Help with my outdoor counter - please!

Bleach
by Bleach
I am looking for some inspiration for this sad looking counter bar top. Inside the window is the kitchen which, unfortunately, doesn't open the right way to be a true serving station. The shelf is made of good solid wood and is very sturdy. The rest of the house has been updated/upgraded except for this.

Anyone have something similar that you upgraded somehow? Any help would be very appreciated. Thanks in advance.
  8 answers
  • Visit your local stoneyard and shop the remnant section. You can find great pieces for pennies on the dollar. They will cut to fit for a small fee. Or you can title it too. Or use a stencil to paint a pretty design on it and seal with marine grade sealant.

  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Mar 02, 2018

    I would paint it a color to coodinate it with the house

  • Shore grandmom Shore grandmom on Mar 02, 2018

    Along with the great ideas Naomie gave you, you could find nice decorative brackets that will be strong enough to hold anything.

  • Joanne lueke Joanne lueke on Mar 02, 2018

    Does your door open to the outside or to the inside? If it opens to the outside you could reverse it to an inside swing and make the window more open for moving the counter down to the appropriate window. For stone on the counter you would need to add legs for additional support as stone is very heavy, but tile or stencil is a great alternative.

  • Geew Geew on Mar 02, 2018

    Another idea: Add 2 Pillars underneath each end to create more of a distinct bar area. On the wall to the right of the window, hang a metal fixture of your choice that can withstand the elements and warm up the area. The below sun/moon is found on Etsy.

  • Bleach Bleach on Mar 02, 2018

    Love all these. Thanks!!


    The door swings outward and I just had it redone, so it's probably got to stay going that direction for now.


    Where do you suggest I look for pillars to make it more of a bar station?


    Also, with stencils...do you have suggestions where to find them in good/sturdy quality, but also affordable?


    I'm getting really excited about the space now! Thanks, all. The sun/moon is a perfect touch too.

    • See 1 previous
    • Any home improvement store will carry them. Also check unfinished furniture stores. So will some lumber yards. For stencils, any craft or hobby store will carry them or find on line.

  • 2dogal 2dogal on Mar 02, 2018

    It looks alike an add-on. I'd remove it or if it is needed, I'd cut it smaller to fit under just that half of the window. Do you really want to sit facing the house wall when eating?

    • Bleach Bleach on Mar 02, 2018

      Nice idea. I have a couple kids and they're excited to eat at a counter outside and since it's a commodity, I'll probably leave it. I also really like the idea of the pillars to make it a bar service area, but we'll see.