For your convenience, this post has affiliate links.
Creating a basement bar can transform your underutilized space into a hub of entertainment and relaxation. Whether you want a cozy spot for hosting friends or a personal retreat, building a basement bar can be a rewarding project. In this guide, we will provide step-by-step instructions on how to build a basement bar, ensuring your project is a success.
Are you looking to transform your basement into a hidden sanctuary, such as a basement bar? Building one may seem like a daunting task, but fear not! By following a step-by-step approach, constructing a basement bar can be a straightforward and rewarding endeavor.
Basements are the star place of the house because you can use it as any type of space. And if your basement area is large enough, then you can make it ready for multiple uses. For example, you can designate each of the four corners for different purposes.
If you’re eager to learn how to build a basement bar in your underutilized basement space, you’ve come to the right resource. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process, ensuring that you have all the necessary information to bring your basement bar dream to life.
Which Type of Bar for Your Basement: Dry Bar vs. Wet Bar
If you’re set on building a basement bar, the next step is to decide the scale of your project. What do you want to be able to do with your new bar?Â
If it’s a simple affair of spirits and mixers — nothing that a liquor cabinet can’t handle — then you’re better off with a dry bar. They’re cheaper, easier to install, and a convenient way to set up in-home bars.
But if you’re planning bigger parties with rounds of drinks, going back and forth from the basement and the kitchen becomes quite a damper.Â
That’s where wet bars make more sense. Fitted with a sink, wet bars bring the crucial parts of the kitchen to the basement.
Both options are versatile, especially if budget and space are not an issue. But if they are, dry bars are definite winners.
To know the simple step by step process, read the following section, and be prepared for a basement home bar.
How to Build a Basement Bar: Step by Step Process
Working in a basement can present its own set of challenges. High humidity is often a concern, and the exposed plumbing pipes, electrical cords, and air conditioning components can complicate the installation process. It’s important to address these issues beforehand by checking and potentially relocating them to avoid any problems.
Section 1: Planning and Design
Before you start constructing your basement bar, it’s essential to plan and design it. This phase sets the foundation for a successful build. Here are some key considerations:
1. Assess the Space:
Measure your basement and identify the area where you want to build the bar. Consider factors such as existing plumbing, electrical outlets, and structural limitations that may affect your design choices.
Remember to consider the layout of the bar and take a look at your basement’s floor plan. Is there enough space for seating? If you want to host parties, think about the ventilation. Do you need more windows or an air conditioning system?
Taking the time to think about these things before making any big changes will help you avoid situations where you have to redo something. This can save you money in the long run.
Know Your Basics
Now, let’s dive into the exciting part and cover some basic measurements. There are dimensions that work well for home bar setups, especially if you’re new to carpentry and prefer a standard approach.
A typical home bar has a height of 40-42 inches, with an overhang of no more than 8 inches. To match this, look for bar stools that are around 30-35 inches tall. Anything higher can result in an uncomfortable seating experience.
For functional space, aim for a bar top that is about 20 inches wide. The length will depend on the available space and how many people you want to accommodate. A helpful guideline is to allocate a minimum of 24 inches for each bar stool and add an additional 3 inches on both ends.
Lastly, consider whether your bar will be flush against a wall or if it will be an island. If it will be placed along a wall, like in a corner, make sure to leave enough room for easy entrance on one of the sides.
2. Determine the Style:
Decide on the style and theme of your bar. It could be a rustic pub-style bar, a sleek and modern design, or anything that matches your personal taste and complements the basement’s overall ambiance.
3. Set a Budget:
Establish a budget to guide your project. Consider factors such as materials, appliances, lighting, and furnishings. Research prices and create a detailed cost estimate to avoid overspending.
How much does it cost to build a basement bar?
It depends on different factors. The size of the project, the type of bar, how customized you want it to be, and whether your basement is finished or partially finished, all play a role.
If you’re adding a dry bar with basic fixtures that you install yourself to a finished basement, it can cost around $800 to $1200. If you add some lighting work, the cost can go up to around $2000.
Wet bars are more expensive. You might need professionals to handle the wiring and plumbing, but if you can install the flooring, cabinets, and the bar yourself, you can save money. On average, hiring contractors could cost you around $90 to $150 per hour. A wet bar with a sink, lighting fixtures, and a refrigerator can cost up to $10,000.
A good approach is to start with a premade bar and add features to it. You can find premade bars and cabinets for around $800 to $4000, or even less for small versions. They are cheaper and designed to be easier for self-installation.
Overall, using a premade bar as a base and adding features is a cost-effective option.
Section 2: Gathering Materials and Tools
To construct a basement bar, you’ll need specific materials and tools. Here’s a comprehensive list to help you get started:
2.1 Materials:
- Framing lumber
- Plywood or MDF boards
- Countertop material (granite, laminate, etc.)
- Bar rail molding
- Screws, nails, and construction adhesives
- Insulation and drywall
- Plumbing and electrical supplies
- Flooring materials (tiles, hardwood, vinyl, etc.)
2.2 Tools:
- Measuring tape
- Circular saw or miter saw
- Drill and impact driver
- Level
- Hammer
- Screwdriver set
- Paintbrushes and rollers
- Trowel
Section 3: Construction Process
Now let’s dive into the construction process of building your basement bar:
3.1 Frame the Bar:
Using the framing lumber, construct the frame for your bar. Ensure the structure is sturdy and level. Consider incorporating storage cabinets and shelving into the frame design.
If you’re creating a U-shaped island, divide it into three sections. For an L-shaped design, divide it into two sections. Purchase the wood in batches for each mini-project. This way, you’ll buy exactly the amount you need, and you won’t be left with leftover sheets of wood at the end.
For the skeleton of the bar, simple 2 x 6 boards from a store should work well. Remember to make the boards a couple of inches shorter than the intended height, as the bar top itself will add at least 2 inches over the frame.
Mounting Your DIY Bar
When it comes to installation, there are two methods you can choose from. If you prefer to break the base into smaller projects, it’s best to construct the skeleton sections on the ground, fit them into the wall, and then add the plywood on the outer side.
However, if you’re pressed for time and have some experience with home improvement projects, you can opt to install everything directly into the flooring, starting from the bottom and working your way up.
Here’s how you can proceed with the installation:
1. Start by anchoring the sill plates, which are the bases for the knee walls, along the edges of the foundation. If you’re working on a concrete floor, use powder-actuated nails. For wooden flooring, common 16d nails and wood adhesives will suffice.
2. Next, fit the studs into the back wall. If there will be a swinging door at the entrance, include a horizontal nailer between the open wall and the nearest stud. Secure the studs along the sill plates at approximately 12-inch intervals, leaving a 10-inch space from the corners. At these corners, fit the studs in an almost box-pillar fashion, using common 16d nails.
3. Once the base and slats are standing straight and level, complete the frame by adding cap plates parallel to the sill plates at the top.
4. Test the entire structure for any wobbling and stability issues. If needed, stabilize the corners by using 3-inch deck screws that go into the corner stud pillars.
By following these steps, you can ensure a sturdy and well-built bar frame for your basement.
Leveling the Bar Tops and Bar Rails
Measure and cut the countertop material to fit your bar frame. Attach it securely, using screws or construction adhesive. Add a bar rail molding to enhance the aesthetics and provide a comfortable resting area for guests.
To create the base for your bar tops, attach the particleboard directly onto the cap plates. Leave about 6 inches of overhang on the outer end. Use 2-inch deck screws to secure the particleboard, ensuring that the screw heads are flush with the surface.
For the second layer, choose a board that is 1-1.5 inches shorter on the front compared to the first base. This allows space for the bar railing. Use common 16d screws and wood glue to fix the board in place. The Chicago bar rail is a popular choice for this type of setup and has its own specific installation method.
Pro Tip: If you prefer a wooden finish for your countertop, it’s recommended to drill the screws in from the bottom. This creates a neater finish and reduces the number of board layers.
Once the base is securely in place, apply a protective layer of epoxy. Ensure a clean finish without any bubbles or spills by carefully pouring and spreading the epoxy.
By following these steps, you can create a sturdy and visually appealing base for your bar tops.
3.2 Install the Cabinets and Shelves:
To maximize the space on your bar top, adding shelves and cabinets can be incredibly useful. Begin by constructing a base using 2 x 4 boards and build a frame on top of it, similar to how you built your main counter. Once the frame is in place, install support using 1 x 4 boards on the front and top.
It’s important to note that if you decide to build shelves after the main frame is already constructed, the available space for movement behind the counter will be significantly reduced. Therefore, it’s advisable to include these types of additions in your original plan for better integration.
3.3 Plumbing and Electrical Work:
If you plan to have a sink or other appliances in your basement bar, hire a professional plumber and electrician to install the necessary fixtures. Ensure all electrical connections comply with safety standards.
3.4 Drywall and Insulation:
Cover the frame with drywall
and insulate the walls for soundproofing and temperature control. Apply joint compound and sand it smooth for a professional finish.
3.5 Flooring and Finishing Touches:
Install flooring materials that suit your design, such as tiles, laminate or hardwood. You can also choose to polish the concrete floor.
Paint the walls, add lighting fixtures, and decorate the bar with your personal touch. Consider installing a sound system or a TV for entertainment.
Section 4: Furnishing Your Basement Bar
Step 1: Take measurements of the finished basement
First, you need to take the measurements of the place. For that, you can use a measuring tape to create a virtual layout with the Home Designer software:
You can also get the measurement of your basement from the house blueprints. These can usually be found among the bunch of papers from when you bought the house.
Or you can call the professionals to make you a map of the layout of the basement. Getting the layout made will help you to place the necessities of the bar into their places according to their size.
Step 2: Plan the placement of the furniture
Next, you need to decide where you want to place the furniture for the setup of the bar.
You can choose the smaller wall for the bar setup and the longer wall for the sitting arrangements. That will create a larger sitting arrangement for your guests.
Step 3: Buy the furniture and appliances for the bar
Now that you have determined the area of the bar, you need to buy the furniture and appliances that you need to install the bar.
What do you need to create a basement bar experience?
Bar fridge – take care of the measurements to make sure it fits.
Adding more cabinets where the spirits and liquor will be visible
Bar caddy to keep the bar straws, napkins, and doodads in one place
Optionals
These optional items can take your basement bar to the next level.
A wall-mounted liquor dispenser
Wine cooler refrigerator
Not only a classy display for all your win, it’s a must-have for wine lovers.
Black board
Make your bar “official” by turning on the bar sign.
Section 5: Maintenance and Safety Tips
To ensure the longevity and safety of your basement bar, keep the following tips in mind:
5.1 Regular Cleaning:
Clean the bar regularly to maintain its appearance and hygiene. Wipe down countertops, dust shelves, and mop the floors as needed.
5.2 Prevent Moisture Damage:
Address any moisture issues promptly to prevent damage to the bar and its components. Use a dehumidifier if necessary and inspect for leaks regularly.
5.3 Fire Safety:
Install smoke detectors and fire extinguishers in the basement. Familiarize yourself with the escape routes and ensure they are easily accessible.
Conclusion:
Building a basement bar can be an exciting and rewarding project. By planning, gathering the necessary materials, and following the construction process outlined in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to creating a space that is both functional and visually appealing. Remember to prioritize safety and regular maintenance to ensure your basement bar remains a source of enjoyment for years to come.
