How to Build a Bar in a Basement | 5 Steps to Success

Are you thinking about upgrading your basement? A basement bar can be a great addition to any home. The bar can blend into the space or be a statement piece. In our case, it was the first addition to our speakeasy that is hidden behind a secret doorway. Before you start your home basement bar project, here are five key steps to consider.

White bar cabinets with dark top and floating shelf

To Pop or Not to Pop: Design Decisions

The first step in building your dream basement bar is to plan and design it. Decide if you want to have the bar blend in with the space or be a statement piece that commands attention:

Blend Option: Floating shelves and cabinets that match your existing decor create a subtle, integrated look
Statement Option: Distinctive features like curvy bar tops, bold materials, or unique lighting make the bar a focal point

Our Choice: We decided to make our bar pop with a spalted maple bar top that commands attention with its bold lines and warm tones.

Design Approaches for Your Basement Bar

Statement Piece

A distinctive bar that serves as a focal point with features like a spalted maple top, custom lighting, or unique shape. Our choice was a spalted maple bar top that commands attention with bold lines and warm tones.

Blend In Design

A more subtle approach with floating shelves, cabinets that match the room, and a style that complements the existing space rather than standing out.

Budget Considerations

Building a bar can have different meanings for different people. A lumberjack may include chopping up the 100-year-old walnut tree that fell in their backyard, while newcomers might consider buying cabinets and painting them.

Simply put, convenience comes at a cost. Your budget for this (and any) project will likely depend on how much work you want to put into building it. I strongly recommend looking at our DIY Basement Bar project to see how we built an entire base out of scrap wood. This gave us extra cash to buy the perfect spalted maple slab for the bar top.

Browse design ideas and save images of bars that interest you. This will help you determine what materials appeal to you most.

Common Basement Bar Features

Refrigeration

Mini-fridge or beverage cooler for keeping drinks cold

Storage

Cabinets or shelving for glasses, bottles, and other bar accessories

Foot Rail

A comfortable foot ledge for guests seated at the bar

Display Shelving

Visible storage for showcasing special bottles or glassware

Running Water

Sink and plumbing for easy drink preparation and cleanup

Lighting

Task lighting or decorative fixtures to set the mood

Smart Material Sourcing

Finding materials from the right places can save you significant money:

Thrift Stores: Goodwill and similar shops often have furniture that can be repurposed
Facebook Marketplace: Find used bars, cabinets, or materials at bargain prices
Home Depot "Purple Cart": Look for discounted wood (up to 70% off) that may have minor defects you can work around
Woodworker Scraps: Local woodworkers often sell or give away quality scraps

One of my favorite additions to our speakeasy is an entire wall built from 100+ year old salvaged wood, all obtained for just $20 total!

Finished basement bar with spalted maple top

Ready to Build Your Dream Bar?

Your dream basement bar is within reach—you just need to plan and source materials efficiently. Even if you don't want a spalted maple bar like ours, the steps outlined here will help you create a bar that fits your style and budget.

I truly hope this guide helps you build the basement bar of your dreams. If you're still on the fence or have questions, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below or send me an email at thecraftycatsman@gmail.com. I'm happy to help in any way I can!

Now that you know how to build a bar in a basement, explore our related projects to see how we built our entire speakeasy room for less than what a contractor wanted to charge just to put up studs!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cat with headphones drawing bar plans - layout and design phase

1Plan Your Design & Layout

Decide if you want your bar to blend in with the space or be a statement piece. Consider the size, focal points, and additions like chairs, games, and shelving. Make sure your design fits the space without impeding on other bar elements. Visualize what you want your bar to look like and save images of designs that interest you.

Cat with money jar - budgeting for your basement bar

2Set Your Budget

Building a bar can mean different things to different people. Your budget will likely depend on how much work you want to put into building it. Convenience comes at a cost. Consider if you want to build from scratch or use pre-made components like cabinets. Building the base from scrap wood, for example, can save money for premium features like a spalted maple top.

Full size bar showing various material choices and features

3Choose Materials & Features

Determine the look of your bar by browsing design ideas. Pick materials that suit your style and budget. Common basement bar features include refrigerators, freezers, foot ledges, shelving, storage, and running water. The materials you choose will set the tone for your entire build.

Cats with hardhats selecting materials for the bar

4Source Materials Efficiently

Finding materials from the right places can save you significant money. Consider options like Goodwill, Facebook Marketplace, or Home Depot's discount carts. Repurposing someone else's furniture or finding scraps from a woodworker's garage can be cost-effective approaches. You might even find valuable materials like 100+ year old salvaged wood for bargain prices.

5Start Building!

With your plans made, design decided, budget set, and materials gathered, it's time to start building your dream basement bar! Follow proper construction techniques for your chosen design and take your time to ensure quality results.