Bar counters for the bar with their own hands.

It is generally accepted that the bar counter is not the most useful interior element in an ordinary urban kitchen. On the one hand, this is true - it requires free space, and it is difficult to imagine a full-fledged family dinner at the "barge". But on the other hand, a do-it-yourself bar counter for the kitchen can be a very interesting design solution, because the exclusive never goes out of style!

What are the advantages of the bar counter, which are manifested even when it is installed in an ordinary small-sized kitchen?

1. This is a good alternative to a dining table. Of course, the whole family gathered for lunch with the first and second will look somewhat comical, but it’s quite possible to have a quick bite to eat before leaving for study / work for her and everyone together.
2. Properly positioning the bar counter, you can significantly save kitchen space. To do this, it is enough to harmoniously fit it into the interior, connecting it with a kitchen set.
3. In a small studio apartment, a bar counter may well replace a dining table, while separating the working area of ​​​​the kitchen from the rest of the space.
4. A do-it-yourself bar counter in the kitchen is quite simple to manufacture, which is available to every home craftsman who has the minimum set of tools necessary for this business.

What are the bar counters for the kitchen?

The bar counter in the classic version is most often made as a separate element, fastened with one side to the wall. The other side is fixed with a metal pipe, which is connected with special heels to the table top, as well as the floor (and ceiling, if the design provides for such fastening). The classic is quite high, its working surface is at a height of 110-115 centimeters from the floor. It is proposed to sit at such a counter on high stools or chairs with a crossbar for the legs.

A more popular version for the kitchen is something between a classic counter and a dining table, its height coincides with the main height of the kitchen worktops (average 90 centimeters). A big plus of this approach is that there is no need to buy special ones, which are also difficult to use somewhere else.

A more complex combined option combines the advantages of the first two types, but it is intended exclusively for spacious kitchens and separates the living area from the kitchen area. The tabletop of such a "barge" is made in two levels: the high one is located on the side of the living room, and the low one, respectively, on the "kitchen" side.

Another interior solution for large kitchens is the "island" bar counter, which is made in the form of a separate block located in the center of the room. Such racks in ordinary apartments are much less common.

We make a bar counter with our own hands: what do we need?

A do-it-yourself bar counter in the kitchen can be made from a variety of materials. The easiest to process and therefore the most popular of them is chipboard. To work with it, you only need a drill and a jigsaw, which any fan of the "do it yourself" method has. You can use it for a work surface and a kitchen countertop, but you will need a special tool to trim it. Another popular material is stone, but in the absence of experience with it, it is better not to risk it.

Chipboard is sold on the market with the design "under the tree" and "under the stone" of various colors, so it can easily replace these materials. For finishing the edges of the furniture chipboard base, a melamine-based tape is perfect, which is very easy to fix. Appropriate fittings are also needed for attaching the rack to the wall, as well as a chrome-plated pipe that acts as a support. If you want to decorate the counter, it is easy to do this with the same pipes of a smaller diameter, and you can attach bar accessories and ordinary dishes to them.

All this is purchased in a specialized store or in the construction market, where they will always tell you what type of fasteners will be optimal in the conditions of your apartment, and also tell you about the intricacies of its installation.

In addition to an electric jigsaw, you will need a drill driver, a hacksaw, and a regular electric iron.

Making a bar counter: action plan

As in any other business, before you work with your hands, you should work with your head. It is necessary to think over everything to the smallest detail, from the shape to the smallest structural elements. There are a lot of variations in the manufacture of a bar counter, so in this article we will focus on the most popular of them: a bar counter made of furniture chipboard, which is mounted on a rack made of chrome-plated pipe.

How to cut a countertop correctly?

If you are thinking about how to assemble a bar counter for the kitchen, start by marking the chipboard sheet from which the countertop will be cut. When cutting it, you must follow three basic rules, and then the cut will turn out to be even, beautiful and without chips:

1. A new file should be installed on the jigsaw. If the canvas is even a little dull, it can lead while working with chipboard, because the condition of the file is critical when working with this material. As a result, you will get either an end face that is not perpendicular to the surface, or an uneven cut.
2. Choose a file with fine teeth that should point upwards. If you do the opposite, the edges of the cut will be torn, which will be almost impossible to fix.
3. Do you want to get a perfect cut, which will not even have small chips? A little secret: glue the place along the intended line with the most ordinary tape, and you will succeed.

Now you need to think about the processing of edges, which are pasted over with either special plastic or melamine tape. It is much more difficult to fix plastic at home, for this it is advisable to have a special building hair dryer, because heating it with an iron can easily lead to edge cracking. Melamine tape is attached much easier - it is applied to the chipboard, after which it is heated with a conventional iron. The adhesive base at this moment melts and securely fixes the edge, which, after cooling, is already firmly held.

Fixing the bar

The finished tabletop needs to be fixed. The easiest option for attaching to the wall is wide metal corners, fixed with dowels on one side and self-tapping screws on the other. If you are more concerned about the aesthetic side of the issue, you can purchase hidden shelf supports, for which you will have to drill holes in the end of the chipboard. But keep in mind that such fasteners can withstand a smaller load.

The bar counter, made in the form of a console, is attached to a pole with the second end, which can either simply support it from below, or pass through to the ceiling. A stand of standard height in the form of a chrome-plated “leg” can be immediately purchased complete with mounts. The second option is more reliable, but you will have to perfectly fit the size of the pole by sawing it to the desired height with a hacksaw. The pole is attached to the tabletop using standard heels with a threaded connection. In the case of a through pipe, you will need four of them.

It is also necessary to make a hole for the diameter of the pipe. If you're doing this with a jigsaw, be sure to use the smallest file you have and work very slowly. It is best to make such holes with a manual router, sometimes you can make a “hole” with a router right on the construction market when buying a chipboard sheet.

When fixing, pay special attention to the height of the countertop - it must correspond to the height of the other work surfaces.

Variations in the manufacture of a bar counter

We have described the simplest option, but you can come up with your own individual project: a kitchen with a bar counter with your own hands can look completely different. Someone prefers to equip the "barque" with shelves and cabinets, someone decorates it, and the base is made of a variety of materials - up to drywall and brick.

But no matter what original project you come up with, remember that the material of the countertop must meet the following requirements: it must not be afraid of scratches, high humidity, grease, not absorb kitchen odors, and also be resistant to any impact that can be exerted on it in kitchen conditions.

Let there be light: lighting up the bar

Having figured out how to make a bar in the kitchen, you should think about lighting it. Such an exclusive piece of furniture, and even made on its own, needs a good selection of light. An ideal option for this is the use of halogen lamps mounted in a beam located above the countertop.

If there is no possibility to mount such a beam, special chandeliers or shades are suitable, which are suspended directly from the ceiling. It is best to connect them not directly, but using dimmers - lighting intensity controls. By setting the dimmed backlight at the right time, it is easy to achieve the perfect resemblance to the bar atmosphere.

It will be correct to mount the bar counter in the immediate vicinity of the junction box and electrical outlets, but you can also use an extension cord, which will not look so aesthetically pleasing. If you do not want to spoil the interior solution with extension cords, but there are no close sockets, a separate circuit is drawn to the rack.

It is recommended to think about this before the start of the repair of the premises, planning simultaneously with its implementation and the installation of a bar counter. In this case, you can hide the wires under the surface in prepared strobes. But if you realized it too late, it is enough to purchase special boxes for wires.

Cable routed? You just have to mount the junction boxes and bring out the wires to connect the lighting fixtures. After checking the wiring for operability, the switches are mounted, and - voila - the lighting is ready.

• The best bar stools are height-adjustable, with backrests and footrests.
• We decided to use a stone for the countertop - order its sawing to a specialist.
• If you want to save space, consider a storage system in the form of shelves for accessories and hangers for glasses.
• We chose an "island" bar counter - make sure that the area of ​​​​your kitchen is at least 15-18 squares.
• The most popular solution in the form of a console with a pole to the ceiling is at the same time the most reliable.

How to make bar counters for the kitchen with your own hands is rather a matter of design, and not of optimal work with material and tools. Do not limit your imagination, and a bar counter made by yourself will be a real source of pride for you among friends and relatives!

Also check out the article.

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 can have a different 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.

The exclusive and stylish interior of the kitchen almost always includes a bar counter. It can be located not only in the kitchen, but also serve as a separator between the kitchen and the dining room, and can become a home mini-bar. The process of creating such a structure is not too expensive, but it requires preliminary preparation and design.

If you can harmoniously fit the bar counter into the interior of the kitchen, then it will become its central element. However, it is worth remembering that a bar stool is not as comfortable as a traditional dining one, and therefore there should still be a separate table for family dinners. However, modern designs can solve this problem, and our article will help you answer the question: how to make a bar counter with your own hands? In the "studios" this design will become an excellent zoning element, separating the recreation area from the place of eating, and will also allow a friendly company of guests to settle down.

Materials for bar counters

To make a bar counter at home, you must first select the materials. Do not forget that in most kitchens a counter is made in mini format, in this case, grandiose construction is not expected.

A do-it-yourself bar counter can be made of the following materials:

• Plastic is a cheap and light material, with a variety of colors, easy to handle, but not too durable;
• Chipboard with laminated coating - more expensive and more difficult to work with, but more durable than plastic, available in a wide range of colors, with surfaces that imitate multi-colored marble and noble wood;
• Drywall allows you to create designs of any shape and style - from classic to loft; the material is easily painted in any color suitable for the interior of the house;
• Precious wood species - such a design will look noble, solid and expensive, but elementary carpentry skills will be required to create it.

Types of construction of bar counters

When creating a bar counter at home, the following typical solutions can be used:

1. Stationary bar.

It can also be made in mini format. The maximum height of the countertop in this case is no more than 1.2 meters from the floor. Here you can use a traditional bar stool - high, with a footrest, with backs and armrests.

1. Combining a counter with a dining table will be the best option for a small kitchen. The height of the working surface here is about 900 mm. As an addition - a standard chair.
2. A two-level design, when a high bar counter is adjacent to a typical dining table. This is a great option for zoning a house - the low part remains in the kitchen, and the high part is taken out into the living room.

We make a countertop - the whole process

A do-it-yourself bar counter for the kitchen is created in several stages. Moreover, the base element here is the countertop - it is she who creates the necessary interior accents. Therefore, the plate used as it must be attractive, durable and resistant to wear. To make a countertop yourself, you will need chipboard, veneer or other lumber. The desired shape is cut out of it (with an electric jigsaw). In places of cut, the edge is carefully cleaned and glued with a special tape from the end.

Advice! The original color of the countertop can be easily changed using a self-adhesive film.

If you do not want to make the countertop yourself, then buy a finished product made of chipboard or acrylic stone.

The basis of the "bar" - the main rules of construction

The manufacture of a bar counter for the kitchen (standard or mini) requires the construction of an appropriate foundation. The following options are available here:

1. Brick base - laid out of brick on cement mortar so that the shape of a rectangle is maintained. It is better to use red facing brick, which does not require additional decoration. Other types of material will need to be plastered. "Bar" can be located on the island type and will become the central element of the room. Such designs are stable and massive, and products made of thick wood or marble are used here as countertops.
2. You can make a frame base structure. For this, a metal corner up to 50 mm wide or a wooden beam with a section of 40x40 mm is used. Structural elements are interconnected (welded or twisted), after which they are cleaned, painted and sheathed. To give the base strength, it is additionally fixed to the wall or adjacent furniture. Since this type of construction is light, massive countertops are not used here.

Below we present you a step-by-step photo-instruction for creating a do-it-yourself bar counter from veneer on a frame of wooden beams. You can use: chipboard (but this material is not the most reliable), plywood, fiberboard, MDF and drywall.

We will need:

• Wooden blocks or edged boards 100-120 cm in length (in this case, edged boards 5 cm thick, 15 cm wide, 105 cm long will be used);
• Plywood sheets, veneer, fiberboard sheets (in this case, oak veneer);
• Clapboard nails, as well as self-tapping screws 3.8 cm and 50 mm;
• Joiner's glue;
• Moldings, decorative skirting boards or plywood trimmings, as well as 2 - 5 brackets if desired;
• Stain, as well as wood varnish or two-component epoxy.

Advice! It is necessary to create a bar counter of any design, including a mini-format, according to a pre-made drawing. It's better to use a 3D model, but graph paper will work too. This approach will create a harmonious design, suitable for the dimensions of the room and the existing interior. You can also immediately select a chair and a suitable set of equipment for the stand.

But do-it-yourself bar counters according to the same principle, but in a different design.

And here are other ideas for DIY enthusiasts.

Bar counter lighting and suitable equipment

In order for the bar table to fit better into the interior of the kitchen, you need to consider its lighting. With the right lighting, even a mini-bar will become a relaxation and comfort area.

It is best to illuminate the bar counter with halogen lamps, placing them in a special beam above the countertop. However, mini-plafonds or chandeliers suspended directly from the ceiling are also suitable for this purpose.

The photo shows various ways of lighting the bar counter.

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.

1. Firstly, it divided the common room into a working area and a zone for drinking and eating.
2. Secondly, the lower part of the counter itself, hidden from the eyes of customers, served as a desktop for employees of the establishment.
3. Thirdly, the upper part of the classic bar counter was a great place for a quick breakfast or lunch in the morning, as well as for an evening of dynamic relaxation.

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 is an ideal way of zoning space. 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 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 that can be attached 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 every major city there is probably such a service, including organizations selling materials for furniture manufacturing. 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 rack, 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 a beautiful view from the window, then you can fix the countertop across the window opening with support from the walls and furniture.

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 of 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 slabs, 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 will 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 of the ends will ensure a long service life of the product and help to achieve an aesthetic and respectable appearance.

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 spaces.

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 chipboard shelves 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.