Taverns-to-Go vs. White Sands Tiki Bars: Which Outdoor Bar Brand Should You Choose?

When your outdoor space becomes the stage for guest memories—cocktails at sunset, laughter by the pool, or an evening under the stars—the outdoor bar is one of the most powerful upgrades you can make. But not all bars are created equal. Two standout brands—Taverns-to-Go and White Sands Tiki Bars—offer compelling but different paths.

Let’s dive into what each brings to the table, where they excel (and where they might not), and which model might be best for your property, climate, and guest experience.

Who They Are: Brand Overviews

Taverns-to-Go: The Reliable Wooden Bar Company

Taverns-to-Go is grounded in simplicity, strength, and usability. Their bars are built from pressure-treated yellow pine to resist rot, decay, and insects when properly maintained. What really sets them apart is their delivery + assembly service: many units can be delivered and installed in under 90 minutes.

Founded during the COVID era, they have completed thousands of backyard bar projects nationwide and gained visibility via Shark Tank exposure. Taverns-To-Go Their model is less about exotic flair and more about giving homeowners and hosts a functional, long-lasting bar that “just works.”

White Sands Tiki Bars: The Tropical Escape Specialists

White Sands Tiki Bars leans into the fantasy of paradise. Their designs feature palm thatch, bamboo framing, and custom tropical touches. The idea is to make your outdoor bar feel like a resort escape, not just a place to hold drinks. White Sands Tiki Bars

But it’s not just about looks. White Sands claims their structures can survive extreme winds, with roof designs that let air move through and “fluff” rather than resist (thus reducing uplift). White Sands Tiki Bars Their philosophy is designing bars meant to stay outdoors year-round.

Design, Aesthetic & Visual Impact

One of the most obvious differences between these brands is in how they look—and how much they demand attention.

• Taverns-to-Go offers a classic, neutral wood aesthetic. It doesn’t scream “tiki” by itself, but it gives you a strong, adaptable base. You can dress it up with lights, lanterns, signage, or even thatch overlays if desired. Because it’s simpler visually, it fits into more property styles without clashing.
  
• White Sands, however, goes all in. The moment guests step into view of a White Sands tiki bar or cabana, they see the tropical vibe. Thatched roofs, bamboo poles, decorative rope trim—all of it telegraphs “vacation mode.” It’s the kind of bar that becomes a destination, not just a fixture.
  

If your goal is to wow guests and make your listing visuals pop, White Sands has a leg up. But if you want something more versatile—something that won’t fight your existing décor—the Taverns approach gives you more design flexibility.

Materials, Durability & Weather Resistance

An outdoor bar is only as good as how well it lasts. Below is a comparison of how each brand approaches materials and durability:

In milder climates, both can perform well. In highly humid, salt-air, or coastal settings, White Sands’ tropical materials may blend better with environment and resist certain stresses—provided they’re maintained. In colder, snowy, or freeze-thaw climates, the wood structure from Taverns may be more forgiving.

Setup, Maintenance & Practical Considerations

For many property owners, the logistical side is where decisions are made.

Taverns-to-Go is known for its ease of setup: pre-cut, pre-drilled, shipped in sections, and often assembled onsite in under two hours. For hosts who want something turnkey, this is a major plus.

Maintaining a Taverns bar is relatively straightforward: sealing or staining occasionally, cleaning down, tightening hardware, and protecting exposed surfaces during harsh weather.

White Sands Tiki Bars are also designed to ship in manageable sections, but their maintenance demands are higher. The thatch roof may need patching or partial replacement after years in harsh sun or heavy storms. Bamboo parts benefit from annual oiling or sealing. But many owners consider this part of the charm—watching the bar “grow” in character over time.

If your priority is “set it up and forget it” (as much as possible), Taverns has the edge. If you view maintenance as part of caring for your retreat, White Sands gives you that artistic, hands-on connection.

Climate & Location Suitability

Your geographic context plays a massive role in which brand will perform better over time.

• In tropical or coastal settings (salt air, high humidity, strong storms), White Sands is designed to thrive. Its roofs manage wind by allowing airflow, and its materials mesh with the environment aesthetically and functionally.
  
• In temperate or fluctuating climates (where you have rain, sun, sometimes frost), Taverns-to-Go often offers more predictability and durability. The treated wood can better survive temperature swings and is easier to winterize.
  
• In cold, snowy, or freeze-prone zones, Taverns is often safer; thatch and bamboo may crack or degrade under heavy snow or ice loads if not well protected.
  
• In storm-prone or hurricane zones, both can be viable options—but you’ll want structural reinforcements, anchoring, and regular inspections. White Sands claims designs that handle strong wind uplift by allowing thatch “fluff” rather than resist. White Sands Tiki Bars

Ultimately, matching your climate, wind loads, and maintenance capacity is key.

Guest Experience, Visual Branding & Impact

When guests arrive, the bar isn’t just a functional space—it’s part of the experience.

A White Sands tiki bar visually transports people. Guests see the thatch, the bamboo, the tropical mood, and immediately feel like they’re on vacation. That kind of immersive design can elevate your photos, your guest reviews, and your listing's appeal.

A Taverns bar may not be as overtly exotic, but it offers a strong, welcoming structure that invites people to linger. Decorate it intuitively, and it becomes part of your outdoor “living room.” In many settings, guests appreciate the comfort and reliability.

If your hosting strategy relies on visual differentiation—Instagram photos, guest shareability—White Sands brings that emotional edge. But Taverns delivers consistency and adaptability.

Suggested Products From Your Own Store

Here are a few standout products in your Shopify store to showcase—each hyperlinked to their listing so readers can click through directly:

• Taverns To Go 10' x 5' Large Outdoor Backyard Bar
   This robust bar model offers a spacious footprint, pressure-treated pine construction, and the convenience of professional assembly. Great for properties expecting regular gatherings.

• White Sands 6x3 Outdoor Tiki Bar “The Islander (With Roof)
   Compact but fully featured, this tiki bar comes with a weather-protecting roof and tropical style, making it ideal for patios or smaller outdoor spaces.

• White Sands 8x8 Outdoor Tiki Bar & Cabana
  A more expansive option — combines bar and cabana structure for shade, visual impact, and dual-purpose use (lounging + drink service).
  

• White Sands “The Big Kahuna” 9.5x6 Outdoor Tiki Bar
   A flagship model boasting generous space, strong design, and the tropical drama that draws attention and delight.

Feel free to adjust the featured product list as new models arrive or as you rotate your stock.

Choosing What Fits Your Property Best

Let’s weave together all these considerations into a few practical decision points for different property types:

If you own a tropical beachfront rental or resort
White Sands is a natural match. Its aesthetic aligns with guest expectations, and its materials are built for humid, coastal conditions. Just plan for periodic maintenance of thatch and storm protection.

If your property sees seasonal changes (rain, heat, cold)
Taverns-to-Go gives you safer predictability. The wood framework is more forgiving under freeze-thaw cycles, and you can winterize or shield it more easily.

If your bar is part of your visual selling point (for Airbnb listings)
White Sands gives you more “photo-magic per dollar” with distinctive tropical styling. Guests will remember and share because it doesn’t look like a typical “bar.”

If you want lower ongoing effort
Taverns leans easier for routine care and less dramatic wear and tear. If your priority is fewer surprises and predictable upkeep, it’s a strong pick.

If you want the best of both
Build a solid wood base from Taverns, then add tiki accents (thatch overhangs, bamboo wraps, rope trim). You can adjust style seasonally or as your property evolves.

Maintenance Tips to Maximize Lifespan

No outdoor structure is zero-maintenance—here’s how to keep your bar looking great year after year:

• Seal wood and bamboo annually (or according to local climate intensity)
  
• Inspect fasteners, joints, and roofs seasonally for wear or loosening
  
• Cover or tarp during extreme weather or off-seasons
  
• Clean gently (mild soap + water) — avoid harsh chemicals
  
• Store barstools or accessories indoors when not in use
  
• For thatched roofs: replace or patch the most exposed sections proactively
  
• Allow airflow under and around the structure to reduce moisture buildup
  

Do this consistently, and both styles can last well over a decade in many environments.

Final Takeaways

Here’s what to remember when choosing between Taverns-to-Go and White Sands Tiki Bars:

• Taverns-to-Go is your reliable all-around performer: strong structure, easier maintenance, and great adaptability
  
• White Sands is your visual and emotional statement: immersive tropical style, guest magnet potential, higher upkeep
  
• Your climate, guest goals, and tolerance for maintenance should guide your choice
  
• A hybrid approach gives you balance: structural durability with stylistic flair
  
• Featuring real products from your store helps turn inspiration into action—and encourages clicks and conversions

Conclusion: Choosing the Outdoor Bar That Fits Your Lifestyle

Both Taverns-to-Go and White Sands Tiki Bars elevate outdoor living in their own way.
If you’re drawn to classic craftsmanship, easy upkeep, and flexible design, Taverns-to-Go offers the practical charm that works in nearly any climate. Its durability and simplicity make it a smart long-term choice for homeowners and hosts alike.

But if you dream of creating an instant tropical getaway, White Sands Tiki Bars brings that resort-ready magic to your doorstep. The bamboo textures, thatched roofs, and handcrafted detail turn every gathering into a mini vacation—and every photo into a selling point for your rental or home.

At the end of the day, the right bar is the one that reflects your personality, climate, and hosting style. Whether that’s a sturdy wooden tavern, a breezy tiki hut, or a custom mix of both, you’re not just adding furniture—you’re building an experience guests will remember long after they leave.

So go ahead—pour the first drink, hang the lights, and let your new outdoor bar become the centerpiece of your backyard story.