DIY Basement Speakeasy Arcade Bar - Everything you need
When my wife and I bought our home, I agreed to give up the office in exchange for the freedom to do whatever I wanted with the unfinished storage room in the basement. The room measured approximately 12'x18′ with exposed floor joists, bare concrete floors, and white insulation that could best be described as insane asylum décor. A contractor quoted me $2,800 just to put up the studs, so I decided to take on the project myself and get creative with materials. I was able to build the entire core of the speakeasy for less than the original $2,800 quote for studs.
Project Overview
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Time Required: Ongoing Project
Note: Multiple sub-projects that can be completed individually
Welcome to BarKodeThe Speakeasy Bar Arcade
Discover DIY Projects That Transform Your Basement Into a Secret Gaming Haven
The Story Behind the Speakeasy
Yep, speakeasy bar arcade is a mouthful. When my wife and I bought our home, I agreed to give up the office in exchange for the freedom to do whatever I wanted with the unfinished storage room in the basement.
The room measured approximately 12'x18′ with exposed floor joists, bare concrete floors, and white insulation that could best be described as insane asylum décor.
The issue? A contractor quoted me $2,800 just to put up the studs. On top of that, I really wanted a Murphy door (hidden bookcase door), but that would have added another $1,000 or more.
I decided to take on the project myself and get creative with materials. Instead of using traditional studs and drywall, I found unique ways to make the room suit my style.
The Bottom Line
I was able to build the entire core of the speakeasy for less than the original $2,800 quote for studs alone. This has turned into a never-ending hobby, and I've continued adding new elements that are covered in this guide.
Project Components
- 1Hidden Bookcase Door
- 2DIY Spalted Maple Bar
- 3Barn Beam Light
- 4Reclaimed Wood Wall
- 5AC Duct Wood Cover
- 6Burlap & Brick Wall
- 7Concrete Paint
DIY Projects
We started with a hidden bookcase door but your journey may start with one of our other projects. Explore the possibilities!
Hidden Bookcase Door
The first of many decisions. To buy or build a secret door?
Spalted Maple Bar
Building a bar, a libationerating, erm liberating experience.
Hand Hewn Barn Beam Light
Transform reclaimed wood into stunning overhead lighting.
Paint a Concrete Basement Floor
The lazy (but effective) way to transform your concrete floor.
Wood Weathering Technique
Create aged wood looks from new lumber - perfect for kids to help!
Rustic Wall & Door Back
A $20 Facebook Marketplace find that transformed the arcade.
Corrugated Metal Ceiling
Cover floor joists and solve lighting problems in one stylish step.
Virtual Pinball Machine
Build a high-end virtual pinball machine on a budget.
Noteworthy Extras
These small details made a big impact, they may get their own page one day.
Burlap Walls
A few hours and those white padded walls were gone! I purchased a 96×50 yard roll of burlap from Uline, met a commercial trucker at a gas station to get it.
I was able to cut and tuck the burlap around the white insulation. Every so often I hammered a nail through the burlap into a stud.
⚠️ Be warned, burlap is extremely flammable. DO NOT install burlap if you ever intend to have open flames in the space.
Faux Brick
Another upgrade that took minutes and was super cheap. Yeah, it's fake but it adds a bit of character to the arcade and really breaks up the space.
Perfect for adding texture without the weight and complexity of real brick.
Get Inspired & Share Your Project
Use this landing page as your navigation hub for all things speakeasy, arcade, and bar. You can also find all of the projects in the navigation bar above.
We want to see your space, even if it's a work in progress. Jump over to our Facebook group and share your story, or join and get inspired by others.
Join Our Community
Speakeasy Arcade Bar FAQs
Common questions from our DIY speakeasy enthusiasts
A DIY hidden bookcase door typically takes a weekend to build for someone with basic woodworking skills. This includes measuring, cutting the wood, assembling the frame, adding shelves, and installing the pivot hinges. Additional time might be needed for finishing touches like painting or staining.
A DIY basement speakeasy can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000 depending on your existing space and chosen materials. The hidden bookcase door costs around $300 for materials, a DIY bar another $300-500, and finishing touches like lighting, ceiling treatment, and décor make up the rest. This is significantly less than professional renovation costs, which can easily exceed $5,000.
No special tools are required for the Barn Beam Light project. Basic tools like a drill, screwdriver, wire strippers, and a saw to cut the beam to length (if needed) are sufficient. The electrical components are simple pendant light kits that can be purchased pre-wired, requiring only basic electrical knowledge to install safely.
The best way to secure a hidden bookcase door is with pivot hinges at the top and bottom, combined with magnetic catches. Pivot hinges provide stability while allowing smooth opening, and magnetic catches keep the door securely closed. For heavier doors, consider adding a caster wheel at the corner opposite the hinges to support the weight and prevent sagging over time.
When handling electrical wiring in a basement conversion:
- Always check local building codes and consider hiring a licensed electrician for complex work
- Use junction boxes where necessary and ensure they remain accessible
- Install GFCI outlets for safety in basement environments
- Consider running wiring through conduit for added protection
- Plan your lighting carefully - our corrugated metal ceiling project provides a good solution for hiding wires while maintaining an industrial aesthetic
For a basement bar, epoxy paint on concrete is an excellent, budget-friendly option that's durable and easy to clean. Other good options include luxury vinyl plank (LVP) which is waterproof and durable, or interlocking rubber tiles which provide comfort underfoot and protection against spills. Carpet tiles can work in gaming areas, allowing for easy replacement if sections get damaged or stained.
Tools You'll Need
Basic Woodworking Tools
Miter saw, drill, screwdriver set, measuring tape
Nail Gun
For attaching molding, trim and lightweight materials
Painting Supplies
Brushes, rollers, trays, and drop cloths
Basic Hand Tools
Hammer, pliers, utility knife, level
Step-by-Step Instructions
1Hidden Bookcase Door
The first project to tackle is the secret bookcase door. This sets the stage for the entire speakeasy theme. You can build one for around $300 in materials, which is significantly less than buying a pre-made murphy door. This is a weekend project that's beginner-friendly but makes a huge impact.
2DIY Spalted Maple Bar
A speakeasy needs a proper bar, and this spalted maple bar provides a stunning centerpiece for the space. The cost can vary depending on your choice of wood, but this intermediate project creates a custom bar that would cost thousands if purchased pre-made.
3Hand Hewn Barn Beam Light
Transform reclaimed wood into a stunning overhead lighting fixture. This day-long project costs around $100 and is beginner-friendly. The barn beam light adds rustic character and focused lighting above the bar area.
4Paint the Concrete Floor
An easy way to transform your bare concrete floor is with epoxy paint. This weekend project costs about $100 and completely changes the look of the space. It's beginner-friendly and provides a durable, easy-to-clean surface.
5Weathered Wood Technique
Create aged wood looks from new lumber - perfect for accents, trim, and covering exposed elements like AC ducts. This afternoon project costs around $20 and is simple enough that kids can help with it.
6Rustic Wall & Door Back
Create a feature wall using reclaimed wood or weathered board. In my case, a $20 Facebook Marketplace find transformed the arcade wall and hidden door back. This weekend project adds incredible texture and character to the space.
7Corrugated Metal Ceiling
Cover exposed floor joists and solve lighting problems in one stylish step. This weekend project costs about $150 and provides a finished look to the ceiling while maintaining industrial character.
8Virtual Pinball Machine
For the ultimate arcade addition, build a high-end virtual pinball machine on a budget. This is an advanced, long-term project that creates a custom gaming experience perfect for your speakeasy.