Entertaining at home has become an appealing option, especially in today’s economy. Installing a ready-made home bar or building one of your own will require an upfront investment. However, a home bar will not only help add value to your home, over time, it can also help you save money. Commercial bars charge a lot of money for drinks and entertainment. In addition, there are costs for transportation and if you take the chance of driving while drinking, you risk possible legal problems or injury to yourself and others. If you enjoy having a few drinks with friends on the weekends, a home bar may be a great investment.
Build your own home bar.
If you are the do-it-yourself type and have a basic knowledge of woodworking and your own tools, you may want to consider building your own home bar. You may also be able to save even more money if you know where to get reclaimed lumber. The type of wood you will need to build the frame for a bar includes two by fours and plywood. You will also need materials for the top of the bar, such as granite, tile or a higher-quality wood, traditional bar molding and a foot rail.
If you feel experienced enough to follow plans from diagrams alone, you may want to try Bar Plans Online. The plans are free and you can find the list for the supplies on the website. This site also has a forum in case you have problems, questions or need advice.
Another option for home bar plans is to become a member of Easy Home Bar Plans. For around $20, you get access to about 10 different home bar plans as downloadable PDF files, a bar back and home jukebox plan . This site also has a large gallery of pictures where you can view other member’s completed projects.
Purchase a ready-made home bar.
You can purchase a ready-made home bar that is more like a piece of furniture rather than a permanent fixture in your home. These bars are available in different styles and finishes, allowing you to choose the style that best fits with the rest of your home’s décor. In addition to the bar itself, you can add other furnishings such as pub tables, chairs and bar stools to help complete the look and feel of your home bar design. You can find ready-made bars and other home bar furnishings at:
- Bars and Stools USA
- Home Bars Online
- The Wine Enthusiast
Don’t forget about outdoor and patio bars for summer entertaining.
When the weather warms up, you may want to move the party outdoors. There are many great options for outdoor bars. One of the most popular looks for an outdoor bar is a tropical, bamboo Tiki style, like this one offered at Home Bars Online:
Bamboo Island Tiki Bar
Whether you add a permanent upgrade to your home with a custom-built bar or you invest in a ready-made, portable bar that can go with you if you move, a home bar is a worthwhile investment for those who love entertaining at home.
