Hi All, I’m building a bar and I’m really stretching the space I have. Right now I have a 25-26 inch work space between the the two counters. Each counter is a standard 2 foot depth and the bar is 7 feet wide. I also have an 18 inch high top which overhangs the counter by 8 inches leaving 10 inches of leg clearance. The reason I can’t move everything back is because there is a utility room that opens in to the right of the bar. Behind the bar to the wall is about 3-3 1/2 feet. My question is 25-26 inches enough? I’ve walked around in the space and it’s cozy but allows me to move around. I know most of what I read is that 30-36 inches is minimum but I can’t do that without cannibalizing the space under the high top or getting rid of the base cabinets and counter that goes with the high top.
Welcome to BA @Matt1988 There are probably folks here who can give solid advice from your description, but unfortunately I'm not one of them. I got lost trying to visualize. Do you have a pic?
https://m.facebook.com/photo.php?fb...d=38104947&set=gm.10159904658544175&source=48 Sorry I don’t know how to upload a picture but this Facebook link should work.
Link to Matt's pic Yeah, the process for posting images here is a bit convoluted, but your link works fine. Looks like your dimensions are already set, unless you're willing to shorten the bar at the far end by however much is needed to open the utility room door.
Nothing is nailed down it’s just placed so I can mess with spacing. The utility door will open in so I’m tempted to take an inch or two of its space for overhang. My options as I see them: 1) It’s fine. 27 inches behind the bar and 9 inches of overhang for the bar top is sufficient. 2) Get more space behind the bar by lessening overhang or protruding into the doorway slightly. 3) Eliminate the second counter and just have a bar top. 4) Move the door to the utility room to the bedroom and put a wall up (extreme but possible). 5) Burn down the house and claim the insurance. thoughts? Personally I think I’m ok with the space but maybe future me will hate myself…
If you are comfortable with it, that is what matters. If it's just you back there. No way you'll get two people into that space. Not unless you sleep in the same bed should it even be attempted. Maybe that's a good thing. Will future you hate it? Dunno. I never met you. But, there is a reason you are asking us. And that is telling. Personally, I can advise that you want your bar space to be comfortable. Cramming too much into a floor plan does not work and it ends up being a cluttered space that is not appealing. You have the floor space first, then you make that work. Or you build an addition. Simplicity is more appropriate than trying to make the space do something it can't do. It is your home bar, your party, your place to relax. Quite a difference from a night club or your local where some crowding is expected and tolerated. Welcoming even. In your basement... not so much. Consider the space to open cabinets, if any. A 30" door is not going to work in a 25" space. I am speaking as a subject expert. I know a guy who recently wrote an article about home bar planning and construction, and has spent too much time thinking it over. Cheers
Following up on the cabinets, it looks (in the pic) like there will be enough space as is for full swing. But.....you'll also want to account for the future you being able to bend over and reach things that are inevitably shoved to the back. Although not mentioned, lighting inside the cabinet would be good, even if it's only a flashlight or those stick-on types from Harbor Freight.
Looks like that's going to be a great spot to enjoy a couple beers. What's the back countertop going to be used for? Could you trim a couple inches off the back side against the wall if you had to or would that hinder the usefulness of the counter?
