Make a tiki bar out of PVC pipe.
Tiki bars make a great addition to any back yard. You can make them as big or as small as you want. With a variety of plans available free on the Internet, you can download a design that's right for you, or you can design and build one yourself with an old table, some PVC pipe and few decorations you can pick up at your local party store. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Use the hole saw drill bit to cut a hole in each of the four corners of the top of the table. Use a hole saw bit that is the same size as the PVC pipe.
2. Measure the table, then cut a sheet of plywood that is at least 4 inches larger than the table. Center the plywood on the table and have a friend hold it down or put something heavy on it so it doesn't move. Crawl under the table and trace the holes of the table onto the plywood, which will be the bar's roof.
3. Use the hole saw drill bit to cut the holes out of the plywood.
4. Insert a solid-style flange on the top of four PVC pipes. Leave at least 3 inches of space between the top of the pipe and the screw holes on the flange for the front pipes. Adjust the back pipes based on how high you want the roof to pitch. Make sure the flanges are even, or the roof will be crooked. Before gluing the flanges in place, have a friend help you slide the pipes into the table holes to check that the roof is even and the pitch is where you want it. Adjust the flanges if necessary.
5. Remove the plywood and pipes from the table and set the plywood aside. Mark the PVC pipe at the top and base of the flanges, then remove the flanges. Coat the interior of the flanges with PVC glue then slide them back on the pipes, making sure they align with your marks. Allow the glue to dry based on the manufacturer's recommendations before proceeding.
6. Use a hand saw to cut off the excess PVC pipe.
7. Install the plywood roof using wood screws and drill. Drill down through the screw holes on the flanges.
8. Glue bamboo mat, found at most party stores, to the roof. Leave enough excess to hang over the edges to cover the plywood. You can also use palm fond found at a garden store.
9. Carefully lift the roof and slide the PVC pipe into each of the holes on the table. Secure them to the table legs using zip ties.
10. Cover the exposed PVC pipe in glue. Wrap it in bamboo mat.
11. Staple sheets of bamboo mat around the edge of the table like skirting. Add leis, flowers and other luau themed decorations to complete the look.
Tags: back pipes, have friend, hole drill, holes table, least inches, screw holes