Do you enjoy hosting get-togethers at your home? If so, you may be interested in adding a home bar to the mix. A home bar can enhance the atmosphere of any party and provide guests with a room to relax and drink.
When choosing materials for your home bar top, it’s important to select a type of wood that will withstand heavy use.
The best wood can also work wonders with home bar accessories, such as bar stools and wine racks.
With a custom bar, you have the freedom to create the bar that is right for you, and top ideas for home bars will always be one of the best conversation pieces when socializing with friends or family members.
What material is best for a bar top?
The countertop material you choose will have an enormous impact on your room and bar’s overall appearance and functionality. If you’re looking for a high-end, sophisticated appearance, granite is an excellent choice.
The color and pattern of the granite improve the aesthetic appeal of your bar. This material is highly durable and heat-resistant, making it ideal for those with a large budget and a broad scope.
However, it is essential to know that you need to seal granite to protect it from damage.
Create your custom bar in your style
Wooden bar tops are a classic option. This material is durable, attractive, and can be stained or unfinished. You can even buy plywood or laminate bar tops that mimic stone, wood, or other surfaces. The downside of wood is that it can peel and scratch over time, so you’ll need to care for it carefully. You can check out suar wood; this type of wood is a popular choice for bar tops due to its durability and unique character. Customizing your bar top with suar wood can add a touch of elegance and natural beauty to your home bar.
Walnut is an excellent hardwood
If you have a historic home, you need to fit the décor. A good hardwood won’t let you down, like mahogany or walnut. These wood species offer a satin-smooth finish and muted grain, making them ideal for any setting.
A softer option like pine might be ideal, but the great thing about tying a room and bar top together is that it is your choice.
What is around the bar top?
You should consider the surroundings of your home bar when opting for a bar top. A rustic bar fits well with wood, but natural stone is a great match with vintage brick. If you enjoy natural light, dark brown bar tops interact well.
Kitchen bar tops need to be functional
If your bar also serves food, consider a kitchen bar. This style of DIY bar is a bigger project, but its a custom bar project you can sink your teeth into! For many homeowners, a kitchen bar is the perfect bar.
Similarly, with outdoor bars, you need water-resistant and rust-proof bar tops and features. A great-looking bar rail needs to stand up to all conditions, and so do bar tops. Just a layer of protection makes all the difference for a bar top or bar rail.
Is a small bar better?
The right size of bar will depend on many things, including available space and how many people you expect to entertain with your bar. A small bar, like a radius corner bar, still needs careful planning, but it should use less material.
How thick should a wood bar top be?
Typically, home bar tops are twelve to sixteen inches wide. These tops also include a drink rail on the server side, typically four inches wide. If you can’t decide, try a half-inch-thick shim. Then, attach the top, bottom, and sides with pneumatic staples, or you can add glue.
What wood is best for outdoor bar tops?
One of the primary considerations when constructing a bar for an outdoor space is the material. Some of the best wood options available for the surface include:
- Cedar
- Redwood
- Cypress
- Oak
- Pine wood
- Exterior plywood
What design styles do you like?
Reclaimed oak stands are a classic choice for outdoor bars. Its warm brown hue blends well with brick or other natural materials.
Do you prefer a dark brown or white oak bar?
If you’d like to add a bit of color to your bar top, a darker wood species such as a classic dark brown or a dramatic golden brown could be the best wood. For a lighter finish, honey-colored wood is ideal.
For outdoor tops, you’ll need a material resistant to moisture and insect damage. Not all woods are created equal, so choose one based on these considerations.
Hardwood options are the best wood for outdoor use
Hardwoods are a great choice, and some of the leading options for the best wood include:
- Oak, including red oak and honey-colored oak
- Ash
- Mahogany
- Walnut
- Maple
- Beech
As the name suggests, hard wood is durable, has shock resistance, and is easy to maintain. Hardwoods look great, often with prominent textures and end grain that add a perfect finishing touch to bars.
Individual taste always matters, but you cannot go wrong with hardwoods that add protection to your bar.
Oak is one of the most enduring hardwood materials, but hard maple ranks well amongst other hardwoods, as do walnut bar tops. Whether you opt for walnut, maple, white oak or beech, a hardwood bar
Softwoods are good for a DIY project
- Pine
- Redwood
- Larch
- Fir
- Cedar
Softwoods are cheaper, and it’s a sustainable option. Also, it is less resistant when working with a lighter species of softwood, so you might find it easier when creating your bar. However, it dents easily.
If this is a DIY bar project, you want all the help you can get. Even many experienced woodworkers like material that is easy to work with.
Also, if you need to tear out the bar at some point, a lighter wood or plywood is easier to manage!
Benefits of reclaimed wood
There are many benefits to using reclaimed wood, such as reclaimed oak, reclaimed pine, or reclaimed chestnut, including:
- Its an eco-friendly choice
- It’s durable
- You’ll have a unique bar
If you want a perfect home bar, you need the best wood, solid material, and great bar top ideas.
When choosing the material for your home bar, it’s important to consider both the look you want and the type of wood that will best suit your needs.
In Conclusion
When it comes to choosing the best wood for your home bar, there are many factors to consider. Hardwoods are a great choice for their durability and easy maintenance, while softwoods offer a more affordable option. Reclaimed wood is also a great choice for its eco-friendly properties and unique appearance.
No matter what type of wood you choose, be sure to select a style that matches your décor and fits your needs. With so many options available, you’re sure to find the perfect material for your home bar!
