Building a Basement Wet Bar

Basement Bar Planning

The first thing that should be considered when creating a basement bar is whether or not you'd like a "wet bar" - a bar with a sink and plumbing. This will enable you to have a convenient place to dispose of drinks and ice and assist with washing glasses and countertops. Additionally, a bar with plumbing can also be attached to an ice machine or small dishwasher for added convenience, depending on your budget for the space. Plumbing is an added expense on the job, but it is possible run pipes to the bar within a reasonable budget, with some homeowners even opting to simply run lines to the wet bar from their hot and cold washing machine lines to serve their needs.

Basement Bar Designs

Basement bars come in two basic designs: a basement back bar or a classic basement bar design like the one shown above. Basement back bars offer the advantage of using minimal floor space in the area while giving the added convenience of a self-serve design. A classic basement bar design adds a convenient and comfortable social center in the bar where the host can chat with friends and family while they relax and enjoy the party.

A very popular option that many homeowners choose is a combination classic and back basement bar design. This allows for increased storage space, a sleek design, and more options for accessories such as a kitchenette, blender, or mirror on the back bar. Many homeowners who opt for the combination basement bar will also install a flat screen TV on the side for guests and host alike to enjoy. If you're planning on installing shelving on the walls themselves or mounting a plasma TV, Total Basement Finishing's EverLast Basement Wall Panels are a much better choice than finishing the walls with drywall, as each square foot of paneling can hold up to 300 pounds of weight without the need to locate a stud. Also unlike drywall, it has a 50 year warranty against mold and moisture- even if the basement floods, and its durable surface and stand up to the wear and tear of an entertainment room.

Basement Bar Layout

Homeowners wishing to create a basement bar should also consider the shape and location of the bar. Basement bars often look their best when located in the corner of a room, but some homeowners will design them around the entrance to a door or by a staircase to give a snug, welcoming feel to the room. If your home has a location (such as being located on a hill or by a lake with a basement view through sliding doors), you can position the bar so that your guests can sit and enjoy the view. 90 degree angles can naturally lend themselves to socialization as guests sit shoulder to shoulder, but curved designs are very attractive to the eye and can give more room behind the bar for the host to move around in. Creativity is only limited to your imagination if the bar is to be custom built.

As an additional point, some basement bars can be built to be moveable within the area. If you want additional versatility with your design, using lighter materials and building a smaller, mobile design can allow you to change the layout of the basement to best serve each occasion. Wheels can even be added on very small designs for ease of movement.

Cabinets and Refrigeration

While saving space in a basement bar design is critical, it's always a good idea to plan for at least 50% more space than you think you'll need in your basement bar. As you use your basement bar more often and your preferences and tastes diversify, you'll find yourself accumulating a wider collection of different liquors.

Installing a high-quality, spacious wine fridge is key. White wine, beer, and many other drinks are best served chilled, and vodka will need to be stored in the freezer. Additionally, you'll want to have room for the nonalcoholic items that need refrigeration such as milk, cream, fruit juices, olives, cherries, fresh fruit, seltzer water, sodas, etc. And many homeowners underestimate their need for ice- be sure to make as much space as possible to store an ample supply.

Basement Bar Construction

While the accessories for a basement bar (such as sports memorabilia, a plasma TV, a sound system, or an arcade game/pinball machine) can get expensive, a basement bar itself can be surprisingly inexpensive. There are some great and affordable basement bar plans available at Precision Images Design that can help you turn a finished basement into a fantastic entertainment room that you can enjoy for decades to come! When selecting your 3D bar plan, consider these important areas:

Basement Bar Surface

A basement bar's surface is going to come in regular contact with food and spilled drinks. Marble and many wood surfaces are susceptible to stains and damage. Instead, try using granite tile or Formica to create a long-lasting easy to clean surface. Also, be sure to install a raised area on the guest side of bar for them to rest their elbows without the discomfort of a square edge. This raised area will also prevent spilled drinks from running off the bar and into their laps.

Bar Shelving Tiers

Traditionally, a bar is built in three tiers: the lower part of the bar where the bartender or host works, a narrow shelf where the glasses are placed and filled, and the top of the bar where drinks are served. An upper tier on the ceiling or mounted at the tip of the bar structure may also be added, giving room for stem glassware storage.

Basement Bar Stools & Foot Rails

Bar stools should have nice cushions and arm rests for maximum comfort in the long-term. A foot rail, whether simply made of wood or constructed of solid brass, will add a great authentic look and feel to the bar as well- just be sure to install one that can take some heavy use. A sports game can last several hours, and it's nice to be able to lean back, put up your feet, and relax.

Basement Bar Flooring

Don't waste your money on expensive bamboo flooring or absorbent wood that will soak up stains and be ruined. Linoleum, vinyl, and laminate placed directly on the basement floor will adhere poorly and can be ruined by moisture on and underneath the basement floor. Ceramic, stone, and marble tiles are somewhat better surfaces but can be slippery and are a cold surface that's uncomfortable underfoot. Additionally, they're unforgiving surfaces to fall on, and they can shatter easily on impact from dropped objects.

Total Basement Finishing's ThermalDry flooring is as much as ten degrees warmer than other tiled surfaces and will not be affected by moisture. Alternatively, MillCreek flooring will never stain from food or liquids, and its unique anti-slip design will add the beauty of hardwood flooring to make an impressive basement bar. Both products are made of completely inorganic materials that will not support the growth of mold and mildew, making them perfect for the job.

Basement Lighting for a Bar:

Lighting can be the most challenging part of finishing a basement. One great way to light the area is with many small recessed lights in the ceiling, ideally installed with a dimmer feature. Hanging pendant lighting can add a nice touch, but if you have a TV mounted, they may get in the way of the view. Leaving a few standing lights around is also a good idea, as it can give a more comfortable, traditional look to the area. Depending on the design, neon lights can also be a fun addition as well.