The bar counter in modern kitchens is an increasingly common design element of the room. It is relevant everywhere - both in country houses and in small apartments. Here, the bar counter is even more relevant, because with its help you can make the most optimal use of every centimeter of space. The bar counter can play the role of a wall that separates the kitchen from the living room, table, and places for guests to relax. Let us dwell on how to make a bar counter with your own hands.
Making a bar counter in the kitchen with your own hands is quite simple. This type of furniture is considered simple to execute and does not require high qualifications in the field of joinery and carpentry. The main thing is to decide on the design and choose the right tools and quality materials.
Depending on the design of the kitchen, the appearance of the counter itself is also developed. It can be made simply in the form of a high table, or a countertop with a cabinet, or it can have additional shelves. In this case, you will need a pipe that will act as a support. The selection of materials is carried out in accordance with the design of the bar counter.
- Chipboard or MDF;
- plywood;
- wood;
- postforming;
- plastic;
- drywall;
- brick;
- stainless pipe; perforated metal sheets for decorative finishing.
Of the tools you will need:
- jigsaw;
- drill;
- Screwdriver Set;
- fixture.
Characteristics of materials
Plastic
- light;
- easy to process;
- durable - does not fade or fade;
- inexpensive.
However, the plastic is not very durable and looks quite cheap. Do-it-yourself respectable bar counter for the kitchen cannot be made from it.
Laminated chipboard or MDF
Chipboard and MDF boards can be found in color, with imitation of wood texture, as well as with imitation natural stone. This allows you to create furniture for the kitchen of a wide variety of styles.
Among the shortcomings of such a material, the main one can be distinguished - it costs much more than plastic. durable;
Advantages of laminated panels made of chipboard or MDF:
- resistant to moisture;
- have a wide range of colors;
- look modern.
Drywall
- light;
- cuts well - it is easy to give it any configuration;
- inexpensive.
With the help of drywall, you can connect the bar to the ceiling, making the interior visually "collected"
From drywall, you can make racks of any shape, even the most intricate. This is convenient when you want to create an extravagant interior, costing a minimum of funds. But we must remember that drywall is afraid of shock and moisture.
Wood
Natural wood can make a very respectable, expensive looking rack. But here you will need skills in handling the material. The disadvantages of wood include the fact that it can be deformed due to changes in humidity in the kitchen. In addition, working with it will require a professional tool for trimming (end trimming), which not everyone has.
Where to stay
- Chipboard;
- fiberboard;
- MDF.
They are easier to process with a conventional jigsaw.
Also, to make a bar counter for the kitchen with your own hands, you can use ready-made parts sold in hardware stores - finished countertops, postforming plates, MDF facades for making cabinets.
Brick is used to make the base for the rack. But it should be borne in mind that this is a rather heavy material. In some cases, it is better to use metal corners and pipes.
Rack manufacturing
The bar counter consists of:
- countertops;
- grounds;
- additional elements.
These can be shelves, which will be held by a metal pipe or boxes and shelves that are placed in the base. As a rule, the height of the countertop in the bar counter should be equal to the height of the desktop or be slightly higher.
Racks can be single or multi-level. The height of the rack is usually at least 1.5 m.
Countertop manufacturing
The tabletop is one of the main parts of the product. She sets the tone. The tabletop must be:
- durable;
- resistant to mechanical damage, moisture, chemicals;
- aesthetic.
You can make a countertop yourself from chipboard, fiberboard, MDF. In this case, using an electric jigsaw, a part of the desired configuration is cut out of the plate. According to the applied markup, it must be cut out.
Next, the saw cut places - the ends must be carefully cleaned and give them a finished look. The ends must be pasted over with a special material, then the countertop will take on a factory look and look aesthetically pleasing. In addition, trimming will protect the kitchen countertop material from destruction.
For processing the ends, plastic strips or melamine end edges are used, which can be bought in stores. At home, it is difficult to glue plastic without special tools with your own hands. But if there is a tool for cutting a groove, then plastic tape would be preferable. In this case, you need to make a groove along the end, and then glue the plastic edging into the groove. The use of plastic edging on the ends will ensure long term product service and will help to achieve an aesthetic and respectable appearance a.
If you do not want the bar to serve for decades, then it is best to use the melamine edge. It is glued easily and simply with an ordinary iron, and everyone can cope with this work, with a certain training.
You can make a tabletop from postforming, or purchase a ready-made version. In this case, you do not have to cut out the part of the countertop and edging the ends.
Base making
A headset or a bar pipe can serve as the base of the counter if the bar counter is planned to be of a "light" type
The base can be a metal structure (you will need corners or a pipe), chipboard, fiberboard, a brick wall, even an aquarium. An aquarium with fish as a cabinet looks extremely original and expensive - the place on which the countertop lies. If you decide to bet on an aquarium, then you need to choose a model made of thick-walled glass that can withstand heavy loads. Such an aquarium is expensive, although the result is worth it.
Brickwork looks very monumental and respectable. In this case, it is preferable to use a facing brick. As a rule, it is used to decorate the island bar counter in the kitchen. In this case, the countertop for the kitchen should be made of stone, postforming or solid board.
A chipboard or MDF base would be much more economical. At the same time, the frame can be made of timber, or of metal corners. The main advantage of such structures is their low weight and the ability to attach the base to the floor, which only makes the kitchen rack more stable. Here you can make a cabinet, drawers, shelves, which simultaneously act as decorative elements and as additional storage places.
The timber frame is fastened with self-tapping screws. Next, the frame is sheathed with chipboard or MDF sheets. The ends of chipboard parts are processed in the same way as the ends of the countertops. You can use ready-made MDF facades for kitchen sets. They will play the role of doors. In the same way, ready-made shelves made of chipboard are inserted into the frame, which can be purchased at a hardware store, and the sides of the frame are sheathed with chipboard sheets of a suitable color.
Do-it-yourself bar counter for the kitchen (video)
Bar mount
Most often, the design of the rack suggests that it is attached to the wall with one edge, and its other edge rests on the rack, the role of which is played by a chrome-plated bar pipe for the kitchen. Buying it is not a problem - a pipe of various modifications is sold in any construction and furniture stores and in kitchen accessories stores.
In order for the rack structure to be strong, the pipe must be well fixed. For its fastening, at least 4 fixation points are required. Two should be responsible for holding the countertop, 2 more - to fix the pipe to the floor and ceiling. In this case, the pipe must pass through the countertop - for this, a hole is made in the latter equal to the diameter of the pipe.
Making a bar counter with your own hands is not at all difficult. It will cost much less than purchased and, with the right quality performance, it will look more expensive, because it will make the interior of the house unique and exclusive. The main thing is to choose good quality materials and carefully carry out all the work on the manufacture of the rack.
Initially, the bar counter was a slightly modified counter. It appeared in North America at the end of the 28th century and marked the emergence of a new style, a whole cultural layer. Unlike the counter, the main task of which was to create a barrier between the seller and the buyer, the bar counter has significantly expanded its functions, it has become a kind of communication center, a place for eating or strong drinks. Quite quickly, the optimal height and width, the arrangement of the rack were determined, and a kind of bar culture was formed. It is noteworthy that in Russia this type of service in cereal establishments was not accepted, fast food or drinking at the counter was not practiced. Racks, typical for a bar in Europe or America, were not used in Russia for a long time. Meanwhile, the number of bars grew, they appeared in Europe and dispersed around the world. They exist almost unchanged to this day.
Bar counters installed in apartments have only some similarities with real counters. both functionally and externally. Rather, they are dining tables stylized in a certain way and installed in the kitchen. They perform other tasks and are made to create a special atmosphere in the apartment.
Why are bar counters made in the apartment
The bar counter installed in the apartment performs, for the most part, decorative functions. Such a counter cannot fulfill its intended purpose, being, in fact, a replacement or addition to an ordinary kitchen table. At the same time, if the apartment is a studio, then the counter defines a certain boundary and cuts off the living area from the kitchen. It performs the same functions in re-planned apartments, where the wall separating the kitchen from the adjacent room has been dismantled. The rack is installed on the line separating the kitchen from the room, which creates a conditional barrier between the zones and provides a visible border. From the side of the room, bar stools or stools are usually installed, which, in addition to fulfilling their direct duties, emphasize the difference between the inside and outside.
In addition, in a small kitchen, installing a bar counter allows you to save space, distribute it more economically, which somewhat expands the area of \u200b\u200bthe room. An ordinary kitchen table, attached to the wall, allows you to use only the free sides, and the rack provides access from outside, from the room, thereby freeing up space in the kitchen for household chores. The width of the rack provides additional space savings, as the work surface has a narrowed and elongated shape, freeing up some space.
The decorative possibilities created by the rack make the room more stylish, modern and significantly change its appearance. The room to some extent turns into a common hall of a bar or cafe, the counter becomes a kind of center that combines the space of the room and the kitchen into a single harmonious ensemble. The kitchen area has a logical and understandable border, which is especially important for studio apartments.
Types of bar counters
There are quite a few options for bar counters installed in apartments. They differ in many ways. So, according to the shape of the working surface, there are:
- Direct.
- Curved.
- U- or L-shaped racks.
According to the type of rack design are:
- Single-level.
- Duplex.
Mounting type:
- Cantilever with fastening to the wall on one side (straight or L-shaped).
- Cantilever with fastening to the wall on both sides (straight or U-shaped).
- Island (completely separate racks that do not have attachment to the wall).
In addition, there are racks that are only a work surface, and options with a table top mounted on a cabinet. The first ones look lighter, airy, and do not take up much space.
The second ones are more solid, the cabinet has a significant capacity and allows you to store various kitchen or tableware in it.
There are a lot of design options for bar counters for the home, which allows the owner to choose the most suitable option for themselves. On the Internet, there are many photographs of various constructive and design solutions that can serve as the basis for your own bar counter project, created by yourself.
Features of installing a bar counter in a small and large kitchen
For large kitchens, installing a bar counter will not create any special problems. It is possible to create even the most space-demanding island rack, located separately, having an approach from any side. The situation is more complicated with small kitchens, the area of \u200b\u200bwhich is limited and does not allow you to place extra furniture. Usually there is no free area on them, all the space is occupied by the headset. As a way out, the combination of the kitchen with the room is used. The wall separating these rooms is dismantled, and the counter becomes the border of the kitchen and room zones. This option frees up the kitchen area, as it becomes possible to remove the kitchen table from it. In addition, people sitting at the counter are mostly in the room, which also frees up space in the kitchen.
Attention! You can combine the kitchen and the room only if there are electric stoves. If the house is gasified, such an association is strictly prohibited. In addition, the layout of some apartments simply does not allow you to expand the kitchen. In such cases, the manufacture of a bar counter has to be abandoned.
What can you make a bar counter from?
There are enough manufacturing options to be able to choose. There are samples made of various materials:
- Drywall.
- Chipboard (MDF, plywood, chipboard, etc.).
- Brick.
- Wood.
There are racks made of completely exotic materials, such as those shown in the figure.
The abundance of options can be expanded to infinity, there are no restrictions in this matter. Each option has its own characteristics, pros and cons, it allows you to create a specific design, emphasize the overall look of the room. The rack can be made the central piece of the interior, around which the rest of the composition is created, or harmoniously fit into the space of the room, without making it too stand out, “flashy” element. Most often, they try to bring the design as close as possible to the existing kitchen set, or at least use the same countertop as the set. This makes the interior more uniform, eliminates excessive variegation, which is already enough for the kitchen area.
A common option is a combination of different materials. For example, a plasterboard cabinet is created, and on the outside it is finished with clinker tiles. The counter looks like it was built of brick, but it has less weight, and the interior space of the cabinet is not reduced at all. Various options for cladding with artificial panels that imitate stone, wood texture, etc. are also used. There are a lot of options, you can use any one that suits the style or the capabilities of the master.
Material selection
An important point in creating a stand with your own hands is the choice of material. A large number of possible options often creates some confusion, making it difficult to make a decision. Selection criterion in this case should consider their own capabilities and skills. If you have experience with wood, then it is best to use it and prefer wood. For those who had to work with drywall, the best choice this material will become, etc.
At the same time, one must remember about the correspondence between the appearance of the rack and the kitchen set or the interior of the room, if the rack goes out one side into it. The design can be made in accordance with one or another option, but you can also combine them, for example, using a table top like a headset, and finish the cabinet in the style of the walls or room furniture.
An equally important criterion for choosing a material is its cost. Excessive costs are not needed by anyone, so it is not advisable to use too expensive or exotic materials. It should be borne in mind that the bar counter itself is a rather eye-catching piece of furniture, so its excessive decoration with elite materials can cause the opposite effect of inconsistency of furnishings.
Create a project
Before you start purchasing materials, you need to carefully and in detail think about how to make a bar counter with your own hands. Significant assistance in this matter will be the creation of a project or a working drawing that displays all dimensions, materials, details and stages of building a product. The project will help eliminate errors, acquire a sufficient amount of material, cut and connect it correctly. Equally important is the method of attachment to the floor and wall, which must also be thought out in advance and displayed in the working drawing. It is not necessary to draw it up according to all the rules of GOST, but, in any case, the project should be well read and understandable from the first time not only to the author, but also to other people. In the work, an unforeseen situation may arise when you have to involve a specialist to provide assistance. You will have to explain your plan to him, and then the project will be able to significantly simplify the task.
Bar counter height
This parameter is important, since the height is one of the main features that distinguish the bar counter from the table. The fact is that the rack is optimized for standing man, and not under sitting on a chair. Therefore, bar stools or stools have a much higher height than ordinary ones. The average height of the racks is in the range of 1.1-1.3 m, although there are also lower models - from 0.75 m. Most often, such samples are included in the package of kitchen sets and represent a stylized dining table.
The choice of height is the prerogative of the owner, it is not customary to give any advice in this case. However, the geometric proportions of the product should be taken into account when choosing the height of the rack, so that the appearance is a harmonious and aesthetically pleasing spectacle. It is recommended to apply the rule of the "golden section", making the stand visually proportional and harmonious, correct.
Manufacturing procedure
Consider several options self-manufacturing bar counter from various materials.
How to make a countertop bar
This option is the easiest, available to everyone. For manufacturing, you will need a piece of countertop from a kitchen set, a pair of brackets for cantilever mounting to the wall and a metal support for the free end of the countertop. Installation is carried out in stages:
Mounting points for fasteners for the countertop are marked on the wall. Their height must correspond to the height of the metal support, otherwise the surface will not be horizontal.
The free end of the countertop is cut into an oval (or at least the corners are rounded). Edge material is glued to the end part, the edges are cleaned with fine sandpaper.
The metal support is attached to the tabletop. After that, the tabletop is fixed on the wall, then, aligning the support with a plumb or building level, it is attached to the floor.
The resulting counter is more of a cantilevered dining table, but this design has its merits - it looks light and doesn't overload the kitchen space.
How to make a drywall bar counter
This material has its own set of components that allow you to create a supporting structure of almost any degree of complexity. Smooth curved lines, or non-rectangular rack shapes are possible. In this regard, the material is very promising and allows you to create fancy designs for every taste. In addition, only metal guides can be used, and the created structure can be sheathed with other materials, for example, fiberboard. This option allows you to sheathe curved surfaces without "steps".
The supporting structure is created according to the design data. The frame is assembled according to the rules for working with guides for gypsum boards. For work you will need:
- Metal scissors.
- Electric drill or screwdriver.
- Pliers.
- Self-tapping screws with a tip for a drill 10 mm long for assembling the structure.
To speed up the work, all frame parts are pre-cut to length. AT right places all assembly sites are cut out, the structure is assembled on self-tapping screws. The finished frame is installed on the floor and attached to it and to the wall. If the shape of the support is complex, then sometimes it is more convenient to first sheathe the frame from the inside, then put it in place, fix it, and then sheathe it from the outside.
From the side of the kitchen, either an open shelf or a cabinet closed with doors is usually made. If there is no desire to mess with the hinges or lining of the inner part, then you can make a closed deaf tube that only serves as a base for the countertop.
If necessary, the kit includes a cornice or visor. The visor stand looks more collected, attractive and is the most common option. Various accessories for hanging wine glasses, lighting, and other hanging elements are installed on it. The visor is attached in a cantilever manner to the wall, and the free end rests on a bar tube stand mounted on the tabletop. To install the bar pipe, special fasteners are used, which are purchased with it. The diameter of the pipe is chosen independently, guided by the proportions of the rack.
The finished frame is sheathed with drywall. The corners are reinforced with a special perforated metal corner or nylon mesh, which are subsequently hidden under a layer of putty. The entire surface is cleaned first with a larger, then fine sandpaper and painted or pasted over with wallpaper to match the decoration of the walls of the room.
The tabletop is installed last (before mounting the visor). It is attached from the inside of the cabinet to the corners or screwed onto self-tapping screws through metal guides.
Bar counter made of wood
The creation of a wooden bar counter takes place in several stages:
- Cabinet assembly. To do this, it is necessary to connect a frame of wooden bars according to the working drawing, and then sheathe it on the outside with clapboard, boards, chipboard, plywood or other materials.
- A pedestal assembled from panels according to the type of assembly of interior doors looks good, but this requires the presence of many woodworking machines, which is not available to everyone.
- Sheathing. The most common option is lining with clapboard, lath or planed boards. For fastening, thin finishing nails, special lining clamps, thin self-tapping screws are used.
- Cabinet finishing. For this, stain and varnish, paint or other finishing materials are used. The most preferred material is a water soluble parquet varnish. It is very durable, odorless, dries quickly enough and protects the cabinet well from external influences.
Bar counter made of laminated chipboard
To assemble a chipboard rack, you will need the following tools:
- Hand saw or electric jigsaw.
- Electric drill, screwdriver.
- Square, ruler, pencil.
- Fasteners, fittings, edging material.
- Electric iron.
The use of laminated chipboard to create a support pedestal greatly facilitates the finishing and does not require the creation of a frame, since the entire structure is self-supporting. For assembly you will need:
- Cut chipboard into assembly parts according to the project.
- Stick on the edge material. This is easiest to do with an iron set to slightly above average. The edge is needed with a pre-applied adhesive layer. After gluing, the excess is carefully cut off with a sharp knife, the corner is lightly sanded with fine sandpaper so as not to scratch the front side of the chipboard.
- The assembly of the curbstone is made on confirmation, corners or furniture ties. The choice of fasteners depends on the availability of tools and skills in working with chipboard. The simplest connection option is corners, the most difficult is furniture ties.
- Installation of the assembled pedestal can be done without fastening to the wall, only to the floor. Since the cabinet itself is quite stable, it is not necessary to fix it to the wall, although it all depends on the size. A tall but shallow stand will need to be fixed as firmly as possible, which may require wall mounting.
- The visor is assembled in the following order: the lid (bottom) is cut out according to the shape of the tabletop. Then side parts are attached to it, visually increasing the thickness of the cornice and hiding the wires from the backlight. Drilled holes for lights. Fasteners are attached for wall mounting.
- The tabletop is installed on the corners from the inside of the cabinet. The visor is mounted on the wall and rests on a stand made of a bar pipe mounted on special mounts. Lighting wires can be run along the wall or inside the pipe support.
Creating a bar counter with your own hands allows you to change the look of the apartment, decorate the interior with a stylish and practical element, and to some extent expand the area of \u200b\u200bthe kitchen. All creation works can be made from relatively inexpensive materials, but if desired, it is possible to use the most expensive and high-quality materials, parts and accessories. The work on creating a rack is not particularly difficult, but it requires accuracy and some skills so that the result can please the owner and guests of the house.
When combining the living room and kitchen, a bar counter can be used to separate the common space. It can also serve as a small dining area and cutting table. This "custom" piece of furniture can be ordered from the factory, but you can also make your own bar counter.
Advantages of the bar
Not so long ago, the bar counter was perceived solely as an attribute of specific catering establishments. She was comfortable in every way.
- Firstly, it divided the common room into a working area and a zone for drinking and eating.
- Secondly, the lower part of the counter itself, hidden from the eyes of customers, served as a desktop for employees of the establishment.
- Thirdly, the top of the classic bar counter was a great place for quick breakfast or lunch in the morning, and for a dynamic evening rest.
But that's not all. The height of the top tabletop was originally oriented towards a standing visitor, and ordinary chairs could not be used in cases where the client wanted to have a bite while sitting and “without leaving the cash register”. This is how bar stools, chairs and even armchairs appeared, which had a non-standard height and a crossbar for legs.
The high functionality of the bar counter was noticed by interior designers of residential premises. At first, as a piece of furniture, it was appreciated by the youth audience - for a studio apartment, this perfect way space zoning. Then the bar counter became so popular that now it can be found not only in open-plan apartments, but also in ordinary kitchens (both large and small).
A large role in this was also played by the widest variety of shapes and sizes that a bar counter can take, in contrast to a conservative dining or cutting table.
The three simplest designs. Which is better
The peculiarity of the design of the bar counter is that there are no strict criteria that would greatly limit the size. The height of the countertop can range from 85-95 cm (the surface level of the cutting kitchen table) to 115-120 cm (the classic height of the dining area of the bar counter in two levels). It all depends on the size and design of the room.
There are three simple designs that are easy to make with your own hands.
The first option is a rack with a dining surface on short consoles attached to a pedestal or desktop, with a traditional height above the floor level of around 120 cm. The option is very simple to implement. To do this, you can order an MDF countertop to match the color of the rest of the kitchen and pick up racks with the possibility of attaching to the surface of an existing piece of furniture.
The second option is no less simple. The countertop of the bar counter is placed flush with the surfaces of the kitchen cabinets, and one or two high racks supported by the floor are used for support (the other side is attached to the wall or to the side of the cabinet). In fact, it will be a high dining table or a standard desktop, but without a lower cabinet.
The third option is a stand in two levels. It is more complex, but this design is highly functional and meets the classical definition. It is about its manufacture that we will now tell you.
List of materials
To make a bar counter with your own hands, you will need the following materials:
- wooden beam 50x100 mm;
- planed board 25 mm;
- furniture chipboard (or laminated MDF boards) 16-18 mm thick;
- MDF countertop, thickness can be from 28 to 40 mm (depending on the kitchen furniture used in the set);
- plinth;
- sealant, primer, paint, varnish;
- fasteners, furniture fittings.
The timber and the board must be dried, treated with an antiseptic and flame retardant.
Operating procedure
First you need to make a drawing. The dimensions of the structure should be tied to the parameters of the room and the surrounding interior items, taking into account ergonomic requirements.
The main criteria for the development of the project:
- the height of the lower (working) level must correspond to the height of the cabinets of the kitchen set;
- the height of the upper (dining) level should not be more than 120 cm and should fit the selected model of bar stools;
- it is desirable that the total width of the bar counter (in the projection between the outer ends of the working and dining surfaces) be equal to the width of the kitchen countertops;
- the length of the rack and its location should not restrict free movement in the kitchen, leaving enough space for passage.
After the development of the drawing, they begin to manufacture the frame. It is made of timber in the form of a frame structure:
- below are two lower long support beams connected by short crossbars using a spike connection (easier than a simple, more reliable “dovetail”);
- at the top there are four beams (two for each level), connected in pairs in the same way as the lower level;
- the fastening of the upper and lower beams to each other is carried out using corner and intermediate racks, fixing the racks to the beams of the upper and lower rows is easiest done using a perforated furniture corner (with an additional stiffener).
If the bar counter is planned to be placed end-to-end against the wall, then after the frame is made, it is attached to it with dowels.To make the frame last longer, it can be primed and painted.
Sheathing of the side surfaces (long from the side of the room and short from the side of the aisle) is carried out by chipboard.
Advice. It is impossible to cut a furniture plate exactly to size at home. It is possible (and necessary) to order sawing of blanks of side surfaces and countertops from professionals - in each major city surely there is such a service, including organizations selling materials for the manufacture of furniture. In the same place it is possible to order pasting of end faces with an edge.
The sidewalls are fastened to the frame with self-tapping screws through pre-drilled holes. The holes must be countersinked so that the conical head of the screw goes into the hole. Such a profile can be made with a larger diameter drill. From above, the screw is masked with a plug matched to the tone of the plate.
The tabletops are attached to the frame with a wooden pin planted on glue.
Along the counter, at the bottom along the perimeter, the gap between the sidewall and the floor is sealed with sealant, and on the front side it is additionally covered with a decorative plinth. This will protect the laminated chipboard from the effects of water during wet cleaning.
Inside the rack (from the side of the kitchen), you can make open shelves from a planed board, painted to match the furniture board or varnished.
Alternatives
Alternatively, you can offer other options that are convenient to use in the kitchen.
1. If you remove the standard cover from the factory pedestal and install a countertop instead, you can get a bar counter. The only condition is that the protruding part will have to be supported on a leg or an emphasis on the wall.
2. You can use two cabinets side by side as a base. And install a bar countertop on top.
3. If you have beautiful view from the window, then you can fix the countertop across the window opening with support on the walls and furniture.
One of the most stylish interior details, of course, is the bar counter. Appearing in the 1920s, over time, it only strengthened its position in the list of mandatory housing items. This element has not lost its relevance to this day and is able to decorate the kitchen, dining room and even the living room. This is the place where you can surprise a girl with a romantic cocktail, comfortably pass the time with a cup of coffee and, finally, cook the legendary Martin Lewis “for five dollars”.
Of course, a bar counter can now be purchased in almost any furniture supermarket. But having minimal building skills, it is quite possible to build it from wood with your own hands. We will talk about how to do this in this article.
- functionality;
- the possibility of dividing the space of the apartment;
- good aesthetic appearance and convenience.
Bar counters can be angular, straight or curved. Most often, the material for their manufacture is wood or plastic, the countertop can be made of natural or artificial stone.
Possible different variants versions:
- classic - the stand is an independent element, fastened with the help of special consoles, the height is 110–115 cm. High chairs with armrests, equipped with a crossbar for the legs, are well suited to this design;
- combining a rack and a dining table - the height of the structure is 90–100 cm. Most often there are two levels: high - a bar counter, low - a table. Low chairs (60–65 cm) are suitable;
- solid block located in the center of the kitchen. When designing, it is planned to erect a bar counter structure fixed on special consoles.
Types of bar counters (gallery)
The bar counter located in the center of the room is typical for both classic English style and high-tech style. 
In addition to its direct purpose, the bar counter can also perform the function of zoning a room. 
Due to the large width and relatively low height, the bar counter may well serve as a regular table.
What interior is suitable for
As for the interior that the bar counter fits into, then in rooms made in art deco, loft, minimalism and other styles, it will feel “at home”. This design looks somewhat inappropriate except in country music, although here, if desired, it can be harmoniously entered.
The main thing is to carefully think over the design, choose the fittings well, then the bar counter will become a decoration of any room.
Necessary tools and materials
Before proceeding with the manufacture of a bar counter, it is necessary to draw up its drawing, determine the size and calculate the amount of materials needed.
Note! The material for the future bar counter should be well combined with the overall design of the room.
To build a veneer bar on a frame of wooden beams, you will need the following tools and materials:
- wooden bars or edged board;
- plywood sheets, oak veneer, fiberboard sheets;
Veneer is one of the most expensive, but at the same time the highest quality materials.
- self-tapping screws;
- decorative strip;
- wood glue;
- ceiling molding;
- decorative plinth or trimming plywood;
- brackets;
- wood putty;
- stain;
- wood varnish or epoxy resin;
- wood saw;
- screwdriver;
- plumb and level;
- a hammer;
- chisel;
- sandpaper.
Instructions for making your own hands
Base mounting
First, the shape and size of the bar counter is calculated.
The fastening of the bar counter can be carried out both to the kitchen set and to the floor if the frame is erected. Most often, the design is fixed with one edge on the wall, and with the other it rests on a rack, the role of which is played by a chrome-plated bar pipe.
For the manufacture of the base of wooden beams, two longitudinal beams are prepared, which are fastened together with racks (about 95 cm high). When the elements are fitted, they are nailed. Structure profiles related to the lower zone are exposed. The resulting frame moves towards the wall. Marks are applied to the lower beam, the distance from the wall is 160 cm. On one of the racks and on the wall, we also make marks that set the dimensions of the lower table.
The finished bar frame might look something like this
After the frame is created, it must be connected to other interior elements. The frame of the bar counter is attached to the wall, this can be done using screws with dowels. If you need to connect the structure to other items, bolts should be used, which should pass through the furniture wall and wooden blocks.
The saw cuts must be cleaned with sandpaper to give them a finished look and protect them from damage during operation.
The frame is lined with veneer, chipboard or MDF sheets using 2.8 mm wood screws.
Fabrication and installation of solid wood countertops
The tabletop is the main detail and immediately catches the eye, so you need to take into account some requirements for its manufacture:
- solid wood strength;
- moisture resistance and chemical substances, to mechanical damage;
- aesthetic look.
To create the lower and upper tables with your own hands, edged boards or chipboard sheets are used. Their length will depend on the width of the molding used for finishing, and on the length of the frame of the future rack itself.
We install the countertop and fix it with nails. On average, its width is 45–50 cm, taking into account the obligatory canopy. If the canopy is smaller (for example, 25-30 cm), brackets (metal or wooden) are installed below that match the style. Shelves are attached to the inside of the rack.
If you are using unfinished chipboard as your countertop material, be prepared for the additional cost of purchasing a finish.
The ends are pasted over with a material that will help protect the structure from destruction and deformation. For this, melamine end edges are used, which are attached with a hot iron, or plastic strips. In the latter case, you will need a tool to make a groove. Cutting is carried out along the end, then a plastic edging is glued into the groove. Using this method will ensure a long service life of the bar counter.
Water supply
Some bar counters are equipped with a sink
If you plan to install a built-in sink in the bar counter, you need to prepare a hole and install a mixer. Then a water supply is prepared and a drain is equipped. This requires flexible hoses or plastic pipes. The metal-layer is connected to the supply and sewerage. We check that there are no leaks. The space under the sink is sewn up with slats, if desired, you can install a door.
Lighting
The bar counter can be illuminated with both built-in and external lighting
In order for the rack to fit better into the interior, you need to choose good lighting. For this purpose, it is best to use halogen lamps, which can be placed in a special beam above the countertop.
Advice! When choosing lighting for a bar counter, we recommend paying attention to fixtures that can change the intensity of light. This will give you the opportunity to create a bar atmosphere in your kitchen.
You can also use mini-plafonds or small lamps suspended from the ceiling as lighting.
To avoid problems, it is better to install the bar counter near sockets and junction boxes.
Important! Do not forget about safety. All contacts and wires must be protected from moisture. It is better to carry out the supply of electricians on the floor, and not on the ceiling.
Finishing
The gaps between the frame, table and trim elements should be treated with a special sealant designed for working with wood. It is necessary to carefully sand the joints and prepare the structure for painting. All surfaces are stained and then varnished in several layers. Drying time is approximately 2 hours.
You can decorate the side surfaces with lamps or figured overlays, and sheathe the finished bar counter, for example, with a self-adhesive film, or paint it in a color that will match the overall design of the room.
A wooden bar counter can be covered with almost any finishing material that will be combined with the overall interior as much as possible.
The last step is to equip the sink for glasses and dishes. If desired, you can install a hob. To the bar counter, you should purchase chairs of suitable size and height, coasters for glasses and wine glasses, and, of course, a collection of your favorite drinks.
Video: bar counters in various interiors
As you can see, making a bar counter out of wood with your own hands is quite simple. The main thing is to choose high-quality material and do all the work correctly. This design will make the room elegant, modern and cozy. Good luck with your repair!
Bar counters made of wood are much more diverse than you might imagine. They may differ in design, installation method and, of course, design style. Only the noble beauty of natural wood remains unchanged.
Nothing spruces up a kitchen quite like having a matching bar counter. Now this element has firmly established its position in the interiors of city apartments, although earlier it could only be found in public institutions. can successfully emphasize bar counters made of wood. This is not just an aesthetically attractive piece of furniture, but also functional, as it can serve as a dining area, a place for cooking and storing kitchen utensils, as well as a partition between the kitchen, dining room or living room.
Varieties
Bar counters originate in the 18th century. In North America, they were used in bars and served as a partition separating the bartender area and drinks from the hall with visitors. After the stand ceased to be an object only from public institutions, but began to be used in houses and apartments, it was given the role of a table for breakfasts and snacks. Now it is more functional. The bar counter can serve as a place to store dishes and other items, thanks to the built-in design, and even allows you to install hobs and ovens.
Bar counters may have various design and construction. The following types are popular:
- Wall. Usually such a rack is used for small kitchens. On one side, it is tightly adjacent to the wall, and on the other, there is a free approach. The tabletop has a small width, thereby not cluttering up the space, but it will quite cope with the function of a dining place for one or two people. With the help of metal rails and shelves, the wall rack can become a place to store glass: glasses, wine glasses, glasses, etc.
- As a continuation of the kitchen set. This option is appropriate in spacious kitchens or studio apartments. The bar counter in this case will be perpendicular to the headset and flow smoothly from its countertop. In addition to the function of a dining place, the rack will play the role of a separator between two zones.
- Partition. As in the previous version, the bar counter will serve as a partition between two functional areas, only in this case it stands separately from the kitchen set. In addition, its countertop should be higher than that of the dining table and work plane. For convenience, special high chairs are included with such bar counters.
- Island. The owners of spacious apartments can afford to decorate the central part of the kitchen with an island bar. It can play the role of a stylish decorative element made of various materials, or include cabinets, shelves, drawers, a mini-bar and even a hob, oven, extractor and sink in its design.
Popular materials
Modern materials and technologies make it possible to create bar counters from wood of almost any shape, size and design. The following racks are in greatest demand in interiors:
- on metal supports
- wooden,
- drywall,
- chipboard, MDF, plywood.
Among the listed options, it is wooden structures that are more in demand. This is not only a material that is beautiful in appearance, but also environmentally friendly, giving the interior a special atmosphere close to nature. Wooden bar counters differ in reliability, durability, a variety of a design and design.
Products that are simple in shape with straight, clear lines and no decor can decorate. In this case, special surface finishing is not required. It is enough to cover the tree with stain, varnish or leave it untreated. The classic options look massive, usually they have carved elements like balusters, columns or baseboards, as well as a countertop made of natural or artificial stone.
DIY bar counter
To make a wooden rack for the kitchen with your own hands, you do not need to be a master, just basic skills in carpentry are enough. First of all, it is necessary to draw a drawing of the future design with dimensions. Of the materials you will need: planed boards, timber, decorative elements for decoration: balusters, moldings, etc. The countertop is best ordered from a furniture company; it can be wooden (beech, cherry, oak, walnut) or stone.
For the manufacture of the base, less expensive wood species are selected, for example, coniferous or linden, aspen. All parts must be carefully sanded with sandpaper and adjusted to size. If there are defects on the surface like bumps, then they are recommended. For finishing the rack, you can use stain in several layers and varnish. The tabletop is placed on top of the already finished base and fixed.
The wide possibilities of technology, as well as a large selection of materials, allow you to create truly attractive interiors with an individual character.
A wooden bar counter will make the kitchen not only luxurious and presentable, but also add functionality to it, and also serve as a good space divider and a place for snacks and tea parties.