How to Design a Home Bar

Once upon a time, home party hubs were usually determined by gender. Women flocked to the kitchen. Guys? Look for them in the den or garage. But this type of segregation came to a resounding halt when folks began building home bars---at last, a place where everyone could congregate. Over time, home bar styles and materials have become quite eclectic, but one thing hasn't changed: there's no better architectural feature when it comes to entertaining.

Things You'll Need

• Floor/wall space
• Bar design schematic
• Lumber and hardware
• Carpentry tools
• Electric saw, drill and bits
• Sandpaper
• Sealer, paint and/or stain
• Decorative accessories
• Electrical outlet(s)
• Refrigerator (optional)
• Plumbing conduit (optional)
• Computer (optional)
• CAD software (optional)

Instructions

1. Locate space that isn't being earmarked for something more practical. Maximize the amount of functionality your bar will have once it's constructed by making certain you have access to water (a plumbing line) and electricity, in addition to adequate floor space.

2. Find reference material on the Internet, library or at do-it-yourself home improvement shops to figure out exactly what features you can't live without and others that aren't as important. Either may include overhead bar glass racks, specialized lighting fixtures, behind-the-bar wall storage and access to a sink or refrigerator. Drawing up a comprehensive list of features will determine the amount of material you'll need and your space requirements.

3. Purchase pre-rendered bar design plans, unless you've already found what you're looking for in a do-it-yourself book. Alternately, if you possess CAD design expertise, fire up your computer and tap specialized software to layout the project. Finalize all details of the design before you spec out your material list; once you start cutting wood, there's no turning back.

4. Clear and prepare the area of your home slated for the bar installation by repairing, replacing or refinishing floor and wall surfaces. Run new plumbing or electrical to the site if either needs an upgrade. Paint and seal the area. Gather tools and safety accessories---particularly eye and hand protection for use when you drill, saw and work with electrical tools that produce flying debris.

5. Shop for lumber and hardware, as detailed on your bar design materials list. Opt for popular woods like cherry, maple, mahogany or oak. Post the blueprints or CAD layout on the wall adjacent to your work area so that as you cut, sand, glue and nail materials together, you have constant access to the instructions.

6. Complete the bar's construction, carefully sand all surfaces and apply a sealer to safeguard the wood. Paint or stain the bar to finish surfaces and then install appliances. Add architectural elements like built-in wine racks, liquor display shelves, hanging glass display units and other amenities.

7. Add decorative touches to theme your home bar. Whether your objective is replicating the atmosphere found in an English pub, tiki bar, nautical lounge or a re-creation of a memorable Paris or Glasgow bar you've never forgotten, expect to collect compliments next time you gather friends around and start taking beverage orders.

References

• Target Woman
• Home Bar Project
• Bob's Bar Plans