The Complete Guide to Turning Kitchen Cabinets into Your Dream Home Bar

Want to stop imagining that perfect home bar and finally start building one? Transforming existing kitchen cabinets into a fully-functioning wet bar or drink station is an achievable weekend project for DIYers. With some strategic planning, material sourcing, and elbow grease, you can build the at-home hangout spot of your dreams.

Read on to learn essential tips for designing the layout, selecting cabinetry, adding countertops and backsplashes, integrating equipment, and installing plumbing. Let’s get started planning your customized drinking destination!

Planning Your Home Bar Layout and Design

The first and most exciting step is deciding on the general look, location, size, and flow of your DIY bar area. Map out an overall vision before finalizing practical details.

Choosing the Location

Popular spots for home pubs include basement spaces outfitted as wet bars, kitchen islands with drink-making stations, and living room cabinetry converted to serve liquor. The location should balance visibility, traffic flow, and access to plumbing. Measure out the area to ensure your layout plans will fit.

Basements make ideal bar areas, especially when designed into a separate room. The downstairs area stays cooler for beverage storage and offers privacy. Islands bring the bar into the social kitchen hub. For easy entertaining access, turn living room or dining room cabinetry into a drink nook.

Bar Size and Cabinet Requirements

Consider the size of your available space and how many people you want to accommodate. This determines the bar length and needed cabinetry. Allow room for people to sit or stand around it. Standard home bars span 4 to 12 feet.

Take measurements to calculate linear footage and interior cubic footage needed. You’ll need a mix of cabinet formats like lower enclosed cabinets for storage and upper open shelving for display. Optimize every inch while allowing bar access.

Aesthetic Design Elements

The style choices bring visual appeal. Browse Pinterest and Houzz for inspiration on color schemes, lighting, and decorative details. For a rustic pub look, incorporate reclaimed wood accents and vintage lighting. Or go bold with sleek modern bar features like pendant lamps and glossy cabinetry.

Factor in planned barware collections and glassware. Envision how they’ll look displayed in your finished bar space. Lighting casts the right ambiance, from accent lighting on shelves to a statement neon sign.

Selecting the Right Cabinetry

The cabinetry provides the literal foundation for building your home bar. You have several options for sourcing and customizing cabinet boxes, doors, and hardware into a unified look.

Using Existing Kitchen Cabinets

For major cost savings, reuse all or some of your current kitchen cabinetry. Evaluate condition first. Refinish, paint, or reface worn cabinets to look fresh again. Modifying sizes may be needed to fit the new bar outline.

Kitchen cabinets are ideal for adapting into bar storage and display. Enclosed lower cabinets securely store liquor and bar accessories out of sight. Upper cabinets become open shelving to exhibit glassware collections.

Buying New Custom Cabinets

If starting from scratch, customized cabinetry transforms the space. Play with materials like stained wood, colorful laminates, or sleek metal. Work with a local cabinet maker to get capabilities like unique sizes, drawers, dividers, and more.

New cabinetry allows you to optimize every section of your bar area with specialized storage and displays. But the costs add up quickly. Determine must-have features versus DIY options to balance the budget.

Mixing New and Existing Cabinets

You can blend old and new cabinets for a hybrid approach. Refresh existing cabinets then supplement with new customized pieces as needed. Use caution to match styles, dimensions, and finishings.

Try maintaining consistent cabinet heights and depths. Depth may vary in older kitchen cabinets. Filler strips or side panels hide any gaps well. Mix and match to build your perfect bar foundation.

Countertops and Backsplashes

Choosing the right countertop surface impacts aesthetics and functionality. You want an attractive, durable material that holds up to heavy use and spills. Backsplashes also add protection and visual flair.

Granite, quartz, wood, laminate, and tile make great bartop options. Granite and quartz offer sleek elegance that resist scratches, stains, and heat. Go for waterproof materials like quartz if incorporating sinks.

Consider integrating drainboards, sinks, and drink rails. An overhang around the perimeter creates leaning space. Add metal or tile backsplashes to prevent liquor splatters on the wall.

Essential Bar Equipment and Accessories

Once cabinetry is complete, it’s time to outfit the bar with the equipment, accessories, and decorative elements that make it fully functional and inviting. From plumbing to glassware racks, don’t overlook key components.

Plumbing Elements

At minimum, most home bars need a sink, drainage, and water supply. Reach the plumbing in your planned location to simplify connections. Stainless steel sinks come in bar-height single, double, and triple bowl options.

Cooler systems like refrigerators, wine fridges, or kegerators require nearby electrical connections plus water lines for ice makers and chilled drinks. Hire a pro if plumbing seems complex.

Functional Bar Gear

Beyond plumbing, stock up on barware essentials like shakers, strainers, and jiggers. Rail systems hang stemware overhead and speed wells organize liquor pours. Cutting boards, ice buckets, muddlers, and bottle openers maximize functionality.

Include small appliances like blenders, ice makers, and mini fridges or wine coolers for storage. Don’t forget the all-important napkins, coasters, and garnishes.

Decorative Touches

Finally, incorporate decorative elements that delight bar guests. Wall-mounted shelves and hanging glass racks elegantly display glassware collections and bottles. Coasters, soap dispensers, trays, and catch-alls add handy touches.

Include fun accents like custom pub signs, printed tin tiles as a backsplash, or sport team accessories. Layer on the finishing design touches to complete the experience.

Installing and Finishing the Bar Cabinetry

With all supplies in place, tackle installation and final construction. Safety and precision come first when securing cabinetry. Then integrate countertops, backsplashes, and plumbing neatly.

Assembling and Securing Cabinets

Assemble modular cabinet pieces like puzzle pieces using provided hardware. Level with shims and secure to wall studs, especially upper pieces. Anti-tip brackets prevent toppling.

Anchor securely to support weight without sagging long-term. Uneven walls may require scribe molding fillers. Take time to get cabinet alignment perfect before moving on.

Countertop and Backsplash Installation

Getting a precise field measure is crucial before countertop fabrication. Hire professionals for fabrication, then enlist an experienced contractor for error-free installation. The same goes for intricate tile backsplashes.

Do a dry test run ensuring cabinets, countertops, and backsplashes align cleanly. Use caulk to seal edges. Remove doors during installation to avoid damage until materials cure.

Integrating Plumbing and Electrical

With surfaces in place, add plumbing, electrical, and ventilation. A professional handles faucet hookups, sink drainage, and new water lines and outlets the best. Integrate drains and garbage disposals neatly.

Ventilation prevents moisture and odors. Mini-split units keep wine and beer cool. Lighting fixtures, outlets, and switches complete the built-ins. Take care to meet building codes.

Put the finishing touches on your newly minted home bar with stylish decor and regular upkeep. Keep your barware sparkling and surfaces clear for guests to enjoy.

Display prized liquor collections and bar tools prominently. Style shelves with artwork, greenery, and accessories. Proper cleaning and sealing maintains the cabinetry and countertops.

To prevent damage, attach protective bumpers to bar fronts. Establish smart operating rules like drink coasters and wiping spills quickly. Keep your home bar looking freshly built for years of entertainment to come!

Now that you’re equipped with a complete how-to guide, it’s time to start building your dream bar. Got questions as you begin your project? Let us know in the comments below!