What is a wet bar?
A wet bar is any area in your house is a sink and running water. Conversely, a dry bar has no sink. More often than not, a wet bar is used to serve drinks outside your kitchen. The Sink Will Come in Handy
What is a Bar sink used for?
Bar sinks are smaller, often decorative, sinks that are installed into a cabinet that is part of a built-in bar area. These sinks are usually used to rinse cups and make drinks, unlike a typical kitchen sink that is used for a wide variety of food prep and dishes. What Makes A Bar Sink Unique?
What size sink do I need for a wet bar?
For instance, if you have a 4 foot long wet bar, the sink could be as large as 24 inches or 2 feet wide and likely still look just fine. With a 10 foot long wet bar, I would recommend a sink not less than 12 inches or 1 foot wide, and an even wider sink might look better!
When did wet bars become so popular?
In the 1970s, homeowners began reinventing the cocktail hour. Wet bars, or a bar with a sink, became common, adding storage and easy clean-up to home entertainment spaces.
Does a wet bar need a sink?
Essentially, a wet-bar has a sink with running water. A dry bar only has a place where you can prepare drinks and no sink. The technical difference is just a matter of plumbing.
Is a wet bar a good idea?
The addition of a wet bar can take your entertainment game up a notch—making it more convenient to bartend for guests, while also adding an inviting vibe to your home. And, it can be an easy and inexpensive project (compared to, say, rehabbing a bathroom or kitchen).
Are wet bars outdated?
Are Wet Bars Outdated? Because this type of update was most popular in the 70s and 80s, some people wonder if a wet bar is still a trendy and useful addition to a home. While today's home layouts include open floor plans that make the kitchen easily accessible, a wet bar can still be a good idea.
How do you hide a wet bar sink?
To increase counter space when the wet bar isn't in use, cover the sink with butcher block or a customized piece made from the same material as the counters. This not only hides the wet bar, but also makes it functional for daily life.
Why do people put bars in their basement?
Basement Bar Benefits They are the most common option. They are an entertainment hub that can house a fridge, bar, sink, microwave, cabinetry, seating and just use your imagination for even more. Designated Entertainment Space – Adds room for entertaining, folks are drawn to basement bars.
What is a bar sink for?
Bar sinks are very convenient for meal prep, which is why they are also commonly called prep sinks. They provide a place to get water for cooking as well as a place to wash your hands or quickly rinse mixing bowls or measuring utensils while you are cooking.
What can replace a wet bar?
During the inevitable remodeling projects of outdated homes, wet bars were often replaced by the components of changing tastes, such as bigger TVs, stereo systems, and the accompanying entertainment cabinets.
What is a wet bar rough in?
As the name implies, a wet bar includes plumbing for a sink. With plumbing lines already in place, many homeowners elect to add an ice-maker, refrigerator, dishwasher, and/or microwave, as space and budget permit.
Should I put a wet bar in the basement?
A wet bar is a great addition to any entertaining basement space. Not only does it provide a place to mix drinks, but it also allows you to keep all of your supplies organized and within reach.
Is a wet bar considered a kitchen?
Wet bar means a serving counter in a dwelling or lodging unit that is equipped with small single compartment sink that is not a part of a kitchen, bathroom, or laundry room."
Where should a bar sink be placed?
An undermount bar sink is affixed to the underside of the countertop, using ledges installed to the underside of the countertop, just inside the cut-out hole in the countertop. The sink sits on the shelves it creates and the sink edges are glued or secured into place.
When did wet bars become popular?
In the 1970s, homeowners began reinventing the cocktail hour. Wet bars, or a bar with a sink, became common, adding storage and easy clean-up to home entertainment spaces.
Should I add a wet bar to my basement?
A wet bar is a great addition to any entertaining basement space. Not only does it provide a place to mix drinks, but it also allows you to keep all of your supplies organized and within reach.
What is a wet bar rough in?
As the name implies, a wet bar includes plumbing for a sink. With plumbing lines already in place, many homeowners elect to add an ice-maker, refrigerator, dishwasher, and/or microwave, as space and budget permit.
What can I use instead of a wet bar?
If you aren't sold on installing a wet bar, a dry bar may be a better alternative. You'll still have a dedicated spot for barware, spirits, and a beverage refrigerator, but without dealing with plumbing. All you need is a short counter and cabinet space.
What is the difference between a dry bar and a wet bar?
The difference between a wet bar and a dry bar is simple—a wet bar has a sink built in, and a dry bar doesn't, but this leads to some key differences in installation and usage. First of all, wet bars are more versatile than their dry counterparts.
What did Kelly Wearstler do in the 1970s?
Kelly Wearstler Teaches Interior Design. In the 1970s, homeowners began reinventing the cocktail hour. Wet bars, or a bar with a sink, became common, adding storage and easy clean-up to home entertainment spaces.
Why is a wet bar called a dry bar?
Sink: A wet bar is called as such because it has a sink with running water. A dry bar will not have a sink, but will still be used for making drinks and include all the necessary tools. Portability: Dry bars don’t have a sink, so they don’t have to be attached to a wall or the floor.
What are the features of a wet bar?
3 Classic Features of a Wet Bar. Wet bars can have unique shapes, countertops, and faucets. However, most wet bars share the following common features: Sink: A sink is what gives a wet bar its name. Without this, it's simply a dry bar. In order to include a sink when building your wet bar, you must take into account the setup of your plumbing.
What is a wet bar?
A wet bar is a designated space where you can make alcoholic drinks for guests while entertaining in-home. Its name comes from the fact that a wet bar always has a sink. This sink allows for easy clean-up without having to retreat to your kitchen sink, and it can also act as a makeshift ice bucket. A great home wet bar will hold liquor bottles, ...
When did wet bars become popular?
Wet bars became popular for in-home entertaining in the second half of the twentieth century. With the rise of entertainment areas, such as game rooms, man caves, and finished basements, many homeowners skipped traditional liquor cabinets in favor of a wet bar.
Do you need a sink for a wet bar?
In order to include a sink when building your wet bar, you must take into account the setup of your plumbing. Storage area: Whether it's cabinetry or shelving, a great wet bar includes storage for all your wine glasses, tumblers, and barware. You may even want a wine rack to contain and arrange your wine bottles.
Can you put a bar in a man cave?
For example, you probably wouldn’t install a home bar in a man cave if the major entertaining areas of your home are the living room or outdoor kitchen. Available space: Wet bars vary in size. If it’s built into the corner of your basement bar, it may only be a couple of feet.
What is a wet bar, and why would you want one?
Wet bars are convenient if you entertain on a different floor than your kitchen, or outdoors. In the 1970s and 1980s, home bars became popular as people outfitted their basements as rec rooms. Who wants to go all the way back upstairs to mix a batch of frozen margaritas? Or to rinse out the pitcher for another batch, for that matter?
Why do you need a sink in a bar?
Having a sink in your bar means you’ll not only be able to rinse glasses between mixing drinks, you’ll also be better equipped to handle spills and cleanup.
What is the difference between a wet bar and a dry bar?
Both are designed to make entertaining at home easy by providing an area to prepare beverages for guests, but the big difference is a wet bar has a sink so glasses can be more easily rinsed. The difference between a wet bar and dry bar may seem like a simple concept, but there’s more to it than plain old plumbing.
Is a dry bar better than a wet bar?
If you aren’t sold on installing a wet bar, a dry bar may be a better alternative. You’ll still have a dedicated spot for barware, spirits, and a beverage refrigerator, but without dealing with plumbing. All you need is a short counter and cabinet space.
Can a wet bar be large?
That said, a wet bar doesn’t have to be large and elaborate. You can fit one into a tiny nook.
Can you move a wet bar alfresco?
Now, as outdoor kitchens become more popular, wet bars are moving alfresco as well. With a little creativity, you can turn your backyard into a miniature resort.
Is it worth installing a second sink?
Particularly in open kitchens and living spaces, it’s usually not worth it to install a second sink when the kitchen sink is within easy reach.
What Are Bar Sinks?
Bar sinks are smaller, often decorative, sinks that are installed into a cabinet that is part of a built-in bar area. These sinks are usually used to rinse cups and make drinks, unlike a typical kitchen sink that is used for a wide variety of food prep and dishes.
How much countertop space does a bar sink take up?
With a unique bar sink, I would recommend the sink take up no more than 50% of the countertop space, but not less than 10% of the overall length of the bar.
What makes a bar sink unique?
When a bar sink is not only functional, but also decorative and a focal point, that is a unique sink! Unique bar sinks make a statement with their color, texture, shape, size, and overall aesthetic. These are not the average everyday sink you see in someone’s house, they have real personality!
What size cabinet should I use for a bar sink?
Often when planning bars, I have smaller spaces to work with. For that reason, I usually use a 24 inch wide sink cabinet, which allows plenty of space to fit most bar sinks.
How wide is a bar sink?
For typical shapes of bar sinks, such as round, square, etc. the measurement usually ranges from about 12”-20” wide. With that said, if you have a larger space available, you can definitely spring for a larger bar sink and make a statement!
Do you need a sink for a wetbar ?
I'm putting in a wetbar in billiard room. Do you think it's necessary to include a sink? Our wetbar will not have seating.
What is a wet bar?
A wet bar is also a marketable feature that is universally understood - a wet bar, whatever else it may include, offers a prep sink space. A dry bar space may only offer shelving - and there's no standard about how much or how useful it may be or how accessible it is. If you're considering the option, I'd recommend including the sink in general.
What is a dry bar?
A dry bar is a piece of furniture that is designed to store all of your barware… bottles, glasses and other accessories and usually houses a fridge to store beer and wine.
When would you choose a wet bar?
You’re going to spill something or need to wash something (such as your hands) so a sink is a great thing to have in a bar if it’s feasible
Why do people have a bar in their home?
Having a bar in your home is a great place to serve those drinks without having to prance through your house looking for the perfect beverage or accessory. Installing the wrong type of home bar can be disastrous to the comfort and quench of your guests.
What does "dry bar" mean?
This is also a true definition but when the term is used to compare a wet bar or dry bar then a dry bar simply means a bar without a sink.
Can you run hot water in a wet bar?
You can setup a wet with only cold water if you wish. It will definitely save you money by just running cold water. If you only have access to a cold water pipe, you can get hot water by installing an electric instant water heater. The Ecosmart ECO Mini Electric Tank Water Heater will take up space under the sink, but it gives you almost instant hot water from your faucet. In many occurrences, you will be able to pay your plumber a little more money to run hot water pipes to your wet bar. You may not use the hot water very often but if your plumber is going to great lengths to run a cold water pipe then they should be able to run a hot water pipe at the same time.
What are unused rooms in a house?
many homes have unused rooms like basements and attics (if these spaces can be made into functional areas of the home then they will definitely add value)
Can you run a water pipe to a bar?
it is not possible to run a water pipe to the bar. you are not able to run a drain pipe away from the sink. there isn’t space to install a sink. you don’t want to spend the extra money to install. the kitchen is close to the bar.
What is a Bar Sink?
Bar sinks are sometimes referred to as island sinks, prep sinks, wet-bar sinks, or entertainment sinks. They are usually smaller and shallower by design than the main sink in your kitchen. They are usually square or round and are most commonly made of copper or stainless steel. A bar or prep sink offers a place for convenient hand washing or rinsing to occur during food preparation and can streamline the workflow in a kitchen.
Why do we need more than one sink for meal prep?
Plus, having more than one sink available during meal prep is especially convenient and adds to kitchen efficiencies when more than one cook is in the room.
Why do you need more than one sink?
Plus, having more than one sink available during meal prep is especially convenient and adds to kitchen efficiencies when more than one cook is in the room. 3. A Bar Sink is Versatile. Bar sinks are versatile in how they can be used and incorporated into a kitchen design layout.
Is a bar sink a waste?
Even though they are small and take up less counter space than a traditional sink basin, it is still a waste if the bar sink rarely or never ends up being used. Another important consideration is that they will also reduce the available base-cabinet space in your kitchen in the same way that a regular sink does, due to the necessary plumbing that must be installed with the sink.
Do bar sinks cost money?
Not only does the sink basin and the plumbing fixtures cost money, but there are also additional installation costs associated with bar sinks.
Do kitchen sinks take up counter space?
And, in doing so, they don’t tend to take away a bunch of otherwise useful counter space. The amount of area these types of sink occupy is small in comparison to the benefits they provide in your kitchen.
How can garbage disposals be accommodated at sinks?
One option is to select a sink with a drain located at the rear of the bowl instead of the center. Another option is a two-bowl sink where knee and toe space is provided below only one bowl.
How deep should a sink be?
The knee and toe space must underlie the bowl, faucet controls, and other operable parts of the fixture and must be 17" to 25" deep. If the clear floor space is obstructed on both sides for more than half the depth, such as with alcoves, additional clearance is required for maneuvering.
What age group can you use a parallel approach?
A parallel approach is permitted to lavatories or sinks used primarily by children 5 and younger (§606.2, Ex. 5). For this age group, the standard fixture height is too low to accommodate a forward approach.
How high is the knee clearance on a sink?
However, a lower knee clearance (24" minimum) is permitted if the rim or counter surface is no higher than 31" above the finish floor or ground (§606.2, Ex. 4).
What age do you have to be to use a sink?
Specifications based on children’s dimensions may be followed when lavatories or sinks are designed primarily for use by children ages 12 and younger. Structured as exceptions, these provisions are optional and serve as alternatives to adult-based dimensions. The Standards do not require building elements, including lavatories and sinks, to be designed or constructed for use primarily by children. This determination is left to other building requirements or regulations, good practice, client preference, or other factors. Exceptions are provided based on two age groups: children 6 to 12 years and children 5 years and younger.
What is a service sink?
As used in the Standards, the term “service sinks” is similar in meaning as “mop sinks” and refers to sinks used for janitorial or maintenance purposes.
What is a lavatory?
The Standards cover access to sink and to lavatories, which are sinks used for handwashing in toilet and bathing facilities. At least one lavatory, where provided, must comply in each accessible toilet or bathing room and be located outside a toilet compartment.
