A Guide To Installing A Bar In Your Man Cave
Man caves are a sanctuary for the men of the home to relax and enjoy their hobbies, toys and gadgets. On average, building a man cave — usually located in the basement — costs anywhere from between $6,000-$10,000, although it can be done on smaller budgets. If you’ve already built your own man cave, installing a bar can be a great addition. Researching the basic components needed will ensure you install the right design for your space.
Building your bar
The standard height for bars is around 42 inches, leaving enough room for your stools to fit. The width of your counter will ultimately depend on the amount of room you have, but ideally it should be between 16 and 20 inches (including molding). Any larger will take up extra space unnecessarily. You can find used counters online for a couple of hundred dollars. You’ll also need an overhang of about 8 inches; this not only looks good, but also prevents spilled drinks from flowing off the bar and onto your lap. Usually, bar overhangs are made of a bottom plywood layer combined with a top layer of either wood, plywood, tile or stone. They cost around $10-$40 per linear foot, depending on material and size, so shop around for the best deal.
The tap system
Although installing a tap system sounds complex, you essentially just have to connect up plastic tubing. Tap systems can cost a few hundred dollars; a single or double-tap home kegerator is a cheaper option, since there’s no need to install pumps and counter taps. If you do want to install a tap system, you’ll need at least two small kegs to store your beer. On average, beer keeps for around one or two months — you’ll then need to pour it away. 5-gallon kegs are usually the right size for most home bars. It’s also important to insulate the lines; you’ll just need expanding foam and pipe insulation for this. Insulation keeps the beer cold and carbonated, while stopping condensation gathering inside the tubing. Every five or six weeks, you’ll need to flush out the system with cleaning solution to stop bacteria and wild yeast growing.
Installing a beer fridge
If you also want bottled beer in your bar, a good refrigeration unit is essential. No one wants to drink warm beer, after all. Mini fridges can be quite affordable, and don’t take up too much space — you could even pick up a novelty model to inject some fun and personality (for example, retro, sci-fi, or music themed). Alternatively, beer fridges are specialized types of refrigerators designed to store a wide variety of beverages at the right temperature. Some models come with a variety of temperature settings, which gives you a great deal of control, depending on the types of drinks you’re storing.
A place to hang out with friends and enjoy snacks and drinks, a bar is a great addition to your man cave. By installing a counter and overhang, tap system, and beer fridge, you’ll successfully create an amazing bar for your space
