Costco sells two popular bar sheds that turn your backyard into a proper outdoor entertaining space. The Suncast 8×7 Cabana Entertainment Shed retails at $1,899 for members and uses weather-resistant resin. The Yardline Solara 10×8 Wood Bar Shed starts at $2,799 and goes up to $4,299 with flooring and professional installation. Both include a fold-down bar counter, storage, and enough room to seat a small group.
Choosing the right one depends on your budget, how much space you have, and how much effort you want to put into assembly. This article breaks down what each shed includes, what the assembly actually looks like, what permits you may need, and how to get the most out of your setup once it is in place.
What Is a Costco Bar Shed?
A bar shed is a prefab outdoor structure that doubles as a storage unit and an entertainment bar. The front panel opens up to reveal a bar-height counter where guests can pull up stools. Close the panels back down, and it functions as a standard storage shed.
Costco has sold these under two brands: Suncast and Yardline. Both serve the same purpose but take different approaches to materials, size, and finish. If you have been eyeing the trend on social media, these are likely the products you keep seeing.
The appeal is practical. Building a custom outdoor bar from scratch costs around $3,000 on average before you factor in any custom features. A prefab bar shed from Costco lands below that number and arrives ready to assemble.
Two Costco Bar Shed Options Compared
Costco currently carries two bar shed options worth knowing about.
The Suncast 8×7 Cabana Entertainment Shed is the more affordable choice at $1,899 for Costco members. It measures 8 feet 2.5 inches wide by 7 feet 3.5 inches deep and offers 362 cubic feet of storage. The structure uses multi-wall resin panels and a steel frame, which makes it resistant to water, UV exposure, and heavy snow loads. The front panel splits open to form a canopy. An integrated bar top folds down and seats three to four people using standard 30-inch bar stools. It includes two sliding windows for ventilation, a padlockable side door, and an electrical cord port so you can plug in a mini fridge or lighting. Suncast backs it with a 10-year limited warranty. On Costco’s site, it holds a 4.7-star rating across 74 reviews.
The Yardline Solara 10×8 Wood Bar Shed is larger and more visually striking. It runs 10 feet by 8 feet by 9.5 feet tall and features an actual pergola-style overhang above the bar counter. The base price starts at $2,799, but you can add flooring and professional installation, which pushes the total to $4,299. The wood frame can be stained or painted to match your property. It comes with two fixed transom windows, one large side window with a screen, and an interior solid wood countertop for prep work. It holds a 4.2-star rating from 33 Costco reviews.
Here is a quick comparison:
- Suncast Cabana: $1,899 (members), resin and steel, 8×7 ft, 362 cu ft storage, 10-year warranty, 4.7 stars
- Yardline Solara: from $2,799 to $4,299, wood frame, 10×8 ft, pergola design, paintable/stainable, 4.2 stars
What You Get for the Price
At $1,899, the Suncast is a strong value for what it includes. Customers on Costco’s site mention using it to store pool floats, patio cushions, cornhole boards, and bar supplies, all while using the front as an active entertaining bar. One verified buyer noted adding a TV, lighting, a mini fridge, and shelving to create a full poolside setup.
The Yardline Solara costs more but offers real wood aesthetics that resin cannot replicate. You also get more square footage, better natural ventilation from the extra windows, and the ability to fully customize the finish. The professional installation option at around $900 extra, is worth considering if you are not comfortable with a multi-day build.
Both sheds are members-only items on Costco.com. Non-members cannot purchase them even with the standard 5% surcharge.
Assembly and Setup: What to Expect
Neither of these is a quick afternoon project. The Suncast Cabana requires two people for most phases. One verified buyer described it as four days of fitting pieces together and driving screws in warm weather. The process is straightforward but time-consuming.
The Yardline Solara gives you the option to skip assembly entirely by paying for professional installation, which is a smart move if you lack the tools or patience for a multi-day build. If you go the DIY route, set aside a full weekend and have a second set of hands available.
Both sheds require a foundation. The Suncast warranty is only valid if the shed is placed on a proper foundation. A concrete pad or patio base works well. Installing on bare ground is not recommended, and using an anchor pad is a good idea for long-term stability.
Delivery for both is curbside only. Costco will drop the boxes at your driveway. You are responsible for moving everything to the installation site. For the Yardline Solara, delivery can take up to two weeks, depending on your location.
How to Set Up Your Costco Bar Shed for Entertaining
Once the shed is up, a few additions make a big difference. Here are the most useful upgrades:
- Add a compact outdoor-rated mini fridge under the bar counter for cold drinks without trips inside.
- Mount weather-resistant LED strip lights under the canopy or pergola overhang for evening gatherings.
- Pick up the Suncast-compatible bar stools (model BMBS2PK) if you go with the Cabana shed, since stools are sold separately.
- Use the interior shelving for spirits, glassware, and bar tools rather than storage clutter.
- Run an outdoor-rated extension cord through the built-in electrical port for the Suncast, which saves you the trouble of running wires over or under the shed.
The Suncast also supports add-on accessories from Suncast directly, including a drawer insert (BMADWR1), basket organizers (BMSBSKT2PK), and extra shelf kits (BMSASHELFK1). These are worth adding if you plan to use the interior seriously.
Permits and Zoning: Check Before You Build
This is the step most buyers skip and later regret. Costco includes a note on its shed listings reminding buyers to check local building and zoning codes and confirm that all permits are in place before installing.
Depending on your city or county, a structure of this size may require a building permit, especially if it is attached to or close to a fence, property line, or existing structure. Some neighborhoods also have HOA restrictions that limit shed placement, size, or exterior color.
Check with your local building department before ordering. In most cases, a small shed under 120 square feet does not require a permit, but rules vary widely. The Suncast Cabana at 56 square feet (8×7) typically falls well under permit thresholds. The Yardline Solara at 80 square feet may require a quick check depending on where you live.
Getting this wrong can lead to fines or mandatory removal. A five-minute call to your local planning office prevents that problem entirely.
FAQs
Is the Costco bar shed available to non-members?
No. Both the Suncast Cabana and the Yardline Solara are member-only items and cannot be purchased with the standard non-member surcharge option.
Does the Suncast Cabana come with barstools?
No. The bar top seats three to four people using standard 30-inch bar stools, but stools are sold separately. Suncast makes a compatible two-pack (BMBS2PK) available through their site.
How long does the Suncast Cabana last?
Suncast offers a 10-year limited warranty on the shed, provided it is installed on a proper foundation. The resin material resists fading, water damage, and UV exposure, which means maintenance is minimal compared to wood alternatives.
Can I paint or stain the Suncast Cabana?
The resin material on the Suncast is not designed for painting or staining. If you want a customizable finish, the Yardline Solara wood shed is the better choice. Its bar counter and pergola can be stained to any color preference.
Do I need a permit to install a Costco bar shed?
It depends on your location. Most jurisdictions do not require permits for sheds under 120 square feet, but local rules vary. Always confirm with your city or county planning department before installation.
