The Pub Shed Is the New Venue of Choice for Social Gatherings

Thanks to the ongoing global pandemic, social gatherings have changed forever. Now, people all over the world are looking for ways to socialize and stay safe at the same time.

While businesses have made adjustments to keep their doors open, there’s nothing like kicking back at home. Invite over a few friends, turn on some music, and bring out the cooler, and it’s a party. 

Yet, where is everything going to spend their time? If you have a pub shed out back, have you considered that this could be the perfect hangout spot? No longer just for garden tools and lawnmowers, these covered buildings are getting major makeovers, transforming them into this year’s must-have landscape addition.

Today, we’re sharing why this setup makes sense and how you can establish it in your own home. 

What Is a Pub Shed?

Before we dive into what makes a pub shed the perfect spot for your backyard bar, let’s take a look at what this structure entails. In short, a pub shed is a backyard shed that contains three important elements:

• A covered area
• A storage area
• A built-in bar

In most cases, the bar is built into a window that opens up to the inside of the shed. You can open the window when your personal bar is in full swing, and shut everything up when closing time rolls around. 

The covered area is another critical part of any pub shed, as it gives guests a place to relax away from the harsh elements.

On sunny days, they’ll congregate under the roof to escape the sweltering sun. When it’s cold, you can set up an outdoor space heater on the patio and they can huddle together to stay warm. You can even keep the drinks flowing in the pouring rain if your porch is covered!

How to Build Yours

If you’ve decided to build a pub shed in your backyard, the first step is to make sure that you have enough space. While you don’t necessarily need a ton of acreage to set up one of these buildings, you want to allow plenty of room for traffic flow. 

Once you’ve found the perfect spot, you can check online for building plans, blueprints, and dimensions. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all style of pub shed, so take your time and choose one that meets your personal aesthetic! Like traditional, single-family homes, these come in a range of themes, such as:

• Colonial
• Craftsman
• Traditional
• Modern farmhouse
• Contemporary

You can research all of the different architectural styles to understand the defining features that set each type apart from the rest. For instance, a traditional pub shed might feature neutral earth tones and brick accents, reminiscent of the classic homes that dotted suburbia during the 1980s and 1990s.

At the same time, a modern farmhouse pub shed will likely feature some variation of stark white shiplap and black window trim. This is a very popular style that blends clean and minimal modernism with rustic and chippy touches. It first came on the scene when DIY home decorating shows hit the mainstream media, as it’s one of the most accessible and lived-in styles around. 

If you can’t find a ready-made plan you love online, then check with a local architect or general contractor. If you can share your vision for the pub shed, they should be able to help you bring it to life. 

Can’t-Miss Features to Add

If you’re going to invest in a custom pub shed, you don’t want to cut corners. At the same time, you don’t want to go into debt over this addition, either. That’s why it pays to know the specific features that are worth your money. 

Let’s take a look at some of the top places to splurge.

High-Tech Building Materials

Once your friends and family members catch wind of your pub shed, you can expect it to be in heavy rotation. It’s going to see a ton of wear and tear, and you want it to last. 

To that end, don’t scrimp on the building materials. Go ahead and get a great-quality roof that features integrated technology such as reflective sheathing.

Remember: You aren’t building a home, and the square footage is much lower here. While you might not be able to outfit your entire house in specialty shingles, this is infinitely more doable. You may also consider adding a few solar panels to the roof of your pub shed to offset your utility costs and make the structure more eco-friendly!

For the bar itself, you can feel free to get a little more creative. Reclaimed wood, pallets, and heirloom planks with meaning all look great when nailed onto the front. You can paint the wood or leave it raw for a super rustic touch. 

For the exterior, look for materials that are durable, attractive, and built to last. The best metal sheds are ones that have heavy-duty frames, easy assembly, and come in a range of color options. 

Durable Floor Panels

This isn’t the time or place to install inexpensive linoleum tiles. You want a floor that will last for years, and hold up well against spills and stains. While you might be tempted to install real hardwoods in your shed, you’ll be sacrificing looks for durability. 

Authentic hardwoods are undoubtedly beautiful. However, they’re nowhere near as resistant to water and moisture as their prefinished counterparts. Luxury vinyl planks are ideal, as they give you the look of real wood with the ruggedness of vinyl. 

The Right Appliances

Your idea of the perfect pub shed might be one with five mini-fridges and a big-screen television behind the bar. Or, you might prefer a sophisticated wine or beer cooler in the corner.

Think through the layout of your shed’s interior, and make sure you have enough power to supply all of the appliances you plan to add. You never want to run out of snacks or cold drinks, but you don’t want to amplify your monthly bills, either. 

Comfortable Funiture

Don’t be the guy who makes people stand the entire time they’re socializing. Make sure you have plenty of cozy, well-cushioned seats both inside and outside your pub shed.

Indoors, spring for plush fabrics like velvet, microfiber, and suede. Outside, go with weather-resistant seating sets that include at least one long sectional and a few small accent chairs. If space allows, you can even add a fire pit nearby and encourage everyone to mingle a few feet away!

When setting up the seating arrangement, try to establish conversation spots that encourage people to mix and mingle. Make sure every chair has access to a small table where people can rest their drinks, and add comfy stools nearby so they can prop up their feet!

Discrete Storage

Next, let’s talk about storage. Some homeowners choose to dedicate a portion of their pub shed to general household storage. For instance, you may build a back room that’s big enough to hold your off-season holiday decor, as well as your lawn and garden equipment.

If you build a taller structure, you may be able to gain extra storage space in an upstairs loft. If you don’t plan to house anything but the bar, you can minimize this space and expand your interior. Still, it’s smart to leave a little bit of room where you can stash unused bottles, glasses, and other bar accessories. 

If your storage space is set apart from the rest of the room, then you can usually leave it unfinished. This can help cut down on your overall building costs, making the project a little more affordable. 

Accent Door

The front door to your pub shed should make a dynamic first impression. Don’t go with a standard interior door, here. Rather, use this space to showcase your style and add a ton of visual interest to the building.

Reclaimed doors look great here, as do chippy, painted doors that have special meaning in your family. Think about whether you want a window built into your door, or you prefer to keep it solid. 

Keep It Clean

A dirty pub shed is an unusable one. While you don’t have to scrub it clean after every use, set up a cleaning schedule that can keep it in great shape all year round. 

This includes taking the time to complete the following activities at least once a week:

• Sweeping the patio
• Disinfecting all surfaces
• Wiping down the bar
• Cleaning appliance interiors
• Washing cushions

Not feeling inspired to clean? Enlist the help of a few friends or family members and promise them a free trip to the bar if they pitch in!

Build the Pub Shed of Your Dreams

It’s 2022, and we’re all hanging out a little differently these days. A pub shed allows you to spend time with your loved ones without sacrificing the creature comforts of home. 

Now that you know a little more about how one works and the features to build, are you ready to create one of your own? With the right approach, you can have a new designated hangout spot in no time!

Looking for more ways to spruce up your property? Check out our Home Improvement guides to get started!