• A: Build a basic rectangle wood frame using 16” studs. Center the frame on plywood sheets, allowing a ¾” border. For outdoor bars, make sure to use green treated lumber. Our finished bar is 6’ x 18” – an ideal size to showcase our sleek 2’ x 2’ green granite counter tiles.
• B: Create the countertop base using the same plywood as the outside of the bar frame. Like the frame, we determined the countertop size by using three 2’ x 2’ granite tiles.
• C: Moisture protection is an important consideration for indoor and outdoor bar tops. We recommend using Hardie Backer tile backer board to keep your bar dry, but the backer board comes in a variety of thicknesses. The proper thickness depends on the type of granite edging used on the countertop. Check with a Tile Shop representative to make sure you’re purchasing the right backer board for your bar.
• D: Making sure your tiles stay in place is essential, and we recommend Pro Lastic or Pro Bond thinset for ultimate adhesion. Both brands are available at the Tile Shop – online or in the store.
• E: To create a clean, finished look on the granite countertop, select some of our granite tile edging (see page 6 of this catalog). Tile edging adds function and beauty, and pre-finished granite tiles average two-thirds less than the cost of a granite slab.
• F: Granite is a captivating, luxurious material that can withstand the elements – a great characteristic for an outdoor bar. Our bar uses three finished 2’ x  2’ granite tiles, so no cutting is required. Explore your creativity with a variety of granite tile colors and sizes to match any décor.
• G: We added wood corbels to the bar face for striking embellishment and accent detail. Completely functional, the corbels provide support for the 6” countertop overhang and boldly contrast the stone façade. Just like granite tiles, the corbels come in a vast array of colors and wood species to suit your individual style.
• H: Our outdoor bar façade features natural stone architectural facings with the rustic look and feel of slate. With architectural facings, enjoy the complex appearance of intricately hand-stacked stone, but delight in the ease of installation. Our stone facings are available in grout-less, easy-to-install modular panels. And if creativity sparks, don’t limit yourself to our design – build your entertainment bar with any tile or textured facing available from the Tile Shop and express your individual style.
• I: Cutting tile edges can be cumbersome, but the Tile Shop makes it simple. With precut corners on all of our architectural facings, installing tile as a DIYer just got a little bit easier.
• J: Adding function and flare, we included a field tile toe-kick to our outdoor entertainment bar as an optional embellishment. Using the natural stone to match the façade, the toe-kick uses 6” x 12” slate tiles. Want to take your toe-kick to the next level? Add a metal footrest for authentic bar charm.
• We selected the sweet-smelling, earthy feel of cedar wood for our outdoor bar’s cabinetry, but if your creativity beckons down a path of maple, oak or cherry, follow your inspired intuition and express your personal style. (photo above)
• The leaf-shaped door pulls were hands-down the perfect accent to our outdoor entertainment bar. In tune with the earthy, rustic theme, the hardware compliments the natural stone façade, rich granite countertops and rugged cedar cabinetry. (see photo)

Ready to embark on building your own entertainment bar? Let your creativity run wild. And let the Tile Shop help you along the way with our expert advice and high quality products.