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This recycled hardwood bar features ornamental coins set in clear epoxy and is suitable for outdoor use.
The project
I made this outdoor bar for friends of ours. I was given measurements and few photos to go off but used my imagination to create something that stands out.
The two benchtops were made from recycled 40mm Messmate timber, roughly 2.13m x500mm for the top and 2.13m x 450mm for the second.
I also used various pieces of really nice 5mm to 8mm hardwood timber cladding. They were quite wide and definitely not flat but I knew that once I glued and tacked them on and cleaned the edges up, it would all pull in and give it that rustic effect I achieved at the end. A coat of UV-protective clear polyurethane finished it off with such a cool look.
Once the benches were glued and laminated together by a heap of clamps, the fun part was then to fill all holes and cracks with black epoxy resin (also with also clear resin in some knots). I sanded right back as smooth and as level as I could, starting at 40-80 grit right up to 240 grit.
Before oiling we made a last-minute decision to add a few collectable $2 coins that I’ve collected over the years. With no room for error I added coins along a long crack in the timber. I drilled down with a spade bit, deep enough for the coin to sit just below the surface, and then put clear resin epoxy over all the coins. I allowed it to dry for a day before sanding it down.
A good tip when using epoxy resin is making sure the timber is level, and then waiting around to top up if required as it the resin soaks in or finds voids. Use a blowtorch to lightly go over the top of the resin; the heat of the torch removes the bubbles.
I finished off with a few coats of UV-rated timber oil, and it came up better than I had imagined.
The last feature was the 25mm galvanised pipe and fittings to make the footrest (you can buy these at Bunnings).
Timber like this and many others can be sourced all around. It’s of those things where once you start to look for it you will see it everywhere. Try timber mills and timber salvage stores.
How to build a pallet bar
There’s something warm and inviting about a bar, drawing people around and sparking great conversations. Create your own easy and affordable pallet bar at home following these step-by-step instructions: How to build a pallet bar.
Other D.I.Y. bar projects
Workshop member Starkers_17 combined a love of timber and steel in this outdoor bar project with clever stool design.
Workshop member Marty made this portable bar with plenty of space to serve and store drinks, including a built-in drinks cooler and wine rack.
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