How to build bar-style bench around deck?

Hey I’m wanting to build a bar style bench around my deck. I have purchased the wood it 250mm x 50mm spotted gum. I was thinking of making up some aluminium brackets and bolting the bench top to that but unsure if it will be strong enough. I want the floating bench type look.
unsure of a good height was think around 1100mm to top of bench? Bar bench will go between these 2 posts

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MitchellMc

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @Atopfer. It's terrific to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about creating a bar.

A 250 x 50mm spotted gum board will definitely have some flex if it’s spanning between two posts of that distance, especially outdoors, where it will absorb moisture and dry out repeatedly. Even though spotted gum is very strong, over any significant distance, it will bow if unsupported. For instance, I would only attempt to span 1000-1200mm on it's face. Any longer and it with start bowing. If you want the “floating” look, you could get away with a discreet support in the middle, like a slim black post, so it doesn’t break the aesthetic but still keeps the bench from sagging over time.

For height, a standard bar bench is usually a little higher than a normal kitchen bench. Typical bar height is around 1050–1100mm to the top of the bench, which works well with bar stools. So your 1100mm idea is spot on; tall enough to feel like a proper bar but still comfortable for seating.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

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