Do it yourself - Small Basement Bar

Before you start

Plan your layout.

I wanted the bar to be as small as possible, because of limited space. First, I wanted to buy factory made bar counter, but could not find anything close to what I wanted. So, I went ahead with my own plan. Please note, I am not a professional carpenter and this was my first such a project. After some research on the Internet I found some tips but could not find a good guide for the whole project. This is my attempt to give some tips on how to make a bar counter. I have taken some pictures during the process to help you understand the process. Actually it's not that hard, just basic experience with woodwork and tools is required.

I decided my bar counter to be 64" wide. Base should be somewhat shorter, because bar top should overhang about 4". Therefore I built 60" base.

Build a frame

Make frame top and bottom. I used 2x4, so I made L-shaped frame, to make it more stable.

Next step, build the bar frame. Use construction glue on each joint to make the whole structure firm and sound.

Install frame. Ideally you should attach one side to studs, in my case, I could not do that, so I used premium grade construction glue to permanently fix frame to drywall.

At this point my frame is very stable and firm.

Continue...

Install veneer sheets and attach base (2 pcs 2x4 glued together).

Install some trimming (use to your own taste, this is the main thing to make your bar special, final decoration will be performed at the end).

Attach bar top base (I used 13"x64" 5/8 plywood). I will install bar rail and granite tiles to finish bar top.

Bar rails are different, so you should find some specific way to install it. I cut custom support from 2x4 and glued it to the rail. Then used miter saw to make a 45 degree joint and installed rails using construction glue and screws.