
How high is a breakfast bar supposed to be?
Oct 06, 2020 · For a standard bar height of 42 inches, the seat of a barstool should be around 30 inches from the floor, according to Richard Taylor Architects. At both of these heights, stools should easily slide in and out. If you prefer more of a "belly-up-to-the-bar" style often found in pubs, choose a stool with a seat that's 40 inches high.
What is the height of a typical home bar?
Aug 11, 2020 · The elevated counter or bar height counter seating is usually about 41″-43″ off the floor to the countertop. This is approximately 6” higher than the standard 35″-40″ kitchen counter height typically used throughout the rest of the kitchen design. This kitchen seating design works well with bar stools that are 29″-30″ tall.
What is the standard size of a bar?
May 16, 2014 · Most chairs/stools are 18″ deep so if your bar is only 12″ deep you will always be leaning forward to rest your arms on the counter/bar and you’ll never get to scoot your chair quite close enough to be comfortable when eating. Plus you’ll need toe space with your feet resting on the chair’ bars/rails.
What is the standard height of a breakfast bar?

What is the best height for a bar top?
42”The standard bar height from the floor to the top of a bar top (excluding the bar rail) should be 42”. This allows for a standard 30” high bar stool to seat you comfortably at your bar.
How high should a homemade bar be?
Just remember that most bar stools are 30 inches tall, so your bar should not be much lower than 42 inches high, to allow for comfortable seating for your guests.Jan 20, 2021
What is the normal height of a bar?
between 40 to 42 inches highBar-height tables usually measure between 40 to 42 inches high. In comparison, the seat heights of bar stools and chairs are anywhere between 28 to 33 inches.May 11, 2020
Is 45 inches too high for a bar?
Commercial Bars They should measure between 42 to 45 inches. In this case, you should consider the average height of both males and females, which is 5 feet, 4 inches. This is equivalent to 64.8 inches, which makes 42 -45 inches perfect for a commercial bar setting.Aug 28, 2020
What is a good overhang for a bar?
A typical overhang for a comfortable seating area should be around 25-30cm (10-12”), this should leave enough knee room and adequate space between the countertop edge and the person seated. Therefore, as the depth of the overhang increases, so does the comfort and usability of the bar.Aug 30, 2018
How do you layout a bar?
3:066:51Bar Design Ideas - How To Design and Build a Better DIY Bar in 2022YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNumber one keep the ice bins filled. Number to maintain the glassware levels at each station. NumberMoreNumber one keep the ice bins filled. Number to maintain the glassware levels at each station. Number three maintain the bar stock levels of beer wine and liquor and number four service the bar trash.
How thick is a bar top?
Commercial bar tops vary from 20- to 28-inches in width, including a drink rail (or trough) on the server side of the bar. Drink rails are typically 3/4-inch deep by 4-inches wide. The minimum bar top thickness is 1 3/4-inches utilizing a flat grain wood.
How long should a bar be for 3 stools?
In order to determine how many stools will fit at your kitchen island, home experts recommend you allow 28 to 30 inches for each seating space, which means you can divide the length of your island's counter by 30 to to figure out how many stools will comfortably fit.
How tall should bar stools be for 42-inch bar?
How tall should a barstool be for a 42-inch counter? For a 42” counter, which is the standard height for a bar counter, the best barstool height is between 29” and 33”.May 13, 2021
What size bar stool do I need for a 44 inch counter?
Standard Dimensions Based on Stool TypeStool TypeStool Height (inches)Surface Height (inches)Bar Stool29” – 32”41” – 43”Extra-Tall Bar Stool33” – 36”44” – 47”Counter Stool23” – 28”35” – 37”Table Stool18” – 20”28” – 30”Apr 19, 2021
Why do you need a bar stool?
Bar Stools. The primary reason to determine your bar counter height is to make it comfortable for the person standing behind it. When you go to a restaurant or bar, the counter is high enough to allow the bartender to work while standing up and for guests to sit down. Because of the height, bar stools are necessary instead of regular chairs.
How high should a bar counter be?
In either case, when installing a bar from scratch, you need to know how high the counter should be. As a rule, bar countertops are measured at 42 inches. This is the standard height for professional bars, but it is not always necessary. You may want a slightly shorter bar in some cases, which would be around 36 to 38 inches.
Why install a bar?
Materials. Installing a bar will transform your interior space and become a focal point. Because it will attract attention, you want to be sure that it looks good and fits in with the rest of your home’s aesthetic. If the bar is made of completely different materials, it could detract from the overall atmosphere.
What to do if your bar is made of different materials?
If the bar is made of completely different materials, it could detract from the overall atmosphere. Some options you can choose from include: Stone Countertop – Granite and other types of rock can give your bar a classic appearance. When measuring the total height, be sure to consider the thickness of your stone.
How tall should a bar stool be?
Because of the height, bar stools are necessary instead of regular chairs. A good rule to follow is that a stool should stand 12 inches shorter than the countertop. This will allow seated individuals to use the counter without being uncomfortable.
What is a home bar?
Having a home bar is an excellent way to entertain friends and family. Typically, there are two types of bars you can have in the home. First is a wet bar, which is used to mix drinks. Second, you may want a breakfast bar, making it easier to serve food to hungry guests. In either case, when installing a bar from scratch, ...
Why do we need a breakfast bar?
Breakfast bars are often designed to make it easier to serve food to others. So, if you like to entertain dinner guests or have a large family, a breakfast bar can be an excellent addition to the home. This installation can also be helpful for quick meals when sitting at the table may not be feasible. Alternatively, a wet bar is usually designed ...
How wide should a bar top be?
The bar top should be 16 to 20 in . wide, including the molding; more than that is a waste of space. E. Bar molding serves three critical purposes: It keeps spilled drinks from dribbling off the bar and onto your lap. It provides a comfy armrest and lets you properly slouch over your beer.
How long does beer stay fresh?
Depending on the type of beer, it stays fresh for just a month or two. After that, you have to shed a tear and send the leftover beer down the drain. For most home bars, 5-gallon kegs are big enough. Every six weeks or so, you have to spend 20 minutes flushing the system with a cleaning solution. This is mandatory.
What happens when you use bar molding?
With bar molding, you get a large area of exposed end grain. The end grain of wood sucks up more stain than the face grain and turns out a lot darker—almost black if you’re using a dark stain. To prevent that, pretreat the end grain with sealer, which will partially fill the pores.
What is the ultimate feature of a man cave?
Every guy wants a place to hang out with friends. And the ultimate feature for any man cave is a bar . We talked with dozens of bar builders—DIYers and pros—and collected their best ideas for the perfect home bar and DIY bar plans.
How far off the floor should a bar rail be?
The foot rail should be 7 to 9 in. off the floor. Metal railing (usually brass) is expensive ($200 for an 8-ft. run), so many home bars have a simple ledge instead. You can opt for a metal, stone or wood base for your bar, and still include the elements above.
What is the top layer of bar molding?
Most bar moldings fit over a bar top made from two layers of 3/4-in.-thick material. The lower layer is usually plywood. The top layer can be plywood, solid wood, hardwood flooring, or even tile or stone.
How deep should a bar counter be?
Bar counter depth can range from 16 to 20 inches deep, depending on your preference. This is also going to depend on the type of seating you choose and what kind of overhang is recommended so that your guests can sit comfortably at the bar with enough leg room.
How high is a bar stool?
A commercial bar is usually about 42 inches high, according to Hardwoods Incorporated. Most standard bar stools are between 24 to 32 inches high, to be used with bars in the 41- to 43-inch height range. Obviously, your bar can be any height. For example, you might want to match a counter height in a nearby kitchen.
What is a home bar?
Some home bars are a straight line of bar top and seating from a wall or a peninsula, while others may be L -shaped or could even form a wide flat V-shape around a central television or wall. These arrangements will affect the number of bar seats or stools you can have in your space, which can impact your dimensions.
What does it mean when a bar has no independent sink?
A bar with an independent sink means less walking around, which can narrow down the space required for the bar. Advertisement.
How much space do you need to move behind a bar?
You'll want to allow at least 36 inches between the back of the bar and the wall behind it. In industry bars, this is the minimum space required for one bartender to move behind the bar. In a home bar, consider whether you may have multiple people behind the bar obtaining ice, drinks or water.
Can a bar be any height?
Obviously, your bar can be any height. For example, you might want to match a counter height in a nearby kitchen. However, if you want it to feel like a true bar you might find at a restaurant, you'll want to work with these standard heights in your design. Advertisement.
Can you customize a home bar?
Home bars can be fully customized to your aesthetic. With so many options for wood, cabinetry, layout, seating and glassware, you'll absolutely be able to find something that will accentuate your space — plus, you'll be able to enjoy the bar space afterward with family and friends.
Rough Construction
Or framing, of your new work of (p)art (y). It’s important to pay close attention to all measurements to ensure clean cuts, seams, and finishes. As Grampa always said, “Measure twice, cut once.”
Trim & Dressing
Like the beard and hardpart on this masterpiece. This is where you make it your own. We have chosen a clean, classic hardwood top and rail, while our barface will be distressed picture moldings -- classy, with an edge. Oversized, colonial base moulding will round out the look.
Finishes
We’re using an acrylic, honey-colored stain for the classic hardwood top and red and black water-based paints for the barface distressing. Over both the top and face finishes, we will apply multiple layers of an acrylic clearcoat to protect this beauty from any late-night, warm-buzz shenanigans.
How high should a bar stool be?
For a standard bar height of 42 inches, the seat of a barstool should be around 30 inches from the floor, according to Richard Taylor Architects. At both of these heights, stools should easily slide in and out. If you prefer more of a "belly-up-to-the-bar" style often found in pubs, choose a stool with a seat that's 40 inches high.
How high should a bar counter be?
A standard height for a bar counter is 42 inches. When designing a bar, it's important to consider the space, personal preferences and even safety. In general, the standard bar height is 42 inches, but kitchen bar height does vary. Some bars are 36 inches high — the height of a regular kitchen counter — while others feature a raised element ...
Why extend the counter height?
Parents of young children may prefer extending the counter to raising a counter height. When extended far enough, it provides extra space between their children and hot pots and cooktops. Using the standard counter height also means shorter stools or chairs , making it easier for young children to safely climb.
How tall is a bar?
Whether in your kitchen, the basement or a local pub, Schneiderman's notes that the standard bar height remains the same: 42 inches. This height is ideal for those who prefer to stand while they eat or have a drink as well as those who would like to sit on a stool or chair. It also works well for parents who'd like to chat with their children while they make breakfast and lunch for the day, to create an illusion of space when entertaining as guests can socialize at the bar while you cook and to provide colleagues the opportunity to enjoy a casual lunch together in the office break room.
Why do you need a raised breakfast bar?
Commonly referred to as a raised breakfast bar, one of the biggest benefits of raising the bar is it helps block the view of food prep and cooking mess in an open floor plan. Parents with young children may choose a raised bar to prevent those little arms from reaching across the counter to touch a hot pot or cooktop.
What is a wet bar?
By definition, a wet bar is one that includes a sink with running water. This makes it simpler to create and serve drinks near your guests. It also allows for quick clean up. While wet bars can be found in kitchens, they can also be located in a living room or basement. Wet bars are the standard bar height of 42 inches.
What do wet bars hold?
Cabinets often hold a variety of glassware, beverages and bar snacks. Depending on the size of the bar, some may also store silverware, plates, napkins and cleaning products. Wet bars often include a small wine or regular fridge to keep beverages cold.
Step 1: Tools & Materials Needed
The following tools are needed to complete the job. I included the tools and materials I used for further clarification. If you don't have these basic tools, you do not need to go out and purchase them.
Step 2: Layout the Groundwork
Decide where you want to put your bar and how you want if orientated in the room. Measure off of the wall how far you want the bar to come out. For me, I came 7 feet off of the wall and decided that was good enough. You will need to cut two pieces to length (USE MITER SAW FOR THIS CUT, GET HELP IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE CUTTING).
Step 3: Erecting the Framework
Now that you have two identical 2X4s cut, you are ready to layout where your "studs" need to go. You will want to mark both the bottom and the top plate the exact same. Make a mark with your pencil on both plates every sixteen inches. Square the lines across the 2X4. Now you will need to decide how tall you want your bar to be.
Step 4: Securing the Framework
You will now need to stand up your frame. Make sure that it is "square" off the wall and that this is the correct dimension you want to work with (your preference).
Step 5: Constructing Support Structures
In order to add some support, as well as a spot for a shelf behind the bar we will create two or three block structures. See the picture below for extra help. Determine at what height you will want your self to be. For my bar I chose 26".
Step 6: Inserting Stabilizers for the Bartop
The next step in creating this bar is to add stabilizers to the top plate to ensure stability in the bar. By adding several 2X4s to the top of the bar you will create a spot to fasten the MDF board to. Cut enough pieces that you can have one stabilizer (one board) over each stud on the main framework.
Step 7: Install the Bartop
This is the step where all the work comes together to look like a real bar! You will need to make cuts using your table saw with this one (MAKE SURE TO GET ASSISTANCE IF YOU NEED HELP USING A TABLE SAW). You will need to make your dimensions the size of your top and bottom plates for length and the size of your stabilizers you just cut for width.
How tall is a counter height bar stool?
What is Counter Height Seating? The standard countertop height in a kitchen is about 35″-40″ tall which works with typical counter-height bar stools and chairs are anywhere from 23” to 28” from the floor to the seat.
How high is a bar height?
What is Bar Height Seating? The elevated counter or bar height counter seating is usually about 41″-43″ off the floor to the countertop. This is approximately 6” higher than the standard 35″-40″ kitchen counter height typically used throughout the rest of the kitchen design. This kitchen seating design works well with bar stools ...
What is a bar fridge?
A bar fridge is pretty much a must-have for any home bar, that way you don’t have to run back and forth to your kitchen whenever someone needs a drink. They are the ideal option for chilling and storing bottled or canned beverages and mixers. Big wine drinkers may also want to install a separate wine refrigeration unit for their favorite bottles. Your exact refrigeration needs will depend on which kinds of beverages you plan on serving the most and how much you want to keep on hand.
How high should a bar stool be?
Just remember that most bar stools are 30 inches tall, so your bar should not be much lower than 42 inches high, to allow for comfortable seating for your guests. Take comfort and accessibility into account when deciding on the length of your bar.
How much space between bar stools?
Typically, you want about 2’ of space between bar stools to have enough room to navigate in and around the stools. Most standard home bar designs are at least 6’ long to accommodate three bar stools or an 8’ bar that will give you room for four stools.
What is the importance of a home bar?
Completing the layout and design of your home bar is where it gets exciting and your vision starts to come together. Going through this important part of the planning process will help you determine what size bar your space can accommodate, what type of bar furniture and beer refrigeration you’ll need and the time and resources that you’ll need to make the dream a reality.
What is a pub shed?
The Pub Shed (or She Shed/He Shed) has become the Man Cave of modern times as this concept spread from the U.K. to the U.S. Instead of hanging out in a basement or garage a pub shed allows you to sit outside while enjoying a few pints or drinks with friends.
Why do wet bars need a sink?
Those that want the option of having a wet bar will need to take the proximity to plumbing into account when deciding on a space. A wet bar gives you the convenience of having a fully functioning sink in your bar area for emptying and rinsing glasses.
How deep is a home bar?
How To Develop A Blueprint For A Home Bar. When coming up with the design for your bar, keep in mind that the average home bar is 42 inches high and 24 inches deep. Of course, you can customize your bar’s size to fit the area that you have available and your preferences.

Wet Bar vs. Breakfast Bar
Bar Stools
- The primary reason to determine your bar counter height is to make it comfortable for the person standing behind it. When you go to a restaurant or bar, the counter is high enough to allow the bartender to work while standing up and for guests to sit down. Because of the height, bar stools are necessary instead of regular chairs. A good rule to follow is that a stool should stand 12 inch…
Dimensions
- We’ve already covered the height of a bar counter, but you also have to consider its length and width. In most cases, these dimensions will be determined by the amount of space available in your home. Usually, you don’t want to knock down a wall or do any significant remodeling when installing a bar, which can considerably inflate the cost. However...
Materials
- Installing a bar will transform your interior space and become a focal point. Because it will attract attention, you want to be sure that it looks good and fits in with the rest of your home’s aesthetic. If the bar is made of completely different materials, it could detract from the overall atmosphere. Some options you can choose from include: 1. Stone Countertop– Granite and other types of ro…
Amenities
- Sometimes, it’s better to have a simple bar that just has a countertop and nothing else. However, if you’re installing a bar from scratch, it can be more exciting to incorporate various amenities and extras. As we mentioned, wet bars have to have a sink, but other options can include: 1. Shelving– If your bar has two levels, you can build shelves between each countertop. This way, you can ho…
Building vs. Renovating
- As a rule, building a new bar from scratch will be much easier than renovating an existing structure. The reason for this is that you might not be able to tear into your home’s walls very easily. There are often pipes and electric lines running within the wall, so you might have to pay extra to get them rerouted. We always recommend getting a professional contractor for a consu…