Post #52908 by Shipwreckjoey on Fri, Sep 26, 2003 11:44 PM

Bonko, as a first time builder of a tiki bar all I can do is relate my own experince. First I decided how I wanted my bar to look - I opted for a small two person bar made of bamboo, plywood (framing) and birch top in a curved "boomerang" shape. To come up with the size of the supporting structure & fasteners I used a 60's era bar my brother-in-law bought at the swapmeet for a template (nothing wrong with stealing...that's how the Japanese car market got started). Once you've got the basic construction completed...the fun begins. You are free to decorate and finish your bar in any way your imagination takes you. In my case I decided to coat the top with several layers of epoxy resin with hawiian sand & shells mixed into each layer creating a kind of 3-D effect. Then after your bar's complete, you might find you have a lot of materials and neww tools left over...don't let your creative momentum subside. Get right to work on that tiki shelf, cabinet, stools, trashcan, etc.