In 2018 we took the plunge and had an 18 X 36 ft inground pool installed in our Michigan backyard. While sadly pool season is shortened due to the climate in the mitten state we knew it would still provide us plenty of pool days and memories with friends and family. Around the pool we have several places to gather but we kept talking about the addition of a poolside bar and what that could look like given the space we had.
Here is the before:
We decided to remove two of the 6ft pool fence panels and place the 12×12 cape cod style shed flush with the fence. We designed our shed with Cedar Rock Barns which is a company that provides local delivery. From start to finish the ordering and delivery process was very smooth. From the time the truck showed up until the time they dropped the shed and left it was around 15 minutes. I was impressed!
Once delivered it was like a blank canvas! Which can be exciting and SUPER intimidating, am I right?! We spent hours looking on pinterest and instagram and everywhere in between for inspo.
First up were the floors. We had leftover flooring from our house which fit the vibe of the pool shed perfectly. The flooring is from Lumber Liquidators, it is engineered vinyl plank flooring in the shade Driftwood Hickory. Thankfully this is waterproof which obviously was very important to us.
Next we painted the ceiling and then stained the beams throughout. HOLY PROJECT that was. Let’s just say it took a bit longer then I ever would have guessed. The stain was from Home Depot and was the brand Varathane in the shade Dark Walnut. The white paint was exterior barn and fence paint by Behr. This paint went on thick and covered the plywood perfectly.
After the electrical work was completed we moved on to the bar area. We purchased Unfinished Birch 6 ft. L x 25 in. D x 1.5 in. T Butcher Block Countertops from Home Depot. We then stained using Varathane stain in the shade Dark Walnut. This was then sealed with Watco Butcher Block Seal. The cabinets were in stock at our local Home Depot and were the perfect size for this space. The cabinet hardware is from Amazon. The hOmeLabs mini fridges were also purchased from Amazon.
Next up was the wall paneling. We decided to go with White Paint Pine MDF from Home Depot. This was the point where it really felt like the space was coming together and we were in the home stretch. So funny how a certain part of a project can be such a pivotal moment!
Next up was the back wall. I knew I wanted shiplap somewhere in the Mack Shack (because I’m convinced every project needs shiplap right?) but I just wasn’t sure how much of it. I also knew that the back wall was going to make a statement. I really wanted a custom sign for the back wall that showcased the fun name for the space. I really wanted this wall to P-O-P!
Next up was bar height tables. We wanted something that you could stand and lean against or sit at on a barstool. We also wanted to make the best use of the small space by making these small (but mighty). For these we took another Butcher Block from Home Depot and cut it in half. This made the table tops thick and durable. Then attached to hair pin legs from amazon. These were stained and sealed the same as the bar top.
One of the last parts of this project and probably one of my favorites was the custom made sign from Carpenter Farmhouse. Like I mentioned previously I wanted the back wall to make a statement and I wanted to play up the Mack Shacks fun name. This wall was really important because when the french doors are open you can see this wall and the name perfectly from the outside as well. I ordered the 50″ size in the unfinished wood and stained it the same color as everything else. š We attached to the wall with finishing nails.
That’s a wrap! After months of plugging away at this project, it all came together. Let me tell you we are so in love with this space!
Please reach out with any questions you may have. I’d love for you to follow us on instagram if you are not doing so already. We have a few more fun projects up our sleeves.