How to Build a Small Bar Off of the Kitchen

Consider your needs. If you entertain regularly, you will need a bar that allows guests to either access what they need to make drinks for themselves at the front of the bar, or a bar that allows a bartender or host to easily make drinks from behind the bar. If you plan on guests making drinks, you will not need space behind the bar, but if you want to have a bartender, space and storage behind the bar will be necessary.

Decide whether you want to install a bar or purchase a bar that can be removed. Installing a bar may be more expensive depending on the materials you use, but it can add value to a house and may be worth the expenditure. However, if you are renting, building a bar that you cannot take with you is probably not worth the cost and may not be allowed by the owner.

Think about what you will use the bar for. If you predominately drink or serve wine, you will need proper storage and refrigerators for the wine. If you commonly drink or serve mixed drinks with spirits, like vodka, gin or whiskey, you will need shelving for easy access and display of the bottles. You will also need adequate room for things like mixers, stirrers, garnishes and different types of glassware if you regularly prepare cocktails.

Decide what type of material you want to use to build the bar based on your home's style of décor and cost. A dark wood bar will fit well with traditional furniture, a glass-top, metal or laminate bar suits more modern furniture -- and a natural or treated stone bar works well with more transitional styles of décor.

Measure the area where you want to put the bar and decide whether you want to include bar stools. Bar stools need about 2 feet of clearance in front of the bar. If you're putting the bar in a small area, you may need to nix the bar stools and gear the bar more toward making drinks that can be served in another area. Most small bars are about 3 to 4 feet in length. Standard bar height is 36 to 42 inches with a top width of 12 inches or more.

Make a rough sketch with measurements to take to a builder or to use when purchasing a readymade bar. You don’t have to include stylistic choices in the drawing, but general angles and sizes will be necessary for building or finding the right bar.

Contact a local carpenter or general contractor for an estimate and more information about building a bar off of your kitchen. Ask them to draw an exact sketch with measurements along with their estimate for building costs. Seek estimates from several companies and ask where you can see samples of their work.