9 Cool DIY Outdoor Murphy Bars For Refreshing Outside

9 diy cool outdoor murphy bars cover

A Murphy bar is a fold down construction that can be adjusted to the wall or pulled to use. This is a perfect solution for any small space and in case you just don’t want this bar to be an eyesore. When it’s folded, you can place some pots on it, and then not, you can serve all types of food and drinks that you want and surprise your guests. I think it’s a perfect and fresh idea for outdoor parties, you needn’t look where to place a bar. So, how can you make one? Let’s have a look.

First of all, decide what type of wood you’d like to use. You can recycle some pallets or if you want some new wood, choose cedar because is ideal for outdoor furniture because it is naturally rot- and bug-resistant, and it is a strong wood that will not warp or sag over time. If left unstained, it ages to a weathered gray finish.

If you’ve chosen pallets, disassemble them: turn pallet over and cut bottom slats with a jigsaw close to the sides. This will make removing it from the center board much easier. Then, you can remove the top slats from the back side with a hammer. Remove all nails and discard.
Decide on the size of the box because a Murphy bar is actually a box with two parts, one of which is attached to another. The wood should be cut with a power saw, carefully measuring and cutting each piece to fit. Assemble the sides, top and bottom pieces to make the frame. Ensure they are accurately put together using a level or T-square. Carefully apply wood glue on both sides of where the pieces will meet before joining. Then, fasten together with wood screws, making sure to quickly take off any excess wood glue that is visible.

Next, place the back top, middle, and shelf pieces, making sure all are flush and square. Install and fasten them to the frame. Center and then attach continuous hinge onto the front plywood piece with the screws provided from the hinge. Make sure the other side of the hinge is fastened to the bottom portion of the bottom piece of the bar. Test the hinge to make sure the front piece closes and opens properly.

Next, attach eyehooks and S-hooks a few inches from the inside edge of the front piece and on the inside sides of the bar frame. Install your chain onto the S-hook, making sure it is secure. Having extra chain at this step is fine, as you can cut and change the length if it is too long. At this stage, test all parts to ensure the front piece works efficiently.

Inspect where you’ll be putting the two square dowel rod bottom stops, ensuring they will stop at 90 degrees when the front piece is folded down. Before fastening them to the front, make sure they will be placed a few inches from the edges of the front piece. These bottom stops are important; they will help the front piece support weight from whatever is being placed on it once it is opened for use. Then inspect all areas of the bar, sand down rough areas and be sure to fill any screw holes or gaps with wood filler. Any remaining wood glue can be sanded, leaving you with a smooth professional-like finish.

Apply paint or stain of your choice to all wood surfaces. You may choose to take off the metal hinges and eyebolts at this step, or mask off to ensure the metal pieces are unaffected. Make sure whichever stain or paint you decide to use is exterior grade and has a durable finish once it is dry. Most stains will need a top clear coat of exterior polyurethane or similar clear coat. If you choose to paint the wood surfaces, a primer is recommended to ensure a professional and even-looking finish for the final top coat.

After your paint or stain is dry, apply the top latch and back mounting clips to ensure the buffet is secure and will stay in place. The type of screw or mounting system you will need depends on the wall surface where you’re placing the bar. Always refer to the mounting system instructions to determine if it will work.

Mount the assembled and completed bar cabinet, checking it with a level after installation to make sure that it will be fully functional and safe. Voila, now you have a great piece to surprise all your guests and just to refresh in the summer heat!

1 of 9
DIY cedar Murphy bar (via ehow)

DIY cedar Murphy bar (via ehow)

2 of 9
DIY fold down Murphy bar (via thisoldhouse)

DIY fold down Murphy bar (via thisoldhouse)

3 of 9
DIY bar or buffet fold down cabinet (via blog)

DIY bar or buffet fold down cabinet (via blog)

4 of 9
DIY foldable pallet outdoor bar (via 99pallets)

DIY foldable pallet outdoor bar (via 99pallets)

5 of 9
DIY pallet fold down bar (via theownerbuildernetwork)

DIY pallet fold down bar (via theownerbuildernetwork)

6 of 9
DIY outdoor Murphy bar (via myoutdoorplans)

DIY outdoor Murphy bar (via myoutdoorplans)

7 of 9
DIY colorful Murphy bar (via brit)

DIY colorful Murphy bar (via brit)

8 of 9
DIY dark-colored Murphy bar (via turtlesandtails)

DIY dark-colored Murphy bar (via turtlesandtails)

9 of 9
DIY pallet Murphy bar (via hgtv)

DIY pallet Murphy bar (via hgtv)