Bar Top Deck Railing with the Last Piece of Grandpa’s Oak

Aug 02 2020
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Bar top deck railing. Teaming up in our DIY Blog Hop this month with backyard projects! (We’d love for you to join us – click here for more info!) I’ve been seeing this idea all over the internet the past year and it occurred to me that its definitely something we would get a ton of use out of! Since I started the renovation in 2014 I’ve been hacking away at using all of the wood leftover in the barn from when my Grandparents’ were wood workers. Besides random stashed wood there was one very special, very hidden, pile that I spotted right away: VERY old, rough cut oak and pine that was simply gorgeous.

Since then I’ve used it for absolutely everything I could think off in the garden, the home, the garage, the yard, the deck, etc. It took me over six years but I whittled it down to one last board.

An over nine foot long, twelve inch deep, two inch thick, piece of oak.

I had the plan to make it into a bench since last year until right now, when I realized how much we would use a bar top deck railing instead.

Currently on our deck (with its brand spanking new cable rails that we love) we have a table and plenty of seating but where Lodi and I always end up is on the sun loungers I built a few years ago. I realized it would be ideal if we had a place to eat in that same area but we didn’t really need another full blown table out here.

So, a bar top deck railing would be perfect!

I've been seeing bar top deck railings all over the internet the past year and it occurred to me that its definitely something we would get use out of!

I've been seeing bar top deck railings all over the internet the past year and it occurred to me that its definitely something we would get use out of!

I've been seeing bar top deck railings all over the internet the past year and it occurred to me that its definitely something we would get use out of!

I've been seeing bar top deck railings all over the internet the past year and it occurred to me that its definitely something we would get use out of!

I've been seeing bar top deck railings all over the internet the past year and it occurred to me that its definitely something we would get use out of!

I've been seeing bar top deck railings all over the internet the past year and it occurred to me that its definitely something we would get use out of!

For such a large deck (over 700 square feet) its not the easiest space to furniture plan. For one thing the reason we spend so much time in this corner (and why the sun loungers are here) is because its really the only space on the entire deck that gets consistent sun.

We have a tone of tree cover but I absolutely love the sun and sun bathing in the backyard after my day job is mandatory for my happiness. So though I think a table and chairs would be great in this corner the only thing that belongs here (in my opinion) are the loungers.

Besides that I also have some pretty serious plans for the future of this deck that I don’t want to interfere with.

Fortunately there was plenty of room in this corner for a bar top without making it look cluttered! I purchased outdoor stools off of Amazon first thing and waited until they got here before tackling this project. I wasn’t going to determine the height of our bar top until I knew exactly the height we would be sitting at!

(I am aware its a bad habit but I like to cross my legs and if I can’t do that under the surface I’m sitting at I am just straight up uncomfortable!)

I purchased heavy duty shelf brackets off of Amazon and we attached them to the two posts that the oak was long enough to reach. With those level and in place, we attached the oak.

(The screws that came with the shelf brackets were a joke for this situation – that oak weighs at least 80 pounds. So, I aired on the side of caution, and purchased heavy duty bolts for this project.)

All that was left was to give the oak a power wash and wait for it to dry. I don’t always soak wood before I sand it down but because this is oak I wanted the grains to all stand up as much as possible. Oak is a little like sanding concrete!

I’m planning on sealing it with something eventually but, because this is MN and we have such a harsh climate, I feel like my only option would be using an epoxy pour of some kind… that’s something I’m going to contemplate about for a bit.

I love how the main rail now acts as a perfect place to set a drink above the bar top! And the oak is deep enough to set a regular size dinner plate etc.

What’s really nice is the view.

The farmyard is really where its at and having a place to sit, have dinner and enjoy the backyard is our favorite evening activity. (Yes, I know the barn is “broken” but she’s my barn and I’ve accepted her.)

This was such a simple project for something that we’ve used almost every day since we put it up!

I've been seeing bar top deck railings all over the internet the past year and it occurred to me that its definitely something we would get use out of!

I've been seeing bar top deck railings all over the internet the past year and it occurred to me that its definitely something we would get use out of!

I've been seeing bar top deck railings all over the internet the past year and it occurred to me that its definitely something we would get use out of!

I've been seeing bar top deck railings all over the internet the past year and it occurred to me that its definitely something we would get use out of!

I've been seeing bar top deck railings all over the internet the past year and it occurred to me that its definitely something we would get use out of!

I've been seeing bar top deck railings all over the internet the past year and it occurred to me that its definitely something we would get use out of!

I've been seeing bar top deck railings all over the internet the past year and it occurred to me that its definitely something we would get use out of!

I've been seeing bar top deck railings all over the internet the past year and it occurred to me that its definitely something we would get use out of!

I've been seeing bar top deck railings all over the internet the past year and it occurred to me that its definitely something we would get use out of!


Hi guys! Chas and I are teaming up the first Sunday of every month for our DIY blog hop. Feel free to join us by linking up or you can also share it!

This Month’s DIY Blop Hop: BACKYARD PROJECTS! (Click here for our upcoming themes and more info on how to join us every month!)

CHAS FROM CHAS' CRAZY CREATIONS – 3 Ways to Use Solar Lights OutsideCHAS FROM CHAS’ CRAZY CREATIONS – 3 Ways to Use Solar Lights Outside

ANDREA FROM DESIGN MORSELS - Refinishing Teak FurnitureANDREA FROM DESIGN MORSELS – Refinishing Teak Furniture

MARY FROM LIFE AT BELLA TERRA - Italian Fountain Project is CompleteMARY FROM LIFE AT BELLA TERRA – Italian Fountain Project is Complete

KIPPI AT HOME - DIY Garden ObeliskKIPPI FROM KIPPI AT HOME – DIY Garden Obelisk

KRISTIN FROM WHITE ARROWS HOME – Summer Outdoor Spaces TourKRISTIN FROM WHITE ARROWS HOME – Summer Outdoor Spaces Tour

Comments

  1. August 2, 2020 at 7:11 am

    I love your backyard bar top deck railing! I have been wanting to do something similar to our mountain condo, and our only hold back is it needs to be removable and not permanent. Wonderful backyard hopping with you.

    • August 2, 2020 at 11:14 am

      Thanks Chas, we love ours I was thinking it could also be done with hinges so it could fold down when not in use but it wasn’t necessary for us. Great blog hopping with you every month!

  2. liz
    August 2, 2020 at 10:24 am

    Wonderful idea!!! I am definitely going to do this to an area on my back deck- thanks for sharing.

  3. August 2, 2020 at 10:34 am

    That’s the perfect spot for cocktails for two. It turned out great. Your view is so sublime. If I had that I don’t think I would ever eat inside.

    Thanks for hosting the hop. It’s been a fun challenge for me.

    • August 2, 2020 at 11:15 am

      Thank you Andrea it great blog hopping with you!

  4. Darlene G. Ricker
    August 2, 2020 at 10:47 am

    What a lovely and functional way to remember your grandparents love of wood. Good job!

  5. August 2, 2020 at 12:59 pm

    Your view is heavenly! You deck bar is perfect to enjoy some wine and cheese and soak in the view and sun. Your Grandfater would be so happy you are making good use of the wood:)
    Have a beautiful week.
    Hugs,
    Kippi

  6. Kathy H.
    August 2, 2020 at 1:03 pm

    I sent this along to our son ( also did with your cable design). They used Composite ‘wood’ for their deck. If he has any left over he could use some of that for a Bar top. I’m still sending good vibes to your mother. ☺️

  7. Patty
    August 2, 2020 at 4:38 pm

    Not gonna lie…..this is probably one of my favorite ideas EVER! OMG! I love it and seriously……being able to sit and enjoy YOUR barn that way. BEST EVER! Enjoy it for a long time!

  8. Jeannette
    August 3, 2020 at 12:48 pm

    How absolutely brilliant! It’s just perfect there – what a wonderful view. Your grandparents are very proud of you I am certain. Thanks for blogging!

  9. August 3, 2020 at 2:08 pm

    What a fun project, and it looks great. I love the view you have from your deck.

  10. Marilyn
    August 3, 2020 at 5:16 pm

    Great view especially. What a wonderful piece of old wood. Think you made a great decision there!

  11. August 5, 2020 at 7:48 am

    That looks like the perfect place to unwind and enjoy your peaceful view! I’m sure your space feels extra special knowing you’ve used your grandfather’s wood.

  12. August 5, 2020 at 8:19 am

    Great idea and love that it has a history behind it. Perfect spot to relax and unwind with a glass or two of vino.

    • August 5, 2020 at 8:49 am

      Thank you Marie, it has definitely become our favorite place on the deck!

  13. Hope
    November 12, 2020 at 9:14 am

    Hi Tarah…
    I follow you on Hometalk and Pinterest…LOVE all of your projects!! Curious about your barn…are you planning to rebuild the roof at some point or, will it eventually be taken down..? It is so beautiful.

    • November 12, 2020 at 10:14 am

      Hi Hope! Unfortunately we don’t currently have the funds to put a new roof on the barn. Maybe someday we will do something with it though!

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