How to Build a Bar Counter

There's a basic, simple way to build a multi-purpose bar counter for your home. You may attach a bar counter to an existing wall or build a wall to attach a bar counter to. Bar counters provide more eating space and they take up less room than a table.

Things You'll Need

• 3/4-inch plywood
• Laminate
• Contact adhesive glue
• Router
• Belt sander

Instructions

1. Build a bar counter by first determining the depth you want your counter. An excellent bar depth is 18 inches from front to back. If you are using regular-sized chairs, make the top of your bar counter about 30 inches off the floor. If you use bar stools, make the counter about 42 inches off the floor.

2. Purchase 3/4-inch plywood to build a bar counter. Cut your plywood 18 inches deep. Now, cut off the end to the length desired. Rip 1 ½-inch strips of your 3/4-inch plywood. Glue and nail the strips all around the outside edges of your 18 inch piece of ply. This makes your counter 1 1/2 inches thick.

3. Buy laminate to cover your bar counter. Use contact adhesive to secure your laminate onto your bar top. Rip your laminate 1 inch to 1 1/2 inches larger than the top of your bar. Now, rip the bands 1 inch larger than your sides when you build a bar counter.

4. Apply contact adhesive glue on your laminate bands and the edge of your bar top. Let the adhesive dry until you can touch it without it coming off. Now apply your laminate bands to your bar counter. Use a router to trim your laminate. Take a belt sander and sand the top of your bar counter.

5. Finish building your bar counter. Apply contact adhesive to the backside of your top piece of laminate. Apply adhesive to the top of your bar counter. Let it dry. Now, attach your laminate to the top of the bar. Trim off excess laminate with your router.