Introduction

Building a Home Bar 01:02

Here are the DIY Basics on building a home bar.

Watch an Overview Video

Step 1

Tools & Materials

Flat pack kitchen cabinets
Level
Pencil
Shims
Soft mallet
Screwdriver
Power drill
Wood screws
LED lights
Power strip

Step 2

Getting Started

Decide if you want a wet bar with a sink or a dry bar.

Dry bar is best choice for location without waterlines.

Locate it on empty wall away from foot traffic.

Pro Tip

Building a home bar is easy and inexpensive if you use flat pack, ready-to-assemble kitchen cabinets.

Ready-to-assemble cabinets save money because you don't pay manufacturer's assembly costs.

Wet bar saves stops to kitchen and makes cleanup easier.

Include icemaker in wet bar.

Wet bar must be near existing waterlines and drain; otherwise installation costs will be high.

Step 3

Building the Bar

Build bar from one row of lower kitchen cabinets.

Hang cabinets at highest point of floor.

Install countertop of wood, granite, quartz, bamboo, concrete, even recycled glass.

Pro Tip

Match finish to existing finish or choose contrasting or companion finish.

The longer the countertop, the more serving space.

To determine high point of floor, run level beam across wall three inches up and measure down to floor every ten or twelve inches.

Use shims to fill low spots.

For a standing only bar, make the overhang 6 to 9 inches; for bar stools the overhang should be 12 inches.

Step 4

Finishing Up

For extra storage, hang upper kitchen cabinets above bar.

To avoid wiring, light glass-door cabinets from inside with stick-on LED lights.

Include extra electrical outlets for small appliances such as blender, mini-fridge, and/or microwave.

Mount wine rack under upper cabinets.

Pro Tip

Glass doors will lighten space.

You can also hang LED lights under upper cabinets.