How to Build a Bar

Learning to build a bar yourself translates to savings. The bars for sale cost thousands of dollars, but you can make one at a fraction of the expense.

Required Tools and Materials

Wood board

Plumbing

Mini fridge

Beer keg

Drills

Saw

Nails and screws

Stain

Liquor shelves

Sketch plans

Note: the components you add will depend on the bar you’re making. What you use may be different from the ones included here.

Picking the Right Site

The bar is for entertainment purposes, so pick the most convenient spot for your guests. Don’t place the bar near the garage or other busy places. Good choices are a cove or near the stairs. You can also convert an unused room as a bar. Do not neglect this aspect when you build a bar; in many cases, location is very important.

Measure the Bar

A typical bar stands 42 inches and is 42 inches deep. The length depends on the available space. Make sure you measure the space accurately. If you’re going to include a beer keg, refrigerator, sink etc. you’ll need a lot of space. Don’t just think of the space for the physical bar. Think of the seats and how easily people can move around.

The larger the bar, the more people will move in and out. Make sure everyone is comfortable and there is enough space to get around.

Create the Bar

You can buy or download layouts to help you build a bar. This won’t be necessary if you have your own sketches. Start by cutting the wood to the desired length (i.e., 8 ft long). Saw the wood in the shape indicated by your plans. You can either buy or make the seats.

You can use the same wood materials for the cabinets and shelves. Drill holes in the corners (at least an inch deep). Attach the cabinets in the appropriate locations.

Make the Bar Top

One of the most popular ways to make the bar top is by using two layers. You combine plywood and oak veneer plywood. You can also stack four oak boards.

Make sure the boards are even. If it’s uneven, the bar top will be very rough. Don’t fasten the wood boards together. These expand during the warm months, so keep this in mind when you build a bar.

Finishing Touches

Use sandpaper to smoothen the wood. Ad some stain. Follow the directions for using it. Staining isn’t just for decorative purposes. It will also prevent the wood from being affected by any spills. You can add some polyurethane to further fortify the bar. How much coating you put is up to you.

Most people apply 4 to 5 coat layers. When the bar is finished, you can add the plumbing and electrical outlets. You can do this yourself or hire an electrician and plumber.

Not only is it less expensive to build a bar than buy one, but it’s more fun. Imagine how amazed your friends will be when they ask you where you got the bar and you tell them it’s homemade.