How do landscape bar counters accommodate outdoor beer taps or draft systems?

Integrating a draft beer system into an outdoor landscape bar counter requires careful planning around temperature control, structural support, and weather resistance. Unlike indoor installations, outdoor bars must combat heat, sunlight, and precipitation that can ruin beer quality. The core challenge is maintaining a consistent 36-38°F (2-3°C) beer temperature from keg to tap.

There are two primary methods for outdoor keg storage: remote systems and self-contained kegerators. Remote systems keep kegs in a refrigerated cellar or indoor cooler, pumping beer through insulated, glycol-cooled lines running underground to the bar. This is ideal for permanent installations where long-distance beer runs are necessary. The glycol cooling unit chills an antifreeze solution that circulates through jackets around the beer lines, preventing foaming. For smaller setups, a commercial-grade outdoor kegerator built directly into the bar cabinet offers a simpler solution. These are insulated stainless steel refrigerators with exterior-grade compressors designed to function in ambient temperatures.

The tap tower itself must be specially designed for outdoors. Stainless steel is the standard for its corrosion resistance. The tower requires its own continuous cooling line from the glycol system to prevent the first pour from being warm. A critical addition is a drip tray with a dedicated drain line plumbed to a proper drain, not just a bucket below the bar.

Weatherproofing is paramount. The entire cabinet housing the kegerator or glycol unit must be sealed and well-ventilated to prevent moisture buildup and overheating. All electrical components for refrigeration and cooling need GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) protection for safety. Finally, installing a dedicated bar top made of granite, quartz, or treated hardwood ensures a durable surface that can withstand the elements and constant use, completing a professional outdoor draft system.