rubber mallet or vibrating with an orbital sander without the pad.
Step 15
Let cure for at least 18 hours, before removing the forms.
Step 16
Once each countertop section us removed from the form, smooth the edges with fine sandpaper.
Step 17
Place, as desired, on newly formed bar base.
Step 18
After the countertop mix has cured the full 28 days, a sealer can be applied with a roller or brush to protect the surface from dirt, oil, grease and other unwanted stains.
