A basement bar is a great spot where you can relax and unwind after a long, tiring day at work. It enables you to enjoy your favorite drinks and bites at your convenience. A basement bar provides a channel for your creativity while maximizing your leisure time. You can determine the overall appearance, special features, and comfort of the bar. Furthermore, you can specify the number of people that it will accommodate. Best of all, a basement bar increases the overall value of your home.
As such, it is an excellent investment. Nowadays, you can build your own basement bar. With the right planning, materials, and accessories, you can create a beautiful bar that rivals commercial ones. You can even add some high tech features such as LCD screens, cameras, music systems, and LED lighting to make the basement bar as fulfilling as possible. Here is how to accomplish the Basement bar idea.
What Type of Materials do You Need to Build a Basement Bar?
You can build your basement bar using a variety of materials. Some examples of these are wood, stainless steel, Plexiglas, carbon fiber, aluminum, chrome, and rubber. The materials that you need will depend on your overall vision and design of the bar. However, some fundamental materials feature in every basement bar. The materials required for How to build basement bar include;
Wood:-
It is a structural material that is used to achieve the Basement bar idea. It can be used to construct various sections such as the countertop, railing, barstools, or the shelves. Wood is a versatile material because it can be cut, shaped, carved, colored, or stained according to your preference. Thus, it is a commonly used material in the construction of a basement bar.
Stainless Steel:-
This is another important material for the construction of a Basement bar. It is durable, beautiful, and, most importantly, malleable. Therefore, it is used extensively in the construction of a basement bar. Stainless steel can be used to make the railing, frame, bar stool, and shelf frame in your basement bar. As such, it is a significant material in this construction process.
Plexiglas:-
This material is often used for cosmetic purposes in the construction of a DIY basement bar. Plexiglas is beautiful and robust. It is scratch-resistant and can be tinted to any color you want. As such, it adds beauty to your basement bar. Plexiglas does not shatter like traditional glass. Therefore, it is a useful material for the construction of a basement bar.
What Type of Instruments do You Need?
There are several instruments that you need to accomplish the Basement bar idea. Some are used to prepare construction materials, while others are used for quality control. Some examples of these instruments include:
- A5 paper
- Drawing pencil
- Industrial ruler
- Square
- Compass
- An electric drill
- A saw
- A level
- Measuring tape
- Grinder
- Pressure planing unit
- Vinyl/ paint
These instruments all come in handy during various steps in the construction of the basement bar. The A5 paper, drawing pencils, industrial ruler, square, and compass come in handy during the initial design phase. The saw, measuring tape, and grinder is essential when you are cutting up the materials that you need to construct the basement bar. The level, pressure planing unit, and vinyl/paints are ideal for cosmetic enhancement and final touches. These instruments range in size and effectiveness according to the purpose for which they are built. Despite this, they are all essential in the construction of a basement bar.
How to Build a Basement Bar:-
Design:-
It is the first step when you are constructing a DIY basement bar designs. This is where you determine the final appearance of your basement bar. This step requires you to use materials such as the A5 paper, ruler, compass pencils, and measuring tape. In this step, all you need is to exercise your creativity. Feel free to rely on your intuition and personal preference to draft a design for your basement bar. Take into account the shape and space of the spot where you desire to place the basement bar. After that, align this shape and space with your design. In this way, you will conceptualize something that will fit perfectly in your basement.
While designing your Basement bar, it is essential to begin by setting the correct dimensions. There are some standard guidelines to follow in this endeavor. Firstly, the bar height should be 42 inches. It makes it easier for you to find bar stools that match this height. The counter overhang on your basement bar should be a minimum of 8 inches. As for the knee room, the more, the better. Make sure that the bar countertop ranges in size from 16 to 20 inches wide. It includes the molding section.
Always remember to include the molding. It prevents any spilled drinks from streaming down the bar and on your lap. The bar molding also provides a comfortable armrest for you. Best of all, this feature adds professionalism to your basement bar. Add a drip lip to your bar counter. It is a thin strip of wood protruding outwards that keeps any spills from running off the top of your bar.
As you make your design, remember that the minimum spacing between stools is 2 feet of the bar for each stool. Moreover, ensure that the foot rail is 7 to 9 inches of the floor. It is best constructed using stainless steel.
Once you have attained an attractive design that fulfills all the conditions above, it is time to begin constructing.
Construction:-
The Frame
It is an essential part of the bar construction. It gives structure and shape to your Basement bar. You can create the frame out of stainless steel or wood. Rely on the plans in your design to measure, cut, and shape the various sections of your structure. This part should be constructed right at the spot where you intend to position your basement bar. In this way, you never have to move it after the frame construction is complete.
Panels
These are the main structural sections on your DIY basement bar. They should be made of a robust material such as wood, hardened plastic, or stainless steel sheets. The panels give strength and completeness to the basement bar. In doing so, they provide a counter, shelves, armrests, and drink holders. The panels are essential in the overall form and function of your basement bar. You can use instruments such as drills, a level, grinder, saw, and a nail gun to affix them to the frame.
Cosmetic Touches:-
These touches deliver a beautiful appearance to your basement bar. They include painting, carving, or staining. If you want to paint your basement bar, use quick-drying, low epoxy paint. Ensure that it is manufactured to adhere firmly to the material you’ve used to create the panels. If you intend to stain it, use non-corrosive wood stains. They deliver a beautiful sheen to the wooden panels and ensure that your basement bar catches the eye. Remember to apply some varnish on all the wooden sections of your Basement bar. You can enhance the cosmetic appearance of your basement bar by using Plexiglas sheets. They can be affixed right atop the panels. In doing so, they give the unit a shine and protect the panels from wear and tear.
Molding:-
It is a valuable material to add upon the bar counter. It prevents any spills from leaking off the countertop. Furthermore, bar molding provides a great armrest for those who enjoy bending their elbows at the counter. This type of molding is available in various types of wood at stores all over the country. The majority of molding also comes already precut such that it can fit a bar top. As such, you only require some nails, a hammer, light sanding, and varnish to make the molding attractive.
Accessories:-
You can modernize your DIY basement bar using technology devices. Some examples of these are LED light strips, LCD screens, strobe lights, and music systems. They can be embedded into the basement bar counter or situated behind it. Furthermore, you can use Plexiglas to create shelves for your drinks behind the counter. At this level, its appearance is only limited by your creativity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I design my basement bar on my own?
A: Yes, you can. All you need is some paper, a pencil, and creativity.
Q: How long does it take to build a basement bar?
A: It can take between a week to a month, depending on your manpower and the size of the basement bar.
Q: Do I need a permit to build this in my house?
A: Yes, you do.
Q: What types of safety equipment do I need to build a basement bar?
A: You will need goggles, heavy-duty gloves, a hard hat, and reflective signs indicating that you are at work.
Q: Does a basement bar make financial sense?
A: Yes, it does. Adding a basement bar to your home increases the overall value of your property. In this way, you are guaranteed a profit when upon sale.
Overall
A Basement bar is an excellent addition to your home. It allows you to have a personal space for relaxation. This type of bar provides drinks, bites, and a serene environment for you to enjoy on your own, with family or with friends.
Thanks to modern technology, you can add a myriad of accessories to your DIY basement bar. Some examples of these are LED lighting, LCD screens, cameras, music systems, and much more. These can be incorporated into your bar after it is complete. We have compiled some clear, helpful steps that you can follow to achieve your Basement bar idea. They are professional and sure to assist in constructing the basement bar of your dreams!