For quite some time now, I’ve been dreaming big and quietly planning an ambitious new project for my backyard. Today, I’m thrilled to finally pull back the curtain and share the exciting news: I’m building a pub shed! This isn’t just any shed; it’s a meticulously planned endeavor to combine practical storage with an inviting outdoor entertainment space.
While my definition of a “plan” might be a bit unconventional, I have a clear vision for this multi-functional backyard oasis. It’s a project born out of both necessity and a desire to enhance my outdoor living and DIY capabilities.
Embarking on the Pub Shed Project: Vision and Design
The “Shed” Component: A Desperate Need for Space
The concept for this shed has been brewing in my mind for ages, initially as a purely practical solution. My single-car garage, despite my best efforts to organize it, is constantly overflowing. It’s a chaotic repository for everything from the lawnmower and gardening supplies to an ever-growing collection of woodworking tools and paint cans. Even with a rigorous annual clean-out, I find myself spending an inordinate amount of time rummaging through a cramped space, searching for essential items. One might assume that a smaller space would lead to fewer lost items, but in my experience, the opposite often proves true!
For someone deeply immersed in the world of DIY, as I am, this constant clutter is far from ideal. It hinders workflow, dampens creative inspiration, and frankly, wastes precious project time. While I’ve implemented various storage enhancements, such as my DIY pegboard wall and a temporary lumber rack, these have only partially alleviated the problem. They improved organization but didn’t solve the fundamental issue of insufficient space. A dedicated shed will provide the much-needed room for tools, gardening essentials, and project materials, allowing for a more streamlined and enjoyable DIY experience.
The “Pub” Component: Fusing Functionality with Fun
The “pub” aspect of these plans is a more recent, yet equally exciting, development. Initially, I envisioned adding a small pop-out window to the shed, transforming it into a mini greenhouse. The idea was to cover it in glass, position it to maximize sun exposure, and use it for starting seedlings or propagating beloved plants like my hydrangeas. This concept focused solely on utility and garden expansion.
However, during one of my regular lunches with my dad, a new and inspiring idea blossomed. He handed me a copy of Family Handyman magazine, which featured an incredible double-duty pub shed project. This design ingeniously incorporated an entertaining area into one side of the shed. The moment I saw it, I was captivated. The thought of creating a similar space in my own backyard, seamlessly blending practical storage with a dedicated area for entertaining, immediately resonated with me.
This vision perfectly aligns with my broader plans for a complete backyard transformation. I’m already working on upgrading my outdoor seating area near the house, including a new platform deck adjacent to the existing concrete patio. This will create a natural flow towards the recently completed fire pit, and the addition of string lights will connect these distinct “zones” into a cohesive and inviting outdoor living space. The pub shed will be the crowning jewel, offering a unique focal point for gatherings and relaxation.
While my planned shed won’t be quite as grand in scale as the one featured in Family Handyman, nor will it boast as many elaborate windows, I am deeply enthusiastic about integrating a functional counter and seating area. This versatile space can serve a multitude of purposes – from a practical potting bench for my gardening passion to a charming serving station for entertaining friends and family. It truly embodies the spirit of maximizing outdoor living.
The DIY Journey: Learning and Growing
Beyond the practical outcomes, this project represents a significant personal goal: to expand my woodworking and construction skills. I’ve always wanted to delve deeper into framing, to better understand the hidden structures within the walls I frequently modify in my home. This shed build provides the perfect opportunity to gain hands-on experience with tools and techniques not commonly used in interior DIYs, such as a roofing nailer – I’m ready to embrace these new challenges!
My volunteering experiences at Habitat for Humanity events offered a valuable glimpse into construction, but I know there’s so much more to learn and create. After months of contemplation, weighing options for placement, design, and potential logistical hurdles, I’m finally committing to this dream. I’m building this pub shed entirely from scratch, bypassing pre-made kits, and I plan to share every step of the process – the triumphs, the inevitable mistakes, and all the valuable lessons learned along the way.
This is undeniably one of the most substantial and costly DIY projects I’ve ever undertaken, which means I anticipate a steep learning curve and plenty of first-time experiences. Naturally, such an investment required careful financial planning and dedicated saving. If you’ve observed an increase in sponsored projects on my site over the past few months, this pub shed is a primary reason. The summer months often bring more opportunities for brand collaborations, and I strategically channeled a portion of those earnings directly into funding the initial planning and materials for this build. My hope is that by building it myself, I can achieve a custom, high-quality structure that is significantly more budget-friendly than commissioning a professional custom build.
Given the scale and complexity of this endeavor, I’ll be dedicating an entire series to its construction. You can follow its progress by looking for the “Pub Shed” category on my posts for regular updates. As some of you may have already seen through my Instagram shares and backyard updates, the journey has already begun. With this official announcement, I’ll soon be sharing more specific details, including the crucial initial steps of building the foundation (which will have its own dedicated post once it’s fully complete and perfectly level).
I’m incredibly fortunate to have the support and expertise of the “bearded dude” (perhaps it’s time he gets a proper nickname!). His prior construction experience and his day job as an engineer, which involves extensive 3D rendering, have been invaluable thus far. You’ll undoubtedly see glimpses of his skilled assistance as we navigate the various stages of this ambitious build process:
- Detailed Planning: Refining the blueprints, considering design modifications such as extending the roof for the bar area or creating a separate overhang, and deciding on the optimal configuration for window openings versus enclosed spaces.
- Foundation Construction: Meticulously building and leveling the base. After careful consideration, I opted against a concrete slab, unlike my previous trash bin pad project, choosing a different approach for this structure.
- Framing the Structure: Erecting the skeleton of the shed, a critical step that will solidify its shape and integrity.
- Roofing Installation: Covering the structure with a durable roof, focusing on proper sealing and longevity.
- Exterior Finishes: Adding siding, trim, and other elements that define the shed’s aesthetic and protect it from the elements.
- Door Fabrication and Installation: Designing and building a custom door that is both functional and complements the overall style.
- Pub & Entertaining Area Details: Crafting the bar counter, installing seating, and all the unique elements that will make the “pub” side truly special and inviting.
- Exterior Landscaping: Integrating the shed into the backyard environment with thoughtful planting and pathways.
- Interior Finishes: (To Be Determined) Deciding on the internal aesthetic and functional elements once the main structure is complete.
All in all, I’m brimming with excitement. Thrilled. Ecstatic! Every happy emoji applies here. Even Charlie, my furry companion, shares in the enthusiasm, constantly sniffing around the newly disturbed earth and building materials. Stay tuned for more updates, my friends! And tell me, are you currently building anything exciting?
P.S. On a separate note, my area recently experienced the impact of Hurricane/Tropical Storm Irma. While it caused power outages, downed several trees, and blocked our neighborhood’s entrance, I’m incredibly grateful to report that the Ugly Duckling House remained thankfully unscathed. The storm left me with a few extra downed limbs, which I’ll happily chop up for the new fire pit. Above all, I sincerely hope that all of you who were impacted by the storm are safe and sound, including your beloved pets. My thoughts and prayers are with those who weren’t as fortunate. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who sent messages and well wishes my way via social media during that time.
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