Let's go!
Discover how to easily build an iconic balcony bar for the upcoming warm summer evenings using PARKSIDE tools. These step-by-step instructions will guide you through the entire process and, of course, are also available for download, so you can get started on your project right away!
Whether you do it alone or with friends, the end result will definitely be something to savour!
- PARKSIDE Plunge saw
- PARKSIDE 20 V cordless drill/driver
- PARKSIDE Router
- PARKSIDE Crosscut and pull saw
- PARKSIDE 20 mm Forstner drill bit
- PARKSIDE Countersink
- PARKSIDE Jigsaw
- PARKSIDE 120 and 150 grit sandpaper
- PARKSIDE Side cutter
- Folding ruler
- Pencil
- 1 x square timber (spruce/pine) 60 mm x 80 mm x 1100 mm
- 2 x three-layer board (spruce) 150 mm x 1250 mm
- 1 three-layer board (spruce) 500 mm x 1250 mm
- 1 three-layer board (spruce) 300 mm x 1250 mm
- 1 x wood stain for outdoor use
- 5 x countersunk screws 4.5 x 50 mm
- 5 x countersunk screws 4.5 x 45 mm
- 5 x countersunk screws 5 x 70 mm
- 2 x pan head screws 4 x 35 mm
- 1 x chain link 12 mm x 8 mm, length 2.5 m
- 2 x bent screw hooks (size freely selectable)
- 2 x eye bolts (eyelets) 30 x 14 mm
| Quantity | Material | Component | Dimension in mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1x | Squared timber | Support railing (A) | 60 mm x 80 mm x 1100 mm |
| 1x | Three-layer board | Upper bar shelf (B) | 150 mm x 1250 mm |
| 1x | Three-layer board | Flashback (C) | 150 mm x 1250 mm |
| 1x | Three-layer board | Back panel (D) | 500 mm x 1250 mm |
| 1x | Three-layer board | Table top (E) | 300 mm x 1250 mm |
Thanks to this overview, you will always have the right component at your fingertips.
Step 1: Cut the three-layer panels and square timber to size
Cut the squared timber (A) and boards (B, C, D, E) to size using the crosscut saw and pull saw.
Step 2: Mark the cut-outs
On the large rear panel (D), determine the position of the four horizontal cuts where the table top (E) will be inserted later. Mark a point 100 mm to the left and right of the edge and 100 mm from the bottom edge. Connect these two points with a line and draw three more identical lines 100 mm above them. These are the centre lines of our cut-outs.
Step 3: Punch holes in the ends of the cut-outs
The holes will be 20 mm high and 1070 mm wide. Use the 20 mm Forstner bit to drill a hole through the back panel (D) at the end points of each line.
Step 4: Cut the scraps with the hacksaw
Then use the plunge saw to make long cuts between the insertion points. To do this, use the saw twice for each hole and cut to the next one: once to the top edge of the hole and once to the bottom edge. Make sure you saw on the “right” side!
Step 5: Smooth the edges
Cut a chamfer on both sides of the cuts using the tip of the cutter and the rounding cutter. This will give you a nice edge.
Step 6: Sand thoroughly
Now take some 120-grit sandpaper and roughen up all the edges.
Step 7: Align the tabletop with the back panel
The rear edge of the table top (E) must be inserted into the respective openings and must be flush with the rear wall (D). To create a plug-in connection, 100 mm wide and 20 mm deep cuts must be made on the left and right. For this purpose, we use the plunge saw and the jigsaw.
Step 8: Saw the rebate into the squared timber
To position the balcony bar on your balcony railing, you need to saw a rebate into the square timber (A). In our case, the railing measures 30 x 40 mm. Using the plunge saw, we cut this dimension into the square timber at an angle.
Step 9: Visually complete the flashback
After sawing the rebate, the plunge saw is needed once again for the rear panel (C) of the balcony rail. We make a 30° cut on both long edges of the rear panel, which gives the rail a light appearance. Next, we break the edge with 120-grit sandpaper.
Step 10: Glazing
Before screwing all the pieces together, we paint them. For example, you can use a white wood stain for outdoor use. Several coats may be necessary. After allowing sufficient time for drying, you can sand between coats with 150-grit sandpaper to achieve a more attractive surface.
Step 11: Secure the top shelf of the bar to the square timber
Screw the top shelf (B) to the square timber (A) from below through the rebate. This hides the screws from view. Position the square timber exactly in the centre. Then pre-drill, countersink the holes with the countersink bit and screw everything together with five 4.5 x 50 mm countersunk screws.
Step 12: Screw the rear panel to the square timber
Now screw the rear panel (C) to the squared timber (A) from the inside, again through the rebate. Again, countersink the pre-drilled holes with the countersink bit and use five 4.5 x 45 mm countersunk screws for fastening. The bottom edge of the rear panel must be flush with the square timber. The 30° angle points inwards.
Step 13: Connecting the square timber and the rear panel
Then connect the square piece of wood (A), which will later be positioned on the balcony railing, to the rear wall (D). Make sure that the side with the greatest distance from the outermost hole is facing upwards.
Then determine the position of the square piece of wood with the folding rule and transfer the measurements to the rear wall. This will allow you to determine the screw points on the rear panel. This time, drill, countersink and screw from the front using five 5 x 70 mm countersunk screws.
Step 14: Attach the chain
Now it's time to secure the chain that supports the table. To do this, screw a hook into the back panel (C) on each side and an eyelet into the top shelf (B) on each side. Attach the end of the chain to the side edge of the table top (E). To determine the length of the chain, simply insert the tabletop into the lowest opening, pass the chain through the eyelet to the edge of the tabletop and mark the point where it is screwed in with a 4 x 35 mm Panhead screw. Then hook the end of the chain with a little slack. This will tell you where to cut the chain with the side cutter.
Step 15: Hang the balcony rail
Hang the finished bar on the balcony railing and use the board to set the height that suits you best.
Now all you have to do is drink!
