How to Build a Country-Theme Bar for a Basement

Set four 1/2-by-12-by-48-inch reclaimed pieces of barn wood in a perfect square that measures 48 1/2 inches on all sides. Accomplish this by sliding the boards together with one end of each board pressing against the side of another board, so they are all aligned in the same fashion. Use the drill to carefully space two holes into each junction, with the holes going through the side of the outer board and into the end of the adjacent board. Use 2-inch wood screws to fasten them securely by placing a screw into each hole and tightening them with the drill.

Lay the assembled square frame down on the work area. Put a 1/2-by-48 1/2-by-48 1/2-inch board on top of these other boards with its outer edges equal to the outer sides of the other boards. Make holes around the edge of this new board, which is the rear board of the bar, and into the boards underneath, which are the side boards. Space the holes every 6 inches. Twist a wood screw into each hole and use a drill to complete the connection of the boards.

Stand the assembled bar frame up on one of its side boards. Position a heavy 1-by-18-by-60-inch board for the bar top onto the bar frame. Adjust the placement of the top board until one side of it is flush with the open side of the bar frame and its other side sticks out past the rear board by 6 inches. Center the top board so that each of its ends stick out 6 inches past the side boards of the bar frame.

Drill eight holes up through the bar frame and into the top board, being careful not to puncture the top board surface. Insert a 1-inch wood screw using the drill and attach the top board to the bar frame.

Sand the front edge of the bar frame for comfortable use by your guests.