- 1). Make sketches of the shape and size of the bar you want to build. Go over designs you find in books, magazines and on websites. Experiment with round or curved shapes, square or rectangular shapes or L-shaped designs. Sketch various types of stools, such as high-backed swivel stools or low revolving stools, to expand your ideas on how the bar will function. Consider building the bar along a wall where mirrors or mirror tiles can be installed to brighten the area.
- 2). Measure the floor space you can allow for the total area, including stools. Sketch space behind the bar or within the bar for storage of glasses and drinks. Design a way to include a sink and how plumbing can be routed to the sink with a drain. Consider installing a small refrigerator or wine chilling cabinet as well. Figure out how to maximize space on a wall directly behind a bar, so that wall can store large items that might not fit under the bar.
- 3). Choose materials you will use for the basic cabinetry. Design the bar space with framework covered by wood veneer or stainless steel sheeting, for example. Plan how to incorporate an old cabinet you want to recycle or consider building the bar from plywood covered by tiles. Figure out how many doors you want behind the bar or whether to install shelving underneath the bar to store certain items.
- 4). Design a bar that will include some upscale materials, such as pieces of marble or granite. Add strips of stainless steel or copper to enhance visual interest. Consider laying granite tiles with matching grout on the counter top if real granite is out of your budget. Design where to install the sink before choosing the countertop material, since you will need to cut space for the sink and faucets
- 5). Plan to include a foot rail around the bottom of the bar where stools will go. Review hardware that will secure either a metal foot rail or a strip of wood. Seal the foot side of the bar with polyurethane to protect from shoe scuffs when people use the foot rail.
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