Build the Ultimate Deck Railing Bar This Weekend

Is your outdoor deck lacking that wow factor? Do you wish you had more seating for guests, or a prep area for serving delicious BBQ? Then it may be time to build the ultimate addition to any deck - a DIY railing bar top.

A railing bar adds style and major functionality to transform your deck. In just a weekend, you can construct this handy entertainent space upgrade. With some simple DIY carpentry skills and deck railing bar top ideas, you'll be hosting happy hours and parties in no time.

Benefits of Adding a Deck Railing Bar

So what exactly does a deck railing bar top provide? Here are some of the best benefits you'll enjoy:

• Extra seating and table space - A railing bar top offers the perfect high-top area for seating guests or setting down drinks and plates.
• Space for food, decor, and more - Use your new bar to set up an entire buffet spread, or as a spot for flowers, strings of lights, and other decor.
• Stylish design element - The clean lines of a railing bar integrate beautifully into your deck aesthetic for a polished, upscale look.
• Improved entertainment area - Host larger groups with ease, serve up cocktails, play lawn games, and have the best spot for conversation.

As you can see, a deck railing bar checks all the boxes both for form and function. Now let's get into the materials and building process so you can create your own this weekend!

Choosing Materials for Deck Railing Bars

The foundation of a smooth building process is choosing the right materials. Here are some of the most popular options for DIY deck railing bar tops:

Wood Types

Wood naturally complements any deck while providing a traditional look. Some great wood choices include:

• Cedar - Gorgeous reddish hue that withstands weather beautifully
• Redwood - Known for strength, stability, and rich color
• Pressure-Treated Pine - Budget-friendly soft wood made for outdoor use

Composite Decking

For a low maintenance alternative, composite deck boards make excellent railing bar tops. Composites like Trex are made from wood fibers and plastic to provide durability without constant upkeep.

Aluminum

Sleek aluminum railing bars offer unmatched durability and a lightweight, contemporary look. The metal does get very hot though, so insulation is a must for safety and comfort.

When selecting your preferred material, consider weather resistance, required maintenance, and how well it matches your existing deck. A pros and cons comparison can help weigh your options.

Take Precise Deck Railing Measurements

Carefully measuring the existing deck railing area is crucial before building out the bar top framework. Have a patio umbrella nearby to escape the scorching summer heat and a cold beverage to keep you refreshed.

Here are the key measurements to take:

• Overall railing length from post to post
• Railing height from the decking surface to the top
• Overhang size if desired (6 inches is standard)
• Open counter space needed - at least 12 inches

You'll also want to assess your overall deck layout and flow. Ensure guests can easily access seated areas around your new railing bar for chatting and dining. It's all about that sweet entertaining space!

Reinforce the Railing Structure

Before adding any weight, the existing deck railing structure needs reinforced. This ensures it can handle heavy platters, giant sangria pitchers, and even party people leaning against it.

Consider Supporting Corbels

For added stability, attach corbels made of pressure-treated lumber to railing posts. Corbels provide extra strong brackets to mount the bar top on.

Use Blocking for Attachment

Also sandwich pieces of blocking between railing balusters. These provide attachment points to securely screw the bar top framework into place later on.

It may take an afternoon to reinforce the railing, but having a sound foundation is the secret ingredient to keeping your party hub solid for decades of happy hours out on the deck.

Constructing a Bar Top Frame

With railing braced, now we build a frame as the base of your DIY railing bar using 2x8 lumber. Construct it as you would for deck floor joists - allowing an overhang lip for plates and glasses is key.

Cut timbers to precisely fit the length between posts. Use wood glue and 3-inch exterior screws to fasten together a sturdy frame. Temporary support braces hold sections at the perfect 90 degree angles as the glue dries for maximum stability.

Remember to frequently level and square the bar top frame as you build - imperfections get amplified once you add the counter surface. Precision is vital.

Add the Deck Railing Bar Counter Surface

Here comes the fun part - it's time to top your frame and transform it into a sleek deck showpiece!

Carefully measure the surface dimensions to cut boards or panels to size. Many DIYers opt for easy-to-work with composite boards in this step. Lay the first piece against the frame front and trim ends for an even overhang.

Pre-drill holes to prevent splitting, then screw boards down securely on top of the frame. Gap deck boards slightly to allow rain drainage and account for expansion and contraction as seasons and temperatures change.

The key is seamlessly integrating your new bar top surface with the existing railings for one unified style. Suddenly that unused railing becomes a captivating design feature!

Customize with Additional Features

The fun doesn't stop once your raw bar top framework is wrapped up. Consider these fabulous add-ons to elevate the form and function even more:

• Under-Bar Storage - Mount shelves or cabinets to stash grilling tools
• Incorporate Lighting - Line the bar with pendant lights or lanterns for mega ambiance
• Decorative Hardware - Utlize wine glass racks, towel rods, or counter-top candle holders

You can keep customizing to create the ultimate outdoor living space. Add corner seating, mount a flat screen TV, or install a stone veneer facade. The options are endless when you DIY.

Apply an Outdoor Wood Sealant

The final step to complete your amazing new deck addition is adding a protective finish. Outdoor wood sealants defend against moisture, UV rays, and other damage over time.

Allow the bar top surface proper drying and curing first before brushing or spraying sealant evenly across boards. Let sealer penetrate fully into the wood grain before adding decor or serving platters.

Reapplication every 1-2 years maintains that rich, like-new sheen to your custom entertainment bar for decades of happy hosting.

Congratulations - this weekend you can enjoy hosting on your very own Ultimate Deck Railing Bar thanks to your brilliant DIY skills and these on-trend ideas!

Already dreaming up dazzling decorations and imaginative ways this new addition can shine during your next summer soiree or family BBQ?

Gather your favorite al fresco dinnerware selections, Outdoor drinkware, festive lighting and accents to make your entertaining space sing. With icy cocktails and apps prepped on your customized bar, all that's left is to fire up the grill and wait for the guests to arrive!

Then kick back with an amazing view as this sensational party hub draws people together for seamless indoor/outdoor fun. You built the ultimate deck railing bar top... now it's time to enjoy it in style!