How to Build a Partition on a Bar Top

Bar partitions give a bar a specific space for drink orders and pickups.

Partitions on bar tops are practical installations that can help segregate an area of the bar for waitresses to deliver drink orders, keep customers in specific areas or simply break up the visual of the bar with an attractive partition. These partitions make ideal surfaces for advertisements, bar signs, announcements or specials. A variety of materials may be used to create these partitions, but MDF and metal are two of the best due to their ability to repel water, an inevitable part of working at a bar. These partitions are anchored to the bar with metal L-brackets and galvanized screws.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• 3/4-inch-thick MDF board
• Saw
• Sandpaper, fine grit
• 2-inch metal L-brackets
• 1-inch wood screws
• 4-inch metal straps
• Drill
• Wood drill bits
• Caulking
• 3-inch galvanized wood screws

Instructions

1. Measure the section of the bar for depth to see how wide the partition needs to be. Measure a distance above the bar that seems fitting for the partition to determine the height of the partition.

2. Mark a 3/4-inch MDF board with the width and height dimensions for the partition. Cut out the board using a saw. Sand the edges with fine-grit sandpaper. Wipe them clean.

3. Position the MDF board with one of the cut sides against the bar surface and the other cut side facing the rear of the bar. Lay down a bead of caulking underneath the MDF board to prevent water from getting underneath the partition. Position a 2-inch metal L-bracket between each side of the MDF and the bar surface. Space the brackets every 12 inches. Mark the holes for the bracket attachment screws. Remove the brackets. Drill out each hole. Attach the brackets with 1-inch wood screws.

4. Set a 4-inch metal strap against the front and rear of the MDF partition so that it extends over onto the bar surface, spanning the bar and the partition equally on both front and back surfaces. Mark the holes for the attachment of the straps. Remove the straps and drill out the holes. Replace the straps and attach them with 1-inch wood screws.

Tips & Warnings

• Paint the MDF board as needed. Add multiple coats of sealant onto the paint.