Do-it-yourself bar counter for a kitchen from a countertop: options, sizes, step-by-step instructions
The bar counter is a rather unusual decoration for any home. You need to know some rules, what to combine with and how to use this element of furniture in the interior. You can make a bar counter from a countertop with your own hands. It’s enough to know some simple rules.
Everyone wants to create a cozy corner in the house where you can relax and unwind after a hard day's work. Therefore, a large countertop in the kitchen is one of the best options.
Designers offer many solutions for the competent allocation of free space. The bar counter will fit well into any room, it will help to save space, as well as give some unforgettable charm.
Of course you can buy a variety of product models. But making furniture with your own hands is much more interesting. Especially if you do this with your family.
Having made a bar counter from a countertop with your own hands, you will definitely surprise your guests. It looks stylish, comfortable, gives some zest to what is happening. Here you can relax, have a good time, as if you were in some expensive institution. Some consider the manufacture of a bar counter something complicated, but this is a fairly simple procedure available to everyone.
If before that you tried to craft something yourself, then it will not be difficult for you to make a bar counter. To do this, just read the step-by-step guide and choose the appropriate option for yourself.
Content
- 1 DIY bar counter features
- 2 What can a bar stand be made of?
- 3 Types of bar counters
- 4 How to make a bar counter from a countertop?
- 5 Dimensions and dimensions
- 6 Manufacturing procedure
- 7 Other bar counter options
- 8 Bar counter lighting and related equipment
- 9 What needs to be considered in work?
- 10 Additional recommendations
- 11 Video: Do-it-yourself bar counter
- 12 50 photo ideas for the design of bar counters in the kitchen
DIY bar counter features
Typically, the bar is located a little higher above the floor than the usual table. If you make a product approximately one meter high, it will be much easier for you to purchase separately high chairs. Do not forget about the size of the plumb in the manufacture of countertops.
A mandatory attribute of the bar counter is a cabinet, which is located in the upper part. It usually serves the following purposes:
- Do not allow spilled liquid to fall on clothing;
- ensure the correct position behind the counter;
- gives a modern look.
Additional Information. A cabinet is an optional element of a bar counter, but it will help to add a special atmosphere. There should be at least sixty centimeters to the bar. This will allow you to sit comfortably and not create additional discomfort. Railings are made of simple material, which is not very expensive. In the original models, they are usually made of metals, which significantly increases the cost of construction.
To make the bar yourself, you should adhere to the above rules. It is also recommended that you familiarize yourself with the drawings for clarity.
What can a bar stand be made of?
You can make your own bar counter from various materials. You should not choose too bulky options. Most kitchens are small, so don't swing around during the construction process. It is recommended to opt for affordable models.
The most popular following materials for countertops:
- Plastic. The cheapest material, which is not durable. On the market you can find various color schemes with a variety of prints. Perfectly fits into any environment.
- Particleboard, which is covered with a laminate. A more complex material for processing, which is characterized by high strength, reliability and durability. There are many different options. The coating imitates wood or marble.
- Drywall. Various sizes, shapes, styles are possible. Perfectly fits into country houses or modern apartments. It can be painted in any color, which is suitable for any interior.
- Tree. It looks beautiful and luxurious. The cost of the material differs depending on the type of wood. Making a tabletop with your own hands will be simple if you have minimal carpentry skills.
Types of bar counters
Depending on the design features, the following types of products are distinguished.
- Stationary Maximum or minimum dimensions are possible depending on the needs. As seats, traditional bar stools are suitable. You can also add supports for legs, back, head.
- Combined. It is possible to supplement the basic design with a dining table, which fits perfectly into the ordinary kitchen. The height is usually slightly lower than the standard and reaches nine hundred centimeters. You can use a standard chair for sitting.
- Two-level. Also used in conjunction with a conventional kitchen table, which allows you to share the space in the kitchen. For example, one part will go into the kitchen, and the second - into the living room, which saves free space and allows you to effectively use the entire room.
How to make a bar counter from a countertop?
The whole process goes through several key stages, including:
- preparation of materials and the creation of a general design scheme;
- the manufacture of the base to which the remaining elements will be attached;
- assembly and decoration.
Note! Particular attention should be paid to the manufacture of countertops. This is the main element, the quality of the whole product depends on the quality and stability of which. You can buy a finished countertop or make it yourself at will.
Material selection
The most optimal options for use:
- Chipboard. The cheapest option. There are many different options for processing. It is very light, it can be varnished or painted. The main disadvantage is that chipboard sheets are sensitive to high humidity. Therefore, it is not recommended to use them in rooms where liquid can get on the surface. Buy only thick sheets of this material to increase their service life.
- Tree. Environmentally friendly material with an attractive appearance. Suitable for installation in almost any room. The cost of such structures is high, since natural wood is highly regarded among fans. It is required to carefully care for such a countertop. It is not recommended to put hot dishes in order not to damage the top layer.
- Glass. Such countertops look most elegant. They have an attractive appearance. The design is very fragile, which requires special attention when leaving.Scratches and small specks often remain on the surface, so it is worth using specialized tools to clean the surface.
- A rock. Both natural and artificial products are suitable. Differ in high durability, reliability, pleasant appearance. Practically indestructible due to sturdy construction. The cost of natural stone is much higher than other materials. At home, it is almost impossible to process without special skills.
- Plastic. It features a large number of different color schemes. The most popular option on the market. It is characterized by simplicity in processing and leaving. Service life is short.
Project creation
First you need to prepare a model and a drawing. The final complexity of the project, as well as the time spent on manufacturing, depends on which scheme will be selected, as well as materials.
Take measurements of the room in which you are going to make the installation. Be sure to consider the dimensions of other furniture in the kitchen in order to allocate space for placing countertops. The drawing will allow you to create a visual picture of what result you want to achieve.
You can use special applications for modeling. This will significantly simplify and automate the entire process. So you can consider the situation from all sides and choose the best option for yourself.
Thus, the model will allow you to create an approximate sketch of what you want to get in the end. This is the most suitable option for oversized structures.
Dimensions and dimensions
Designers do not highlight the specific requirements for these characteristics. You should adhere to general recommendations regarding the creation of a bar:
- Typically, the height of the structure is at least one meter. In this case, high chairs are used to make it convenient to get to the countertops.
- The width should be at least fifty centimeters. Such a tabletop will allow you to place all the necessary elements, lean on it, and also provide all the necessary functionality.
Additional Information. Everything else depends on your wishes and fantasies. The classic option for placing the countertop is a pedestal, but at home, the construction of ordinary legs is possible.
Manufacturing procedure
It is necessary to adhere to a certain procedure. First you need to build a countertop - the basic element that defines the design and functionality of the entire structure as a whole. It is recommended to choose the most durable materials that are easy to process at home.
Note! If you do not want to cut the countertop yourself, it is recommended to buy a finished product. It is sold in any specialized store at an affordable cost.
Some rules should be taken into account when erecting the foundation of the structure:
- You can make a brick base. For this, blocks from a special facing brick of red color are used. Such designs have durability, strength and high resistance to various adverse environmental factors.
- You can make a metal frame. This design is usually fixed on furniture that is adjacent to provide the greatest strength.
The work takes place in several stages:
- Taking measurements, creating diagrams, design. Selection of the optimal design size.
- The manufacture of the framework according to one of the methods described above.
- Frame processing.
- Installing countertops on the base.
- Production of additional shelves as desired.
- Adding various decorative elements.
Important! Please note that before starting any work, an initial drawing should be made.Only then proceed with the manufacture of the structure.
Other bar counter options
You can make the design of the bar counter from a variety of materials. Consider the common ones.
How to make a bar from drywall?
Follow the instructions:
- Measure the basic design parameters. Consider the location of the countertops for comfortable seating.
- The frame is best made from metal blanks. For cutting, special scissors and self-tapping screws are used.
- Separately manufactured frames for the walls.
- The profile is fixed between each other with screws.
Wooden bar counter
Follow the algorithm:
- Take measurements and mark the area for installation of the base according to the drawing.
- The bars are fixed strictly along the marking lines.
- Install tabletop supports.
- For the remaining fasteners, wooden bars are installed.
- After that, the countertop is installed.
Chipboard bar
The manufacturing process of the structure from chipboard does not differ from the previous options. You will need to erect a frame yourself, and you can purchase a finished countertop in a specialized market.
Bar counter lighting and related equipment
To make the bar counter fit into the interior, you should choose the appropriate lighting area. It is recommended to use halogen lamps, which are placed on a special beam above the countertop. Also suitable are small shades that create an atmosphere of warmth and comfort.
Note! Use special equipment designed to adjust the light intensity. This allows you to create an individual design and atmosphere.
What needs to be considered in work?
The bar counter is suitable for rooms in the style of minimalism, art deco, that is, where it is possible to create a special home atmosphere. In almost any room, you can come up with the perfect combination of structural elements. The main thing is to think through every detail to the smallest detail in order to achieve the desired result.
Additional recommendations
During operation, consider the following:
- the height of the structure should not exceed one and a half meters;
- the best width is up to half a meter;
- use special fixing blocks for fastening;
- during installation, consider the place for installation of lighting;
- you can order the countertop separately if the material for processing is difficult at home;
- do not choose the cheapest options.
The bar counter will diversify your interior, make the room unusual and help save space. The process of manufacturing countertops is simple, but requires special attention.
Video: Do-it-yourself bar counter
50 photo ideas for the design of bar counters in the kitchen