We’ve all heard of the classic basement bar, a few stools, a keg or two, some neon drink lights and you’re in business. However, since basement bars are often found in colder climates, if you live in a warmer region, what is your alternative? The alternative would probably be a tiki bar, an island counterpart to a basement bar; It’s just that these bars aren’t typically indoors, and are for all intents and purposes much more festive than your average basement bar. However, if all you know of home bars is the basement bar, then in order to create a tiki bar atmosphere you are going to have to change your whole mindset.

While a basement bar usually has a roof, a tiki bar is usually a free-standing unit with a roof that is more decorative than necessary and will be located somewhere outdoors. To build tiki bar roofs, you’ll need cedar for the frame and sable palm fronds for covering, as well as a thin protective netting to prevent wind damage and crushing of the roof.

In a typical basement bar, you have the luxury of purchasing a pre-existing bar, perhaps for a bar that is no longer in business, or you can build one out of whatever wood or materials you see fit. However, to build tiki bar tops and the bar itself, you will need particular woods that are well suited to the elements. One particular type of wood that is typically recommended is Douglas Fir. While Douglas firs are primarily a Christmas tree, this particular wood is well suited to the unpredictable weather of warmer climates. To help this wood last for many more years, the application of nearly nine coats of marine grade varnish is recommended for the bar top and cabinets.

To build tiki bar stools, if you really do it yourself, you can buy books on the subject or download online tutorials on how to build the seats. If you’re not that ambitious, you can easily find more than enough resources to choose from and purchase the right stools for your tiki bar.

Buying or building a tiki bar is not difficult and can actually be fun, especially when it comes to decorating your bar. From lighting to music to tiki-inspired bar accessories, all of this can be just as fun to put together as pulling up a stool and enjoying a cold, refreshing adult beverage.