How to Make a Faux Bamboo Tiki Bar

Using PVC piping and a genius painting technique, you can create a sturdy "bamboo" tiki hut perfect for entertaining.

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PVC Bamboo Tiki Bar
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Create this tiki bar for your next get-together using PVC pipes and an easy faux painting technique.

Materials

  • PVC pipes and connectors
  • acetone
  • cotton balls
  • sanding block
  • door caulk
  • rubber gloves
  • toothpicks
  • rebar
  • acrylic paint
  • shellac
various materials

Make Faux Bamboo with PVC Materials

Gather the materials.

Photo by: Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Production

Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Production

Prep the Pipes

Lay out your PVC pipes and use acetone to prep the surface for paint.

wiping down pvc pipe

Make Faux Bamboo with PVC Acetone2

Use acetone to prep the surface of the pvc prior to paining.

Photo by: Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Production

Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Production

Sand the pipes to help the paint adhere to the plastic surface.

sanding pvc pipe

Make Faux Bamboo with PVC Sand2

Sand the pvc pipe.

Photo by: Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Production

Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Production

Make Faux Bamboo

Apply caulk around each PVC pipe several inches apart.

applying caulk to pvc

Make Faux Bamboo with PVC Caulk1

Apply caulk around the pvc several inches apart.

Photo by: Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Production

Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Production

Moisten your glove finger and smooth the bands of caulk.

gloved hand holding pvc pipe

Make Faux Bamboo with PVC Smooth

Smooth caulk with finger.

Photo by: Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Production

Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Production

Use a toothpick to make indentations in the caulk.

running a toothpick in caulk

Make Faux Bamboo with PVC Toothpick

Use a toothpick to make indentations in the caulk.

Photo by: Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Production

Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Production

Allow the caulk to dry upright by inserting the PVC pipes on rebar anchored in the ground.

pvc on rebar

Make Faux Bamboo with PVC Dry3

Allow the caulk to dry upright by inserting the pipes on rebar anchored in the ground.

Photo by: Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Production

Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Production

Use dark brown paint on the caulk bands so that they resemble bamboo segments.

painting pipe

Make Faux Bamboo with PVC Painting Caulk2

Paint the caulk segments with dark brown paint.

Photo by: Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Production

Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Production

Apply a thin coat of shellac to the PVC pipes and allow it to completely dry before assembling.

painting faux bamboo

Make Faux Bamboo with PVC Shellac2

Apply a coat of shellac to the pipes.

Photo by: Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Production

Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Production

Assembly

Start assembling the PVC pipes at the base of the tiki stand.

putting together pipes

Make Faux Bamboo with PVC Assemble3

Assemble the pipes.

Photo by: Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Production

Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Production

Next, build up the sides.

woman assembling faux bamboo pipes

Make Faux Bamboo with PVC Assemble2

Assemble to the pipes.

Photo by: Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Production

Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Production

Then add the top.

woman assembling tiki bar

Make Faux Bamboo with PVC Assemble

Connect the pipes to assemble the tiki bar.

Photo by: Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Production

Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Production

Accessorize

Warp and match stick blind around the base of the bar and secure it with a zip tie.

woman tying on matchstick blind

Make Faux Bamboo with PVC Assemble2

Wrap a match stick blind around the base of the bar.

Photo by: Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Production

Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Production

Add a grass skirt to the top of the tiki bar.

adding grass

Make Faux Bamboo with PVC Grass

Add grass to the top of the tiki bar.

Photo by: Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Production

Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Production

Add wood trays to the top of the bar.

wood trays

Make Faux Bamboo with PVC Assmeble1

Add wood trays to the top of the bar.

Photo by: Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Production

Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Production

Add fun little signs so people know when the bar is open.

tropical bamboo bar

Make Faux Bamboo with PVC Beauty3

Photo by: Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Production

Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Production

The wood trays will hold plenty of drinks and appetizers.

colorful drinks on a wood tray

Make Faux Bamboo with PVC Beauty Detail

The wood trays will hold plenty of drinks and appetizers.

Photo by: Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Production

Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Production

The faux bamboo tiki bar is ready for entertaining.Create this tiki bar for your next get-together using PVC pipes and an easy faux painting technique.

tropical bamboo bar

Make Faux Bamboo with PVC Beauty6

Photo by: Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Production

Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Production

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