DIY Network

Artificial Turf Bar Build this festive bar covered in artificial turf. From "B. Original" episode DBOR-156

Artificial turf turns this simple bar into the life of the party.

What could blend in with a great backyard better than artificial turf? B. Original host Michele Beschen shows how to build a fun and functional place to entertain outdoors with this artificial turf bar. The construction is simple, and upholstering the bar with artificial turf is almost as easy as wrapping a package. But the finished piece is sophisticated and whimsical—just right for outdoor entertaining.

Scroll down for Michele Beschen's easy how-to.

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Artificial Turf Bar

This bar will have three pieces: the base, the pedestal and the top.

Safety Alert: Always wear eye protection when using power tools. Keep utility knives, box cutters and heavy-duty adhesives away from children and pets.

Build the Base

Materials:

2x8 treated lumber
- 2 pieces 48" long
- 2 pieces 14" long
1 5/8" decking screws
¾" treated plywood, cut to 17" x 48"
artificial turf
box cutter or sharp utility knife
staple gun or heavy-duty hand stapler
carpet and vinyl adhesive
notched trowel

	Figure A
	Figure B

• Build the base from 2x8 lumber. Arrange two 48" pieces and two 14" pieces to form a box, with the 14" pieces butting up against the 48" pieces at the corners. The final dimensions will be 48" by 17". Screw together with 1 5/8" decking screws (figure A).

• Cut a piece of ¾" plywood to 17" x 48" to serve as the base's lid. Screw the lid to the base with decking screws.

• Use a notched trowel to spread carpet and vinyl adhesive on the top of the base, then place the artificial turf over the adhesive, smoothing out wrinkles and ensuring good contact.

• Wrap the turf snugly around one side of the base and secure it with staples near the edge of the base (figure B). Staple along the edge; carefully trim away excess at the corners. Also trim the turf flush with the bottom of the base.

• Determine the location for the sod bar in your yard. Make sure it's level: If it isn't, dig away grass and dirt to make a level pad for the bar.

• Place the base on the pad, and check again to make sure it is level and securely seated.

Build the Pedestal

¾" treated plywood
- 1 piece 36" x 32"
- 2 pieces 12" x 32"

artificial turf
box cutter or sharp utility knife
staple gun or heavy-duty hand stapler
carpet and vinyl adhesive
notched trowel
corner brackets
decking screws

Figure C

• Screw the two 12" pieces of ¾" plywood to the 36" piece to form the three-sided box that makes up the pedestal (figure C).

• Upholster the pedestal with artificial turf in the same manner as the base: Glue the turf to the largest face of the pedestal, then wrap the turf around the sides, staple and trim. Don't wrap turf around the bottom edge of the pedestal; it will make it harder to seat on the base.

• Place the pedestal on top of the completed base. Line the back of the pedestal up with the back of the base, and center it left to right. Use corner brackets and screws to attach the pedestal to the base.

	Figure D
	Figure E
	Figure F

Build the Top

Materials:

¾" treated plywood, 18" x 60"
spiral saw or jigsaw and drill (optional)
artificial turf
box cutter or sharp utility knife
staple gun or heavy-duty hand stapler
carpet and vinyl adhesive
notched trowel
corner brackets
decking screws

• If you want any holes in the top of the bar for flower pots or other containers, cut them before upholstering the top. You can cut holes with a spiral saw, or drill a hole and use a jigsaw.

• Upholster the bar top the same way as the other sections, gluing the turf to the top and securing the edges with staples. You can wrap the turf around the edges of the plywood and staple to the bottom (figure D), or cover the raw edges with decorative trim.

• Center the top on the pedestal and attach with four corner brackets (figure E).

• Trick out your swanky turf bar with wood and bamboo accessories (figure F), upholster some barstools with turf and you're ready to start the party.