- Vintage metal tubs sound like a cool alternative—do they sweat a lot though? I worry about water pooling on decks or patios.
- About the reclaimed wood, my neighbor built something similar last year. Looked great at first, but after one winter it warped quite a bit. Maybe sealing it helps?
- Wondering if anyone's tried bamboo or cedar instead...heard they're naturally better outdoors. Curious how they'd match that rustic style you're after.
Vintage tubs do look awesome, but yeah, sweating can be an issue—especially on humid days. My friend set one up last summer, and let's just say their deck ended up needing more towels than the guests did. Maybe placing them on some kind of raised platform or adding drainage underneath could help?
As for the reclaimed wood, sealing definitely helps, but it's not foolproof. Wood's gonna do what wood does...warp a little, age a bit. Bamboo or cedar could be solid alternatives though. Cedar naturally weathers into that silvery-gray tone that fits perfectly with rustic vibes. Bamboo can look great too, but sometimes it feels a bit modern to me—depends how you style it.
Personally, I'd lean toward cedar if you're aiming for that cozy backyard-bar feel. It holds up well outdoors and looks even better once it's got some character from being outside a while. Plus, who doesn't love the smell of fresh cedar boards on a warm evening?
Totally agree about cedar—it's durable and ages beautifully. But bamboo can actually work great if you pair it with the right vintage accents...like old metal signs or antique bar stools. It softens that modern look and gives a nice eclectic vibe.
"But bamboo can actually work great if you pair it with the right vintage accents...like old metal signs or antique bar stools."
I see your point about bamboo—it can definitely bring a cool, eclectic feel. But honestly, I've found bamboo can be a bit tricky outdoors. Last summer, I helped a friend set up her backyard bar using bamboo panels, and while it looked amazing at first, after a season of sun and rain, it needed more upkeep than she bargained for. Cedar might be less hassle in the long run, especially if you're not into frequent maintenance...
Totally agree about cedar being easier to maintain outdoors. Bamboo does look great initially, but I've also seen it fade and warp pretty quickly if it's not sealed properly. If anyone's set on bamboo though, here's what worked for me: first, sand it lightly to smooth out any rough spots, then apply a good quality outdoor sealant—two coats minimum. Make sure you get into all the little crevices, because moisture loves hiding there. After that, just plan on touching it up once a year or so.
Honestly though, cedar or even teak might save you some headaches down the road. I built a small bar area with cedar planks about three years ago, and aside from a quick wash-down each spring, it's held up really well. Plus, cedar naturally repels insects, which is a nice bonus when you're hanging out in the backyard at dusk...
