An ideal perfect summer-a tiki bar, lounging by the pool. Reality- a nice 10 x 8 patio and a neighbor that distributes snacks and often tosses outdated retail snack racks. I had already repurposed a snack rack into a plant wall. So when I saw the curved candy snack rack on the curb, I started dreaming of a portable tiki bar and a pool.

Supplies

Snack rack

Spray paint- (white) Rustoleum–bonds to plastic

18 plastic grocery bags

Painters tape

Acrylic paints

Wooden tray

Assorted wicker baskets (thrift stores)

Tiki beach umbrella (Walmart, clearance)

Coconut cups (Amazon)

Zip ties

sandpaper

Tools

Scissors, tape measure, jigsaw paint brushes

Step 1: Snack Rack

Clean the rack, remove any stickers. This rack was in great shape and a bright, sunny yellow color, so I decided not to spend time painting it, so I could quickly meet my goal of lounging at the tiki bar by the pool.

Step 2: Prep

Cover the shelves with plastic grocery bags, I love when a project is easy, I was able to just secure the bag handles over the racks. Then I wrapped the side bars with paper (repurposed from purchase at Home Goods) to prevent paint overspray.

Step 3: Paint

Spray the plastic advertising panels with spray paint suitable for plastic. Due to the really colorful graphics, two coats were required. Once the graphics were covered I used gray, black and golden brown acrylic paint with a thick brush. Prior to painting, I walked around the neighborhood observing palm trees. Most trees are a gray color, but I liked the stylized look of brown palm trees. I also noticed several tiki bars peeking over the top of fences, which fueled my desire for my own patio tiki bar.

Step 4: Extendable Table

A key part of the patio tiki bar is a secure place for cocktails/mocktails. It was also the most challenging to design. The racks are slanted forward to display the candy bars, but the table needed to be level. I also wanted the table to extend beyond the racks to allow space for both drinks and snacks, but also retract for storage. I created a paper pattern to determine the optimal size, then transferred it to the foam board to address the leveling issue. The final solution to sliding in and out turned out to be picture hanging hooks that would catch on the crossbars of the rack. I added a simple string loop for extra security. The hooks also prevent the table from tipping when weight is placed on the end. To level the table, I attached magnets to a flat piece of wood (an old loom part) then attached it to the label bar. Now I just need to find a table top, my options included a cutting board, an old shelf or plywood. For me the fun of repurposing is finding items at no or a very low cost.

Step 5: The Hunt

After measuring the racks, it was time to take a break and go thrifting. My favorite store lists the number of meals for the community that your purchase provides. I hit the jackpot! A perfectly sized wooden tray, already painted a fun tropical color, a silk Boston fern and three baskets for under 12 dollars and I am helping my community!

Step 6: Tiki Umbrella

I attached the silk fern with three zip ties and secured the umbrella simply by sliding it into the loop of the rack. I decided to add a loose zip tie loop in case of wind, however the umbrella is easy to remove for storage.

Step 7: Stock the Bar

I inflated the Minidip pool and started filling it, while I stocked the bar. Top shelf- coconut cups (plastic with lids!). Second shelf- a great poolside book and portable speaker. I used a pair of swim goggles for added security. Next the drink ingredients, I put the bottles in a net bag and looped the handles over the rack. The fourth shelf has plenty of space for snacks and extra limes for drinks. The extendable table is next and there is a basket of sunscreen under the table. The patio tiki bar also has storage for four beach towels.

Step 8: An Ideal Summer

My ideal perfect summer-a tiki bar, lounging by the pool is now my reality. Cocktails, anyone?

Step 9: Another Purpose

My patio tiki bar started its life as a snack rack headed to the landfill, but Now it is a PERFECT sized tiki bar for my small patio when the sun is shining. Unfortunately, I cannot spend everyday lounging and reading in the pool, however I found another use for the tiki bar. We take our shoes off when we enter the house and our shoe bin was always an eyesore. Now I have a tropical shoe tree with space for dog leashes, keys, purses and easy to find shoes to get us out the door on the right foot