QA

How To Build A Bar Top Counter

What kind of wood should I use for a bar top?

Finding the Best Wood for Bar Tops Reclaimed wood is the best wood for bar tops if you want a rustic bar. Oak is strong, stiff and resistant to warping. Wood bar tops can be pale honey-colored, classic dark brown or dramatic golden brown.

What can I make a bar top out of?

Bar Top Ideas For Outdoor Bars Aluminum. Aluminum is a rust-proof and solid material for outdoor use as a bar top. Granite. Granite is a natural stone that you can find in an assortment of colors and patterns to fit a broad scope of design styles. Stainless Steel. Wood.

How thick should a wood bar top be?

The minimum bar top thickness is 1 3/4-inches utilizing a flat grain wood. Increased thicknesses are available using a built-up assembly or other construction styles, such as edge grain. The front overhang for the patron side of the bar is typically 6- to 12-inches if you intend to have bar stools.

How far should a counter bar overhang?

A typical overhang for a comfortable seating area should be around 25-30cm (10-12”), this should leave enough knee room and adequate space between the countertop edge and the person seated. Therefore, as the depth of the overhang increases, so does the comfort and usability of the bar.

Can I use plywood for a bar top?

Hardwood veneer plywood can be used by itself for the parts for the top. This drawing shows how I configure 3/4″ plywood for commercial bar tops. This can also work well for residential use. The sizes can be altered as desired.

How much overhang should a bar top have?

The bar top overhang should be a minimum of 8-1/2” and could be as much as 10” so your knees do not hit the bar front. For our extra tall customers the 10” overhang maybe necessary.

What is the typical depth of a bar top?

Typically a bar top that is a minimum of 18 inches deep works well, but you can extend this to 20 to 24 inches to allow more space for larger sinks and fixtures.

How deep should bar counters be?

Bar counter depth can range from 16 to 20 inches deep, depending on your preference. This is also going to depend on the type of seating you choose and what kind of overhang is recommended so that your guests can sit comfortably at the bar with enough leg room.

How thick should my countertop be?

The industry standard thickness for kitchen, bathroom, and other countertop surfaces in natural stone is 1.25 inches. This thickness provides the strength and stability required to create an unbroken surface without the need for stabilizing it with a plywood backing.

How much space should be between bar and wall?

Allow at least 36 inches between the bar and the back bar or wall. This is a bare minimum to allow a single bartender space. If constructing a large bar, where it is possible more than one person will be behind the bar, allow more space.

How much should an island countertop hangover?

Hanging Out on an Island The standard overhang of an island countertop — on the side designed to sit at and tuck stools underneath — is 12 inches. If you plan to extend the counter farther, you need to add supports such as legs, or wood corbels or metal L-brackets that extend half the overhang’s distance.

Is polyurethane good for bar top?

For a brushed-on finish, oil-based polyurethane is best. It is significantly more durable than water-based polyurethane for bar tops and restaurant tables because alcohol spills and the chemicals used for cleaning will soften water-based polyurethane over time.

What do I need to build a bar?

Required Materials for this Project 2 x 4s. 3/4-in. plywood. Bar molding. Base material. Beer tap kit. Construction adhesive. Drywall screws. Foam insulation.

How far can a countertop overhang without support?

The allowable overhang with no additional support is no more than 1/3 of the depth of the countertop and not to exceed 15” total. Overhangs greater than 15” require the installation of corbels. The corbels must be designed to support the weight of the countertop and be mounted to studs.

What is typical countertop overhang?

A countertop overhang provides a lip that extends beyond the front of your cabinets. The purpose of a standard overhang (usually about 1 1/2 inches) is to prevent liquid spills from dribbling down the face of your cabinets and to keep crumbs from finding their way into the drawers and cupboards below.

How do you support a counter overhang?

You should use a countertop bracket that extends within four inches of the countertop edge. This prevents too much pressure and weight on the countertop without proper backing. Fasten these brackets with fasteners to keep them securely in place.

Is 45 inches too high for a bar?

Commercial Bars They should measure between 42 to 45 inches. In this case, you should consider the average height of both males and females, which is 5 feet, 4 inches. This is equivalent to 64.8 inches, which makes 42 -45 inches perfect for a commercial bar setting.

How high should I build my bar?

The standard height for a bar in the United States is 42 inches. This is the perfect height for a 30 inch bar stool. You want 12 inches of clearance between the top of the bar stool and the top of the bar.

What is standard counter height?

Kitchen – The standard kitchen counter height is 36 inches (3 feet) above the floor. Kitchen islands designed for bar-style seating can climb as high as 42 inches.

What size should a home bar be?

Most standard home bar designs are at least 6′ long to accommodate three bar stools or an 8′ bar that will give you room for four stools. You’ll also want to think about the shape that you’d like your bar to be.