Building Your Own Bar Top in a Basement

Dry Bar Top

• To build a dry bar top, a three-fourths-inch plywood substrate cut to the desired measurements for the counter will be needed. The plywood may need to be wider to accommodate the bar stools under the bar top. Place the wood of choice over the plywood, securing the lumber together with nails or screws. Website Home and Garden Ideas recommends using oak as a bar top. Seal the wood with the paint color or varnish of choice. Use wood strips or laminate around the edge of the bar top to cover the exposed plywood.

Wet Bar Top

• To build a wet bar in a basement, a sink must be installed. Consequently, holes will have to be cut to accommodate the sink basin before installation. When painting or sealing the top of a wet bar, make sure the product helps to waterproof the wood.

Basement Bar Top Styles

• In addition to using wood for a bar top, materials such as stainless steel, stone, tiles or laminate should be considered. To illuminate the top, use glass tiles that have LED lights installed under the surface. Many bar top have a rectangular shape, but other shapes include semi- or half-circles and L-shaped tops. Ideally, a bar top should accommodate up to six guests.

Considerations

• If children or teens are going to be around the bar, consider installing a door that locks. A locking door can help deter a youth or child from consuming alcoholic beverages. Alternatively, install locking cabinets under the bar top to store the alcohol if the basement is also a family room. Moreover, if the bar is a stationary feature, let your insurance agent know about the new addition to ensure the proper amount of insurance is in place to cover a loss related to the bar and its contents.