L bar with prep area questions

[kaugust1]

Hi all,

Great site. I am about to begin my outdoor bar project and have a few questions before I get started. Any feedback would be appreciated.

Any plans on the site yet incorporating a prep area on the “L” shape bar?
If not, has anyone done one?

If I plan on incorporating a brass foot rail or something less expensive(ie galvanized conduit at 1/4 the cost) do I still build out the boxed foot rail on the plans? Or is it one or the other?

If I plan on using the arm rest available at the Rockler site, what modifications are needed for the bar top to attache the rail easily and effectively. I was thinking of using 2 pieces of plywood and having the bottom one extend out farther than the top piece around the outside adge where the arm rail will be attached. Any other successful mounting methods for the bar arm rest?

Lastly, as the bar will be outside, do you recommend treated 2x4s for just the lumber that will be in contact with the ground or all lumber? What is the best way to protect the bar top in outdoors?

Thanks in advance…wish me luck!!!

[brimichm]

1 / Look in bar pics people sent in for an idea but, you should be able to modify a little to suit your needs. Look at the whole plan from start to finish for possible problems that any alterations might affect first.

2/ Either way would work.Boxed foot rail may give more stability. But, you can always fasten from the inside to whatever flooring the bar sits on. Bottom line what ever looks good to you.

3/ Can’t comment on arm rail but, your idea sounds like it would work.

4/ For sure pressure treated on ground contact material. Maybe even add the material used to treat railway ties and hydro poles (cryasolt ) ? (Spelled wrong I know).More cost to use p.t. for all I know but probably would be safer in the long run. Would the treated plywood affect the desired finish colour you hope for when stained etc… ?

5/ A uv resistent finish would be needed that is made for outdoor use. See if a natural material such as varnish meets your specs. The employees in that dept probably have heard it all and would be your best resource.

Good Luck

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