Backyard Tiki Bar Ideas

Would you like to add a nice exotic touch to your backyard? If so, then I recommend a Tiki Bar because of the tropical feel they have. That’s right, in the past, you had to go to a restaurant to be in one of these bars, but now, you can bring one to your own backyard. Some are under the impression that it’s not a true tiki bar unless it’s on the beach, but that isn’t necessarily true. There are tiki-themed bars throughout the world and some of them are hundreds of miles away from the beach. It is common to find a company that specializes in bamboo bars and then usually contains a nice umbrella for that tiki theme.

The décor you can add to the tiki bar varies, depending on what you like. During my research on tiki bar décor, and accessories, I discovered a lot and I would like to share my knowledge with you so that you can set up the ultimate bar in your own backyard.

The Must Have Elements in a Tiki Bar

When you walk inside of a tiki bar, even if it’s in your own backyard, it should feel as if you have walked into a whole new world – a world where you can escape and get away from the troubles of life. In this section, I’m going to introduce you to the elements that you should have in your backyard tiki setting …

Water Feature Tiki Bar Ideas

No tiki bar setting is going to be complete without some form of water features. You could have a neat little waterfall put into your bar, or maybe even a small water pond. Whatever you do, I recommend having the sound of water splashing somewhere in there. I have friends that added an aquarium with tropical fish in their backyard tiki bar and I thought that was a good idea.

Tiki Bar Architecture

Tiki bars are a staple of the tropical vacation. They have become popular in cities around the world, and they are even being built in places that don’t look like tiki bar locations at all. These buildings often feature swinging doors, bamboo roofs, intricate carvings on their walls, and totem poles outside.
The architecture of these buildings is traditionally Polynesian or Pacific Island style with an emphasis on creating an atmosphere that will transport you to paradise while still keeping some reality intact- After all, there’s no point in pretending you’re on a beach if you can’t get any sand between your toes! The key components to this style include finding ways to incorporate natural materials such as bamboo and wood into the construction process.

The trick is to isolate the tiki bar from the urban scene and bring the tropics to your backyard – so aim for tropical architecture. Some tiki bars can be entered by crossing a neat little bridge.

Tiki Bar Lighting

The lighting of tiki bars is dim with a nice amber glow to it. They have illuminated colored glass and shaded lamps. It would be a good idea to run a string of lights along the top of your bar – this can add a nice exotic glow.

Tiki Bar Furniture

Tiki bars offer a relaxed and fun atmosphere with their tiki decor, tropical drinks, and live music. Now you can bring that island feeling into your home or business with the right furniture. But not just any furniture will do for a tiki bar–you’ll need bar stools, chairs, tables, shelves for storage of tropical drinks, and more.

Tiki bar furniture is often overlooked but can really enhance your tiki bar experience. There is plenty of ways to have a tiki bar set up that will look great in any space. From kitchen islands with built-in sinks and ice wells to outdoor bars made from recycled materials like old shipping pallets, there’s no limit to what you can make out of reclaimed items.

 

Tiki Poles that have Been Carved

Unless you have a tiki god watching over your tiki hut, it’s not truly a tiki bar. Every tiki bar needs to have a tiki god – just remember that. The word “tiki” comes to us from ancient Polynesia where the Rapa Nui people carved human figures in wood between 1250-1500 on Easter Island – those carved heads were responsible for watching over the drinkers. Isn’t that an interesting fact? Now you know why tiki bars always have those neat little carved statues in them.

Tiki Music

The traditional instrumentation includes guitar, bass, ukulele, steel drums or congas and sometimes vocals. Tiki music has many different subgenres including Exotica which features jazz combined with tiki influences.
The original genre can be traced back to ancient Hawaiian chants that were used by the indigenous people for ceremonial purposes. These chants are called mele hula and were often accompanied by drumming as well as chanting.

The combination of traditional Hawaiian music with Western orchestration created a new genre called Exotica. Two famous composers who used this style are Martin Denny and Les Baxter. They both created a new sound that was known as exotica-music with influences from Latin America, Polynesia, and other world cultures. The music is often described as “easy listening” or “lounge.” However there are some differences between these two musicians such as their style of playing instruments (Martin played steel guitar; Les played Hawaiian guitar) or how they approach songwriting

Really as long as the music is fun and relaxing any kind will do. Many people love to play the beach boys and other surf music favorites in their tiki bars.

Ideas for Your Backyard Tiki Bar

Bar Cart

When you’re not able to install a built-in bar, you can always go for a bar cart. If you have a small area, there’s nothing wrong with bar carts – in fact, some of them can be quite stylish. The carts can be portable, so when you’re not using them, you can push them to the side.

Sofa Table

I heard of someone taking their sofa table and repurposing and I thought it was a great idea. The tall rectangular tables that are on the tall side are great for repurposing, and you could easily find one in a thrift store. The sofa tables are available in a variety of sizes, so if you’re expecting to have a large crowd, you could go for a big one, but if you have a small crowd, a small table would be just fine.

Mounting Shelves

I like the idea of mounting shelves in a tiki setting. Then, you could place neat little statues and even outdoor lanterns on the shelves. You could make it so that your guests can set their drinks on the shelves.

A Drink Cooler

You can easily find portable drink coolers that you can use to keep the drinks cool. Drink coolers are great if you’re serving canned or bottled drinks.

Tips for Creating a Backyard Tiki Bar

As long as you have a backyard, you will be able to create your own tiki bar. Like I said earlier, you can easily create your own tiki bar. In fact, I had a lot of fun decorating my own bar, and when it comes time to design and decorate yours, don’t hold back on creating your own colorful paradise.

Pick Your Spot

When you think of a tiki bar, you probably start picturing torches set up on a sandy beach, but like I said in the beginning, you don’t need a sandy beach. All you need is an empty corner in your own yard. Before all else, just make sure you have an empty spot set to the side for your bar and when you’re buying furniture and decoration for the tiki bar, make sure you keep the size of that spot in mind.

The Bar

Of course, you’ll need to have the bar itself. If you’re great with the hammer and love building things, you can make your own bar at home. You can easily look online and find step-by-step guides that will walk you through the building process. However, if you’re looking to speed things up, you can buy a pre-made bar like this wood one that would be perfect.

Tiki Bar Decorations

In your bar, you’ve got to have some fun and colorful decorations, or it’s not going to be complete. I personally believe raffia garlands are a must-have – this is something that you can easily buy online. Take a look at this Raffia fringe – it would be great to put it around a table. Seriously, the more raffia you have, the better your bar is going to look. You can easily place them throughout your setting with tacks or a glue gun (glue guns always seem to come in handy). You can also pick out garlands that are made of shells and tropical flowers – those make great decorations. Also, placing potted plants and miniature palm trees throughout the tiki area will make for a tropical atmosphere. Speaking of palm trees, I discovered this palm tree that is 5 feet tall while looking for tiki hut ideas for my own tiki hut, and must say, it looks amazing.

Tiki Hut Seating

The seating should be comfortable. Adjustable lounge chairs would be great, and if you’re really looking to add some extra flair to the area, you can install some hammocks. You can also set up a little area where there are large cushions and soft blankets, making for a comfortable-looking nook

 

Design Toscano Pau Hana Hawaiian Tiki Totem Statue

This is a neat little totem statue. When I first came across it, it screamed “I belong in your tiki bar” and the fact that it’s from Design Toscano makes it even better. This little guy is made of real stone that has been crushed up and bonded with a top-of-the-line resin and to make it even more unique, it is hand-painted.
This statue weighs 9 pounds and it is 9 inches in width, stands 20 inches tall, and is 9 inches in diameter, so it’s not bad at all and would go great in a tropical setting.

Thatch Umbrella for Your Tiki Hut

If you don’t have an umbrella in your tiki bar, then it’s not truly complete. In this case, I found a thatch umbrella and everything about it just screams “tiki bar.” Mind you, this isn’t your average thatch umbrella, this one is strong and durable – it has a diameter of 6.5’, so it’s not small. The pole and ribs are heavy-duty and most of all, the canopy isn’t going to fade away. For better air release, the canopy is vented. When the sun is beaming, this umbrella can easily be adjusted in order to block the sun.

The Grand Tiki Statue

Here’s another statue that I just can’t look away from and yes, it’s also from Design Toscano – this company is well known for offering unique items. It can be used as a table in your tiki setting as it is capable of holding your drinks and snacks. Of course, using it with a stool isn’t recommended, but you can put it next to a lounge chair and use it as a stylish side table. Each one of these statues is unique because they have been hand-finished.

Outdoor Rattan Bar Set

In your tiki setting, you cannot forget about the furniture. This particular bar set is made out of wicker material, which will definitely add a unique look. The set includes two stools, 2 cushions, and one shelf table. The shelf in the middle offers enough room to store food and drinks and the top is smooth, making it convenient to place your glasses.

If you have a small tiki bar, then I recommend this set because this bar set will help save space due to the storage space it offers. Some people have had issues with wicker sets falling apart, but this isn’t the case with this one – this set is heavy-duty as it is constructed out of a powder-coated steel frame, so it should be able to last for many years to come.

Tiki Bar Signs

No article on tiki bar ideas wouldn’t be complete without talking about tiki bar signs. 

There are many different types of tiki signs, but some common signs include a palm tree with coconuts and pineapples or a tropical fruit bowl surrounded by bamboo and flowers. These signs are usually painted on wood or metal boards that have been shaped like trees. Some other examples include flamingos, parrots, hula dancers, and surfboards.

Your tiki bar needs to have a personal touch, so come up with a unique name for your backyard bar and have a sign made for it.

Tiki Torches

Tiki torches can be a great way to add ambiance and an island feel to your backyard. They come in all sizes, shapes, and colors so you’re sure to find one that fits the décor of your space.

There are many different styles of tiki torches but most have a basic design that is long and narrow so it can stand upright on its own without anything to prop it up against. The top is usually rounded off at the top while the bottom has a base that will help keep it stable when placed on flat ground or sand.

Tiki torches can be used outdoors in areas with no open flames or close by trees – it is generally recommended you place them away from anything that could catch fire (including siding) and stay at least 10 feet away from any structures, including fences, decks, sheds, etc.

 

 

Tiki Hut Ideas Summary

 We hope you have found these tiki bar ideas useful. When you build a tiki bar you can be as imaginative as you like. Tiki huts don’t need to be expensive and a simple tiki bar is just fine. You can always add additional tiki bar decor in the future to your tropical paradise. You can build tiki furniture yourself out of reclaimed wood.

Creating a tiki bar is a great project to do with friends or family members and it’s also fun if you’re feeling creative! Remember that the design of your tiki bar should be as distinctive as possible. What would make yours unique?

Tiki Bar FAQs

What do you put in a tiki bar?

The most important thing to put in a tiki bar is the right atmosphere. This can be created with things like tiki torches, palm trees, and thatched roofs. Other important elements include a well-stocked bar, delicious tropical drinks, and upbeat music. Of course, no tiki bar would be complete without a few fun and festive decorations. Hanging parrots, vintage surfboards, and colorful lanterns are all great ways to add a touch of whimsy to the space.

What food and drink do you serve at a tiki party?

When planning a tiki party, one of the most important things to consider is the menu. While there are many delicious options to choose from, some foods are more traditionally tiki than others. For example, local fruits like pineapple and mango are often used in tiki cocktails and can also be served as light snacks. Other popular options include shrimp cocktails, sushi, and skewers with chicken or beef.

Of course, no tiki party would be complete without a selection of tropical drinks. Common choices include Mai Tais, Pina Coladas, and Rum Punch. Some party-goers also like to add a twist to their drinks by using flavored syrups or adding fruit garnishes. Whatever foods and drinks you choose to serve, make sure they are fresh and visually appealing. After all, part of the fun of a tiki party is enjoying the exotic atmosphere!

How do you winterize a tiki bar?

I love spending time at my tiki bar, but I have to admit that it can be a lot of work to keep it in good shape during the winter months. Here are a few tips that I use to winterize my tiki bar.

First of all, I make sure to clean everything thoroughly, including the bar top, stools, and umbrellas. Then, I apply a layer of clear sealant to protect the wood from moisture and weather damage. I also pack away any decorations or sensitive items that could be damaged by freezing temperatures. Finally, I cover the entire tiki bar with a tarp or outdoor furniture cover. By following these simple steps, I can rest assured that my tiki bar will be ready for another season of fun in the sun!

What does a tiki symbolize?

For many, the tiki is a symbol of the carefree days of summer, a reminder of long lazy days spent lounging by the pool with a fruity cocktail in hand. However, the tiki has a much richer history than that. In Polynesian cultures, the tiki is a powerful figure who represents both the god of war and the god of fertility. Tiki statues were often placed at the entrances of temples or homes to protect against evil spirits.

The tiki is also a popular motif in Polynesian tattoos, which are seen as a way to connect with one’s ancestors and tap into their power. Consequently, the tiki is not simply a decoration or an emblem of vacation culture; it is a potent symbol with deep meaning and significance.

When did tiki bars become popular?

I became interested in tiki bars after my first visit to one on a trip to Hawaii. The combination of tropical atmosphere, fruity drinks, and Polynesian-inspired cuisine was unlike anything I had experienced before.

After doing some research, I discovered that the first tiki bar was opened in Los Angeles in 1934 by Ernest Beach. Beach was inspired by his travels to the South Pacific, and he sought to create a place where people could escape the stresses of everyday life. Tiki bars quickly became popular among Hollywood celebrities and business moguls, who flocked to places like Beach’s Don the Beachcomber.

In the postwar years, tiki culture began to spread beyond California, eventually taking root across the United States. Today, there are tiki bars in almost every major city, and they continue to be a popular destination for those seeking a taste of paradise.

 

How do you make a tiki bar out of wooden pallets?

A DIY Tiki bar for your outdoor space can easily be constructed using wooden pallets. Here are the steps you need to take in order to make your own Tiki bar:

1. Gather your materials. You will need 3-4 wooden pallets, depending on the size of your bar, saw screws, nails, sandpaper, and paint or varnish.
2. Cut the pallets to size. You will need two long pieces for the front and back of the bar and two shorter pieces for the sides. Make sure to smooth down the edges with sandpaper so that there are no splinters.
3. Assemble the frame of the bar using screws or nails. Make sure that it is sturdy and secure before moving on to the next step.
4.  Paint or varnish the bar, and add any decorations that you desire. You can now start to enjoy your DIY Tiki bar!