With most of us spending even more time enjoying our homes these days, creating a beautiful and functional setting has become even more important. My clients had an outdoor bar that needed an upgrade – they no longer wanted to stare at the unadorned back of the garage while sitting at their pool. They reached out to me to build a custom outdoor entertaining space that suited their needs exactly.
The goal was to create a nice focal point, dressing up the area to make it neat and inviting. They also needed cabinetry for pool supply storage, as well as a cubby to store the outdoor refrigerator and more counter space.
We worked on the final design together, but as I looked around the rest of the pool area, I noticed that lattice was a common architectural feature. I suggested we use it against the garage wall and on the cabinetry doors to help the new space blend. Just like taking cues from the interior features of a home, we created a new outdoor space that honored the existing landscape.
Another goal was to ensure the cabinetry could withstand the elements all year long. I chose the materials based on their weatherproof qualities. Part of the design planning was to consider the places where water could seep in. Anywhere I could I used PVC, a plastic material that can be painted and does well outside. For example, I placed the cabinetry up on a PVC base to keep water from the sweating cement from seeping into the cabinets. The lattice is made out of this weatherproof material – you would never know even close up. In the spots I had to use wood, I doubled and tripled up on layers of exterior primers, sealants and paint, covering all the edges. I also used exterior-grade stainless steel fasteners and hinges. Taking a little more time to make sure everything was protected will help the piece last as long as possible in our moist Indiana weather.
My clients wanted the look of wood for the countertop to contrast the painted cabinetry. I used western red cedar, a wood known for its beauty and exterior longevity. Many coats of Spar urethane, a sealant used on boats, gave it a gorgeous high shine and ensured the piece will look great for a long time.
To complete the space, I extended two existing sconces from the cement wall to accommodate the newly installed lattice. I also installed low-heat LED bulbs to keep the lattice from being affected by the heat emitted by regular bulbs.
My clients now have a lovely gathering space offering a more finished look to their backyard pool area. They could dip the whole unit in water, and it would still hold up! Why make do with off-the-shelf options when you can get exactly what you need for your situation by using a customer woodworker? If you are considering creating a custom outdoor entertaining space, send me an email or give me a call at (317) 679-5890.
