If You Build it They Will Come

So you fancy yourself a DIYer! Well that must mean you have the time energy, resources, tools and skill set to tackle this challenge. I would say that a least some at least average woodworking skills to pull this off and actually have something you won’t be too embarrassed to show people. If you’re a complete rook when it comes to building things, using tools and working with wood, then I would probably suggest just saving your time and energy and spend a little more money to get a nice pre-built piece of furniture and you’ll be happy you did!

First things first you’ll have to do some space planning and brainstorming to determine what kind of home bar shape you want such as L-shape, U-shape or straight and then do some measuring to determine what will fit. You’ll need at least a couple of feet behind the bar to function and also you’ll need additional space if you plan on having a back bar or any shelving or appliances behind it. Don’t forget to do that planning for where all the electronics, appliances and storage of everything else such as glasses, bottles etc. ahead of time otherwise you can find yourself in a jam later. Also keep in mind where the electrical outlets are and how the wiring will be run.

If you’re very handy with tools and woodworking or know someone that is, then you might just want to draw up your own design and go at it. The other good option for a DIYer of average skill would be to look for some good bar plans online. The plans should be good enough to tell you exactly what lumber you should or can choose and what tools you’ll need for the job. If you go for the lower end lumber such as softwood pine, you can probably build you a decent but not too fancy traditional style bar for around $150-$200 in materials. If you step it up and decide to use a hardwood like maple or oak then you’ll be paying more depending on the quality. You’ll first have to figure out how much of what you’ll need than go to your local lumber store and price out the differences.

Generally you will need some combination of the following tools in order to get the job done:

• Table saw or Circular saw
• Jig saw
• Router
• Electric drill/screwdriver
• Hammer
• Gluing clamps

The main basic steps in the building process will be similar to as follows:

• You’ll have to first create the frame to fit the appropriate measurements and shape you’re looking for along with any built-in shelving and storage features.  You’ll likely be using 2×4 boards for most of the frame, but may opt for something a bit bigger like 4×4 etc. in certain areas for added stability.
• Once its framed you’ll then be putting the front and side paneling around it with whatever material you choose such as wood, metal etc. and then your home bar will start to take shape!
• Next it’s already time to think about the bar top which is a very important piece so you’ll want to do some thinking about what material you want to use and then factor in the cost to acquire and maintain it and the difficulty to work with. If you’re doing wood then you’ll probably want something decent quality on top. Also figure out before hand if you want an arm rail and if so what kind because that may impact the way your bar top is assembled. However, any good bar plan will tell you exactly what to do.
• Last you’ll just be adding the finishing touches such as the foot rail and putting some stain on it etc. Foot rails can be some kind of rail (commonly brass) or even a built-in wood step. They play an important part of the bars look, feel and comfort in my opinion so I highly recommend them!

Lastly, you don’t always even need to start from scratch to have a home bar setup in your place in no time. You can also get creative and modify an existing piece or pieces of furniture and create a bar that way as well. You may already own existing pieces of furniture that can be repurposed to serve as a bar or back bar or shelving, cabinets etc. so you may not need to go out and buy or do as much as you think. There are people that like to shop at places like Ikea to find things that they can sup up and modify for different purposes like creating a home bar or adding to it!