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What are the Best Bar Top Materials? Laminate. Laminate is an affordable material that is easy to care for and available in a wide range of colors and styles. Granite. If you are looking for something high-end, granite is a great option. Solid Surface. Marble. Wood.
What wood do you use for a bar top?
Many experienced woodworkers consider walnut to be the best wood for bar tops due to its shock resistance and range of colors. Walnut can be golden, honey colored or medium to dark brown. Walnut bar tops can be satin-smooth with a muted grain or conversation pieces with prominent textures and knotholes.
Can you use plywood for a bar top?
This whole project starts off with a single sheet of plywood. So to do that I decided to cut the plywood sheet into a bunch of 8ft by 1.5″ strips. In the next step those strips will be glued back together (veneer to veneer) so that the end grain becomes the top surface of the bar-top.
Which material is suitable for the front bar counter?
Most bar surfaces are laminated plastic or made up of high quality granite. It may or may not have armrest running from one end to the other. If provided, around 8-inch space must be added up to the width of the bar and the armrest should be padded for comfort.
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.
What material are bar tops made of?
Corian and other solid surface counters are a great choice for bar tops. Not only do they come in an array of colors and styles, but they are easy to clean and are not extremely susceptible to staining. They are certainly more expensive than laminate but generally aren’t as expensive as natural stone.
How thick should Plywood be for bar top?
When making a home or commercial bar top we always recommend using ¾” thick solid hardwood for the main bar top as it is more durable and longer lasting than a plywood top and can even be refinished.
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 countertop is best for a bar?
Quartz countertops remain one of the most durable options for your home bar. If you have a rough usage with a lot of people frequently gathering in the bar, then a quartz countertop may be the best solution. From marble to granite, the material can easily recreate the look of natural stone.
Is granite good for a bar top?
When it comes to bar tops, granite is an excellent choice. The natural stone is not only beautiful but incredibly durable as well.
Is marble good for a bar top?
Marble’s subtle veins and calm appearance adds luxury to your bar. It is best suited for a relaxed environment that won’t be subject to extensive wear and tear. Home bars or private party rooms at a restaurant are ideal applications for Marble.
Is it better to use lacquer or polyurethane?
Despite being available in variances, polyurethane is more durable. It is thick and leaves a strong coating. Lacquer is thin and penetrates the wood surface. It is also durable but susceptible to scratches and discoloration after some time.
Which is better shellac or polyurethane?
Shellac is essentially VOC-free. It is the least toxic finish available. Oil-based polyurethane is among the most toxic varnishes, emitting high levels of VOCs during application and for a significant time afterward. Water polyurethane has low to no VOCs.
How many coats of polyurethane do I need for a bar top?
It should need a minimum of 3 coats of polyurethane. So especially if you’re applying the best choice, which in this case is the oil-based poly, there need to be three coats of poly put on the bar top. The polyurethane should be dried for about 12-48 hours between each layer of coats.
How much overhang should a bar top have?
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.
How tall is the average bar top?
A bar-height table generally measures in the 40- to 42-inch height range. A counter-height table runs about 34 to 36 inches tall, and standard dining-height tables range from 28 to 30 inches tall.
What is Corian countertops?
While Corian is a brand name, the term is commonly used to refer to any type of solid surface containing polymer and natural minerals. It is a lower-priced material than quartz and other premium countertops. This low cost is Corian’s primary call to fame.