Basement Bars (1 Viewer)

[Yankee23Fan]

I'm in the process of planning out the final finishing stages on my basement and will be installing a bar, but it never occurred to me to have what you guys have done. It looks awesome. But I was thinking more along the lines of just a simple dry bar with an ice machine for ready available ice and a fridge for beers if the ice machine isn't that big. I'm thinking along the lines of a dry tiki bar type thing, but I don't want tiki stuff. I was thinking of trying to get some recycled wine barrels with a nice top but I haven't found anything I've liked yet.

 

[FavreCo]

these bars put mine to shame. a buddy and I built my bar, just a simple 9' bar with a slab of granite on top. its not a wet bar but I didn't think I really HAD to have that and was a little limited in the space behind the bar. IIRC, the granite ran me about $800 installed, and the rest of the materials were a couple hundred. Its a nice bar but nowhere near as nice as the ones I see here. I'd have to measure to be exact but I think I have an 8-10" overhang on the 'customer' side of the bar, with about 3 feet behind it for the bartender.

I'm thinking I need an overhang of at least 10".

 

[jomar]

these bars put mine to shame. a buddy and I built my bar, just a simple 9' bar with a slab of granite on top. its not a wet bar but I didn't think I really HAD to have that and was a little limited in the space behind the bar. IIRC, the granite ran me about $800 installed, and the rest of the materials were a couple hundred. Its a nice bar but nowhere near as nice as the ones I see here. I'd have to measure to be exact but I think I have an 8-10" overhang on the 'customer' side of the bar, with about 3 feet behind it for the bartender.

I'm thinking I need an overhang of at least 10".

I'll measure tonight to see what mine is. go into a bar and sit down and see how much overhang they have. you'd be surprised how little some are. I'm putting a new counter on the island in my kitchen next week and all I'm using is an 8" overhang for two stools on the other side.

 

[Polish Hammer]

I'll come back later with measurements on the overhang. The space behind the bar is the same as the wine cabinet width so 36". Both of those figures (whatever they are) were decided by my neighbor who has built many of these...so I'd trust them as "standard." We have never felt a lack of space in either area.

 

[FavreCo]

I'll come back later with measurements on the overhang. The space behind the bar is the same as the wine cabinet width so 36". Both of those figures (whatever they are) were decided by my neighbor who has built many of these...so I'd trust them as "standard." We have never felt a lack of space in either area.

Thanks. I was thinking of a 30" opening to get into the bar, then it opens up to at least 3' across. Mine is setup to connect two rooms together so the bar is in between the two rooms...whenever I get the $ to work on it. I can frame it but finishing it requires ripping out about 8' of fake walls I put in when I built the house. Currently building the entertainment center and that thing is going to take some time and $.

 

[mr. furley]

I'm gonna be a bit of a wet blanket here and say make sure you actually want/are going to use this. Everyone wants one but in my experience over 90% of the wet bars I see are unused at best. Just a heads up. Don't let this become like that piece of exercise equipment that makes a great clothes dryer now.

 

[Tony Jabroni]

I'm gonna be a bit of a wet blanket here and say make sure you actually want/are going to use this. Everyone wants one but in my experience over 90% of the wet bars I see are unused at best. Just a heads up. Don't let this become like that piece of exercise equipment that makes a great clothes dryer now.

Just bit $300 on said equipment which was actually a second closet. #### that ####, it went to the dump. 3+ years and used once. ONCE. My ### is in shape too, so I'll leave it up to you who's "exercise" bike/stepper it was.On the flipside, awesome man caves gentlemen. I shall live through you guys...

 

[Ned]

 

[Godsbrother]

It is definitely more than 6" but I will measure it and get back to on that. The other issue in the stools sliding under the bar is that I have a brass rail on the bottom. If you push the stools in the legs hit the brass rail before the backs of the stools could touch the front edge of the bar.

That's ok. I'll do the same there but the distance that ones legs go under the bar is what I am most interested. Too short of an overhang and you are too far away from the bar as your knees hit the bar.

This has definitely not been a problem

The length of the bar top overhang is 11". My knees are a good 3-4" from the bar when I am sitting. Someone else wanted to know the space behind the bar -- mine is 45" so there is plenty of room.

 

[Polish Hammer]

My bar has 11.5" of overhang. Hope that helps.

 

[cubbyphan]

I'm thinking of installing a bar in my basement in the near future but probably don't have the time or skills to do it myself. It seems like most of you did it yourself. Anyone here have experience getting it professionally done and estimates of what it costs?

Mine would probably not be as elaborate as many of yours. Probably about 10 feet long, wet bar, granite countertops, but otherwise nothing too fancy. What kind of cost can I expect for this?

 

[Godsbrother]

I'm thinking of installing a bar in my basement in the near future but probably don't have the time or skills to do it myself. It seems like most of you did it yourself. Anyone here have experience getting it professionally done and estimates of what it costs?Mine would probably not be as elaborate as many of yours. Probably about 10 feet long, wet bar, granite countertops, but otherwise nothing too fancy. What kind of cost can I expect for this?

I did not do mine but it was part of an entire basement finishing project (which included a bathroom, workout room and theater). I am guessing the bar area was probably about $6,000-$7,000. The general contractor hired a carpenter to make wood cabinets, the wood tops and a matching bulkhead. It also has brass foot rail and built-in kegerator. The plumbing was not roughed in so they had a bit of plumbing work.I am sure you could get it done for much cheaper if you wanted.

 

[El Floppo]

Dot

 

[Cliff Clavin]

I'm thinking of installing a bar in my basement in the near future but probably don't have the time or skills to do it myself. It seems like most of you did it yourself. Anyone here have experience getting it professionally done and estimates of what it costs?Mine would probably not be as elaborate as many of yours. Probably about 10 feet long, wet bar, granite countertops, but otherwise nothing too fancy. What kind of cost can I expect for this?

The cost is all (well, mostly) about what you want to put into it. Granite counter-tops, nice moldings, glass shelves, stools etc are where your cost is.Building the bar itself is cheap (and pretty easy). Build a stub wall, build/buy cabinets, attach to wall, install counter-top (arborite, granite, wood). Done. Your big costs could be plumbing and electrical. Is there any in the area? Are you going to have to add a drain?

 

[cubbyphan]

The area already has all the electrical needed and backs up to a utility area that essentially has the needed plumbing. Basically just need to bring the plumbing up through the wall and it is good to go.

We hope to get granite scraps from the company that just redid our kitchen counters.

I did a little research online and have seen a wide range of estimates for this type of work, and just wanted to have a little knowledge before talking to the contractor. That's why I asked.

I have about $6,500 set aside for this and thought this was probably reasonable for getting a decent respectable bar installed. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't too far off.

Thanks for the replies.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

The area already has all the electrical needed and backs up to a utility area that essentially has the needed plumbing. Basically just need to bring the plumbing up through the wall and it is good to go. We hope to get granite scraps from the company that just redid our kitchen counters.I did a little research online and have seen a wide range of estimates for this type of work, and just wanted to have a little knowledge before talking to the contractor. That's why I asked. I have about $6,500 set aside for this and thought this was probably reasonable for getting a decent respectable bar installed. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't too far off.Thanks for the replies.

Plan on spending about $2-3K doing my own (have plumbing and electrical buddies).

 

[Al Czervik]

About to embark on finishing our basement, which includes putting in a wet bar. Guy is going to start in 3-4 weeks, so the pressure is on to plan this out so I make sure I account for everything I'm going to need. Big thing for me is that the depth of a wall that will be built is going to be determined by how much room I need behind the bar (wall will separate bar from a storage area). Need to balance maximizing the storage area while having the right amount of room behind the bar.

Will try to chronicle this adventure and post any learnings.

Our area isn't huge, so the bar itself probably won't be bigger than 7-8' across the front with a little bit of wrap around the sides. Looking to purchase cabinetry for behind the bar and do a laminate counter top behind the bar similar to what Godsbrother did. Will probably do a wood bar top.

Like how this guy laid out how to do the bar top with the "Chicago rail". Big fan of that style rail.

Looks like this guy's "standard dimensions" are right around what has been discussed in this thread. Also like the tip about using cardboard and foam insulation to mock up the bar.

Good info here too about dimensions.

Though I'm not doing granite, this guy makes a good point about the weight balance of the bar on the support wall. Definitely something to keep in mind.

Wish me luck.

 

[Al Czervik]

About to embark on finishing our basement, which includes putting in a wet bar. Guy is going to start in 3-4 weeks, so the pressure is on to plan this out so I make sure I account for everything I'm going to need. Big thing for me is that the depth of a wall that will be built is going to be determined by how much room I need behind the bar (wall will separate bar from a storage area). Need to balance maximizing the storage area while having the right amount of room behind the bar.

Will try to chronicle this adventure and post any learnings.

Our area isn't huge, so the bar itself probably won't be bigger than 7-8' across the front with a little bit of wrap around the sides. Looking to purchase cabinetry for behind the bar and do a laminate counter top behind the bar similar to what Godsbrother did. Will probably do a wood bar top.

Like how this guy laid out how to do the bar top with the "Chicago rail". Big fan of that style rail.

Looks like this guy's "standard dimensions" are right around what has been discussed in this thread. Also like the tip about using cardboard and foam insulation to mock up the bar.

Good info here too about dimensions.

Though I'm not doing granite, this guy makes a good point about the weight balance of the bar on the support wall. Definitely something to keep in mind.

Wish me luck.

Basement and bar are done! Checking back in to share some pics of the project and how it turned out. I'm pretty happy with it.

Planning stages (used foam insulation and some cardboard to figure out dimensions/size): Pic1, Pic2

In Progress: Pic1, Pic2

Finished product: Pic1, Pic2, Pic3

Now I need to figure out the decor/what to do with the wall behind the bar.

 

[Reegus]

About to embark on finishing our basement, which includes putting in a wet bar. Guy is going to start in 3-4 weeks, so the pressure is on to plan this out so I make sure I account for everything I'm going to need. Big thing for me is that the depth of a wall that will be built is going to be determined by how much room I need behind the bar (wall will separate bar from a storage area). Need to balance maximizing the storage area while having the right amount of room behind the bar.

Will try to chronicle this adventure and post any learnings.

Our area isn't huge, so the bar itself probably won't be bigger than 7-8' across the front with a little bit of wrap around the sides. Looking to purchase cabinetry for behind the bar and do a laminate counter top behind the bar similar to what Godsbrother did. Will probably do a wood bar top.

Like how this guy laid out how to do the bar top with the "Chicago rail". Big fan of that style rail.

Looks like this guy's "standard dimensions" are right around what has been discussed in this thread. Also like the tip about using cardboard and foam insulation to mock up the bar.

Good info here too about dimensions.

Though I'm not doing granite, this guy makes a good point about the weight balance of the bar on the support wall. Definitely something to keep in mind.

Wish me luck.

Basement and bar are done! Checking back in to share some pics of the project and how it turned out. I'm pretty happy with it.

Planning stages (used foam insulation and some cardboard to figure out dimensions/size): Pic1, Pic2

In Progress: Pic1, Pic2

Finished product: Pic1, Pic2, Pic3

Now I need to figure out the decor/what to do with the wall behind the bar.

Looks good to me.

 

[GTBilly]

You've all built them but I have to ask:

How much do you actually use them?

Do you regret building them>

 

[Cliff Clavin]

You've all built them but I have to ask:

How much do you actually use them?

Do you regret building them>

Having a kid right after it was finished really put a damper on the basement drinking with buddies. Use it for family/friend gatherings about a dozen times a year. Having the wine fridge, beer fridge, regular fridge, sink and booze shelf is definitely handy as is the cupboard space.

Not as much use as I'd like but worth it IMO. If I purchase another house that doesn't have one and there is a good spot for it, I'd do it again.

 

[avoiding injuries]

About to embark on finishing our basement, which includes putting in a wet bar. Guy is going to start in 3-4 weeks, so the pressure is on to plan this out so I make sure I account for everything I'm going to need. Big thing for me is that the depth of a wall that will be built is going to be determined by how much room I need behind the bar (wall will separate bar from a storage area). Need to balance maximizing the storage area while having the right amount of room behind the bar.

Will try to chronicle this adventure and post any learnings.

Our area isn't huge, so the bar itself probably won't be bigger than 7-8' across the front with a little bit of wrap around the sides. Looking to purchase cabinetry for behind the bar and do a laminate counter top behind the bar similar to what Godsbrother did. Will probably do a wood bar top.

Like how this guy laid out how to do the bar top with the "Chicago rail". Big fan of that style rail.

Looks like this guy's "standard dimensions" are right around what has been discussed in this thread. Also like the tip about using cardboard and foam insulation to mock up the bar.

Good info here too about dimensions.

Though I'm not doing granite, this guy makes a good point about the weight balance of the bar on the support wall. Definitely something to keep in mind.

Wish me luck.

Basement and bar are done! Checking back in to share some pics of the project and how it turned out. I'm pretty happy with it.

Planning stages (used foam insulation and some cardboard to figure out dimensions/size): Pic1, Pic2

In Progress: Pic1, Pic2

Finished product: Pic1, Pic2, Pic3

Now I need to figure out the decor/what to do with the wall behind the bar.

Mount a TV?

 

[cstu]

When your friends come over do you make them sit at the bar?

 

[Michael Brown]

Just had our contractor over two days ago to measure it all out and start to spec it all out. We had renovated the room a little over a year ago with this in mind, and knew space might be a bit tight. The bar is opposite the big screen TV ("customers" at the bar would have their backs to the TV) and there are several large couches around the room so I can't go too far out from the bar back.

Putting a cabinet behind the bar that'll only come out about 9" from the wall, just enough to store some glasses and a few bottles and stuff. Then I'm leaving 30" behind the bar to move around. The bar top itself will be around 18" deep. End to end is about 5-6 feet, with a little bit of a wrap on the open side and enclosed on the other. Used to be a kitchen in that area, so the plumbing is already there. Figure we'll fit 3 barstools across when it's all done, and I'm hoping it leaves about 2-3 feet behind the stools for foot traffic between those who are seated facing the bar and the couch behind them.

The bar itself will just be wood, but I'm putting up backlit onyx as the facing of the whole thing for a cool effect. Bar top will be granite. Gonna get the full price tag soon...

 

[Deepster]

I've owned four houses and had basement bars in the first three. I didn't use any of them nearly as much as you'd think you might. Basically, I have come to believe people don't care for being tucked down in a basement and would rather be upstairs in a house. Obviously, this is just my opinion but it's been asked s few times in this thread so I thought I'd share.

 

[Al Czervik]

About to embark on finishing our basement, which includes putting in a wet bar. Guy is going to start in 3-4 weeks, so the pressure is on to plan this out so I make sure I account for everything I'm going to need. Big thing for me is that the depth of a wall that will be built is going to be determined by how much room I need behind the bar (wall will separate bar from a storage area). Need to balance maximizing the storage area while having the right amount of room behind the bar.

Will try to chronicle this adventure and post any learnings.

Our area isn't huge, so the bar itself probably won't be bigger than 7-8' across the front with a little bit of wrap around the sides. Looking to purchase cabinetry for behind the bar and do a laminate counter top behind the bar similar to what Godsbrother did. Will probably do a wood bar top.

Like how this guy laid out how to do the bar top with the "Chicago rail". Big fan of that style rail.

Looks like this guy's "standard dimensions" are right around what has been discussed in this thread. Also like the tip about using cardboard and foam insulation to mock up the bar.

Good info here too about dimensions.

Though I'm not doing granite, this guy makes a good point about the weight balance of the bar on the support wall. Definitely something to keep in mind.

Wish me luck.

Basement and bar are done! Checking back in to share some pics of the project and how it turned out. I'm pretty happy with it.

Planning stages (used foam insulation and some cardboard to figure out dimensions/size): Pic1, Pic2

In Progress: Pic1, Pic2

Finished product: Pic1, Pic2, Pic3

Now I need to figure out the decor/what to do with the wall behind the bar.

Mount a TV?

Thought about that. There is a TV to the left/back of where the "customer" sits, but could put a smaller one behind the bar to show a second game or some pron while the game is playing on the big screen.

 

[Ilov80s]

I've owned four houses and had basement bars in the first three. I didn't use any of them nearly as much as you'd think you might. Basically, I have come to believe people don't care for being tucked down in a basement and would rather be upstairs in a house. Obviously, this is just my opinion but it's been asked s few times in this thread so I thought I'd share.

Yeah, my buddy built a really nice and similar bar to the one Al posted here. He has two flat screen TVs hooked up, couches, pool table, dart board. Still, we almost always hang out in his kitchen/living room (open concept deal) or his back deck. I didn't build a wet bar for that reason. I got a large bookshelf like thing to display the booze, a mini fridge for wine, a mini fridge for beer and an old baptismal font for the bar itself. I put a top on it for a flat surface and it has storage for glasses inside it. Its enough to stand around and make drinks or for a couple people to hang out at if I have a large gathering. Ultimately, most people want to be upstairs though.