A basement bar can be a great addition to any home, but how high should it be? There are many factors that go into this decision. The most important of which is the level of moisture in the air.
If you live in an area where humidity levels are naturally lower, then there’s no need for concern about having your favorite drinks stored on the floor.
However, if you’re experiencing higher humidity levels or have noticed mold or mildew on walls near your basement bar, then it would probably be best to build your bar at least 36 inches off the ground.
How High Should A Basement Bar Be?
A bar counter should be 42″ from the floor and 24″ deep. The top should not be wide than 16-20″. This will cause drinks to get stuck.
If you do not want to be seen and if you like parties where you can make fun of the people who go out, then your basement is definitely your place. You can design it as an exclusive club where only a few friends will enter. We show you how we would design such a classy bar.
First, take into account that the basement should have a high ceiling for this kind of work. Be sure that there are no windows or natural lights from above. Remember that people must not see the light from outside when they look through those tiny slits between those dark walls full of bottles and glasses everywhere. The lighting must be discrete but powerful enough so individuals cannot escape its power even in a corner at the top of some stairs or under a bulging wall.
The floor can be concrete, wood, or any other hard surface that you like. It is simply the best option when people are wearing high heels. And remember not to create sharp edges because they can cut feet and ankles easily!
Softer surfaces such as loose grass will make your guests feel more relaxed and at ease with themselves and their shoes off after a busy day at work or in school. You do not need expensive grasses; we recommend some clovers around the bar counter for decoration purposes.
What is the typical bar overhang and? do I need to be concerned about it?
The typical bar overhang is approximately 12 inches. If you have a bar that is longer than the width of your bussing station, you will need to compensate by purchasing smaller plates or charging more for drinks with liquor in them.
What about drinks?
Well, we think there should be enough bottles of spirits so guests can “polish” them until dawn if they want to party since the beginning of time! If you do not know about alcohol, then we recommend you to stay away from this kind of establishment because it can be dangerous if people get drunk and start having fights or falling asleep in an inconvenient place. We also think that there should be a projector in the corner so your guests can watch football games, concerts, and other events when they do not feel like dancing or drinking anymore!
A bar must have bartenders; we recommend four women and two men to make sure everyone gets the attention he deserves when he orders his drink. They must wear white shirts with bow ties (a little bit like the waiters at The Spotted Pig). Their trousers must reach their ankles and they must wear green aprons covering their clothes. Also, remember to assign them a number (one, two, three, four, etc.) so guests can call them more easily.
It is also important to let your guests know where the bathroom is; it must be near the bar but inside another room with no light and not too clean for sure! And you need restrooms in every corner of the basement because guys will need many places to pee after drinking all that alcohol! Finally, you should place some numbers on doors or signs outside each restroom.
How High Should a Basement Bar Be?
How far can a butcher block countertop overhang without support?
We have a butcher block countertop that is 60″ wide and 30″ deep. It currently has an overhang of 3.5″, but it is starting to sag under its own weight (not from the edge, but from the middle). I’m not sure if this is because we hung it on our wall or if 5530 lbs total weight is too much for a piece of wood this large. We thought about installing steel supports for added strength, but we aren’t sure how far we can extend the overhang before something needs to be done.
The countertops and cabinets were built by professionals and installed by them also, so no help there! Thanks in advance for any advice you may have!
Steve: If you have a wall that is completely solid and the cabinets are well attached to it, there would be no problem in extending your overhang past 2 feet. If you don’t have a solid backing or the cabinets aren’t well attached to it, I wouldn’t go more than a foot past what you currently have. Thicker plywood countertops should also handle this without any problems.
How do you fill the gap between butcher block countertops and walls?
Periodically, kitchen remodelers will find themselves faced with a dilemma: they have perfectly good butcher block countertops but the walls are open to the studs.
This is typical because a “standard” wall was built between two existing studs, and the only way to move them closer together would be to reframe all three sides of each wall-wall intersection–an expensive proposition if it can even be done at all.
A less costly alternative for filling in those gaps might save you from tearing out your old countertop and buying new laminate work surfaces.
How High Should a Basement Bar Be?
How about some plywood?
No, I’m not suggesting that you use thick plywood as a substitute for butcher block. But there is another variety of wood paneling that you might consider…
Particleboard?
No, not at all. I’m talking about MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard). Specifically, I’m referring to the material known as “MDF with paper faces”, because this particular form of MDF is smooth on both sides and covered in a thin layer of wood pulp.
This gives it the same appearance as solid-wood paneling but without many of its shortcomings. You can certainly use MDF for veneering work, but for this article, we’ll focus on using it to fill gaps between walls and butcher block countertops. And since the exposed edges will need to be sealed somehow, we’ll also explore how best to make those joints watertight.
MDF is a wood product.
This means that it contains some percentage of moisture, and will expand and shrink as its humidity changes. In some situations this can be an asset–for example, I once used MDF as the substrate for a ceramic tile tub surround because it allowed me to attach the tiles directly into the wall surface without even using adhesive.
That said, it’s more commonly a headache waiting to happen: Just about everyone knows that solid wood flooring needs to acclimate before installation–and if you don’t believe it then read the fine print on the label of your home center’s laminate flooring display: “floor must acclimate 72 hours”.
But with MDF panels such as those we’re using, there’s another concern: it’s possible that the wood fibers may loosen while the panel acclimates.
This is an extreme case, but I saw this happen on a job once after MDF panels were installed over a finished floor too soon after arrival from the mill. In this case, water from a sprinkler head in one of the rooms below had been wicked up by carpeting and had not yet been able to escape through the slab.
Once it finally did, it soaked into the MDF and loosened all of its fibers–which then got pulled out at their ends and became long thin white threads just like we pull out dreadlocks.
How High Should a Basement Bar Be? (Cre: homeguides)
How much does it cost to put a bar in your basement?
More than you might think. Like many things in the world, it takes money to make money. It’s an investment—if you want your basement to be a place where adults gather for cocktails and laughs, you have to spend some cash.
First, there are the basics: furnishing, lighting, sound equipment, etc.
Then there are more specialized items like a bar sink or ice machine. You’ll also need things that help tie the room together, like art on the walls or rugs on the floor.
And don’t forget about accessories! Unless you’re going for a Spartan look, try adding some table lamps, pendant lights, and wall sconces. Don’t neglect Ohm’s law! Electricity costs can run up your bill. Besides, does your power company really need an excuse to raise its rates again?
Of course, you’ll also need a liquor license. Prices vary by state and municipality, but if you’re like most people, you’ll end up paying at least $5,000 for everything (and that’s not even counting the fee to file the application). In some states, it costs as much as $25,000 just to apply for a simple Class-D wholesale/retailer’s permit. And that doesn’t include any fees paid directly to the state or other governmental entity. It should go without saying that these things don’t come cheap—and they’re not exactly easy either!
Remember: this is supposed to be fun!
Not an instant buzzkill! So make sure your bar is equipped with plenty of glasses, bottle openers, stirrers, and other paraphernalia. Don’t forget the ice buckets! And if you like to mix drinks, you’ll probably want a nice selection of cocktail shakers. If there are any essential bartending skills that we missed here—we know there are—feel free to mention them in the comments below.
And now for something completely different: don’t forget about security! What good is a kickass entertainment center if it can be easily carried out by some miscreant? That’s why you need video surveillance cameras. You may also want keypads or card readers so only authorized people can gain access during certain hours (and who’s going to vouch for you when a fire breaks out in the middle of the night?).
What color should a basement bar be?? It’s a difficult question. Some might say black, others red, while still others will have no problem with the hue at all. But in general, it can be said that color preferences for basement bars are largely subjective. Or are they?
People wanted a dark color scheme for a basement bar because it felt more sophisticated and aesthetically pleasing People wanted a lighter color scheme for a basement bar because they could enjoy making colorful cocktails People wanted a bright color scheme for a basement bar because they didn’t want to break the bank with expensive, dark paint
The first two explanations make perfect sense. But why would people consider price as a deciding factor? Why not just use high-quality paints and save some money? What’s wrong with quality?
Well, the problem is that the most common painting material used on walls in homes is acrylic-latex-based paint that has been tinted or pigmented to appear darker than what it really is. This type of paint is inexpensive and widely available at hardware stores – so homeowners who are decorating their basements can easily find this kind of product to match their tastes. Unfortunately, there’s one problem: basements tend to have a lot of moisture. As a result, this paint often peels off the walls after only a few years.
What do you need in a basement bar?
If you are ever in the Midwest of America, head to Wisconsin. There you will find a place called House of Guinness. The walls are lined with beer glasses and mugs, there’s plenty of Irish music on rotation, it serves Irish food every night of the week and they only serve Guinness. However, this bar isn’t owned by an Irishman or family named O’Guinness (that we know of).
At House of Guinness, what’s more, important than being 100% Irish is that everything in the bar is black. Why? Well when Orangemen were barred from pubs across Ireland during ‘The Troubles’, they decided to start their own bars. They made everything black so it resembled traditional mourning clothes. It was a symbol of solidarity and resistance, as well as a nice hat tip to their shared Irish ‘goth’ subculture.
In all seriousness though, House of Guinness has a good reason for being black. Milwaukee is the most segregated city in the US. The Irish here were part of a white underclass that was often abused in bars around the city, so they decided to band together in a place where they could truly be themselves – in all senses of the word. Today it is one of the best-loved pubs in Milwaukee, if not America.
It is easy when trying to do something unique or different with your bar design to swing too far from reality and create an experience that fails at drawing customers .
Bars are great platforms on which to work this kind of stuff but make sure you can actually make money out of it. Some clever design choices and original ideas in the right place will go a long way if done right.
There are many ways to make your bar stand out; whether it’s creating an experience for customers, having great decor, or theme-based drinks menus. The most important thing is that you’re confident with what you’re doing. This is especially true when trying something different – people expect run-of-the-mill disco nights in pubs around here, not floating vampires outside theirs (though they should be). Really give a thought about who your target market is before adding anything too drastic to your venue.
Bars are all about entertainment, so use the space at your disposal. Get people involved, either through games or entertainment nights etcetera. Don’t be afraid to push the boat out and really give customers something to talk about post-visit – whether that’s good or bad.
How High Should a Basement Bar Be? (cre: thisoldhouse)
What kind of wood should I use for a bar top?
We’ve created a list of the top five best kinds of wood for bars and countertops. The list offers wood durability and workability ratings along with the pros and cons of each type. It also includes care tips that you can follow to ensure that your new bar or countertop is still in good shape after years of use.
Sustainably-grown ipe has an excellent strength-to-weight ratio, so it’s perfect for outdoor projects such as decks, patios, poolside bars and tabletops. Its color varies from pale yellow-green to dark green and it has a coarse texture.
On the Janka hardness scale, ipe ranks as the hardest of all woods with a rating of 4,220 (scale of 1-10; 10 is hardest). Its incredible durability makes it suitable for countertops that will be exposed to heavy wear and tear such as those in bars. On its downside, interlocked grain can make nailing difficult for novice woodworkers (but not impossible!). A sealed finish protects against water stains and is required for outdoor use.
- Pros: Durable material suitable for outdoor conditions; great workability; lightweight .
- Cons: Expensive; interlocked grain makes nailing difficult; risk of scratches without protective coating.
Teak is a classic wood used for outdoor living products such as poolside bars and high-end decks.
It’s an increasingly popular choice for home bars, too. Teak weathers beautifully and darkens with age to a golden yellow color. Its coarse texture gives it an old-world feel that you just don’t get with other woods! The oil in teak makes it naturally resistant to water, though we still recommend sealing your teak bar top regularly to protect against stains and spills.
On the Janka hardness scale, teak has a rating of 1,320 (scale of 1-10; 10 is hardest). This makes it suitable for use indoors under normal conditions but not durable enough for outdoor countertops or tabletops that will be exposed to the elements. Teak’s beautiful golden color requires regular oiling to retain its rich hue; just remember not to oil unfinished teak or you’ll seal in moisture and cause the wood to swell!
- Pros: Naturally resistant to water; beautiful golden color
- Cons: More sensitive than other woods to heat, cold, and intense sunlight; difficult refinishing if scratched or stained; has a greater risk of swelling if unfinished.
Why do wet bars have sinks?
A wet bar sometimes referred to as a “bar sink”, is often equipped with its own small faucet or sink. The reason behind this is that it makes clean-up easier than having to reach the main kitchen sink for every glass you’ve dirtied.
A wet bar’s small size also lends itself more easily to be outfitted with an installment directly into your cabinetry or countertop, making it easy to install and more attractive-looking.
Is my home appropriate for a wet bar?
If you’re considering adding one of these bars in your home, there are several factors that need to be taken into consideration first. While the presence of wet bars can help increase both the value and resale potential of your property, they can also prove to be a costly addition, depending on what type of bar you’re looking to install.
A wet bar is something that most homeowners will want to consider after they’ve lived with their homes for some time. After enjoying the space without one, most people are quite glad they don’t have it when it’s finally installed because it takes away from the rest of the house.
It’s not uncommon for homeowners who’ve had their homes outfitted with wet bars to later take them out or sell them once moved into another home.
Generally speaking, your home doesn’t need much more than a regular-sized sink in order to warrant the inclusion of a small wet bar area inside of it. Most people just do this as a matter of convenience in order to have a place nearby that they can easily dispose of dirty dishes or fill up water glasses. If you feel that you’re not using the space properly, it’s usually best to just take it out.
What is an under-mount sink?
An undermount sink refers to any sink installation where the bowl itself is sunken into the counter – or below it – so that no part of its rim is exposed.
Undermount sinks are great for kitchens because their smooth surfaces make them easier to clean and maintain than traditional sink installations. They also don’t let dirt get trapped anywhere in between their edges like what might occur with an above-the-countertop type installation.
Many people prefer these types of sinks for their new kitchen sink installation, as they make it easy to wipe up crumbs and other small bits of food without taking the time to reach under the counter.
Is there a major difference between drop-in and undermount sinks?
There have been a number of advancements in the world of kitchen appliances since their invention, but most renovations still take place with one goal in mind: making life easier. One such development that has simplified the art of home renovation is that of sink installation.
While traditional kitchen sinks required a great deal more work during installation, contemporary models have now been designed so as to fit seamlessly into any existing space…even those which are mounted directly on top of your countertop surface rather than below it.
Since a drop-in sink installation has become the more popular choice in recent years, an undermount model can be seen as being more of a specialty item.
These have the added benefit of increasing your countertop’s usable space while increasing your chances that no dirt or food particles will get trapped beneath them. In this way, you’re able to better keep your household cleaner and safer for everyone.
Conclusion
The height of your basement bar should be determined by the size and shape of the room. If you have a very small space, it is best to put on an island or countertop with stools rather than a table and chairs.
For larger rooms, tables can work well as long as they are not too high for people to get up from easily. When determining what type of furniture will go into your new basement bar, keep these considerations in mind so that all guests feel comfortable during their visit.
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