How do you design and build the best bar? Learn the secrets to design and build the best bar, including commercial bar design, restaurant bar design, bar dimensions, bar design ideas, bar plans.
HOW TO DESIGN A BAR
To design and build the best bar, use the time-proven standardized methods of design professionals. Architects and engineers utilize a standardized approach to everything they design. At the core of every architectural design is a plan which is developed by the creation of building blocks known as elevation views, isometric views and section views (“sections”), as depicted in Figure 1, below. These identify the shape and size of every object. Section views create the critical dimensions needed to create the elevations and plan view.
SUPERIOR DESIGN BEGINS WITH ARCHITECTURAL STANDARDS
Designing and building the best bar begins with standards. According to architectural standards, the height of the finished bar shall be between 42” – 45”, as shown in Figure 2, below. My personal preference is for a finished height of 43”, which I personally use every day. Let’s review the sketch (available for download below):
- The bar base (“bar die”) consists of wood studs or metal studs and track.
- Framing members, 4″ or 6″, (items 1 & 2) are required every 16”.
- Residential contractors normally prefer wood studs over metal studs.
- In non-sprinklered buildings all wood materials are required to be fire retardant treated.
- For metal studs, use a continuous 3” x 3” x 16 ga metal framing angle and clip attached to the tops of all studs, on both sides, shown as items 7 & 8.
- ½” MDF plywood sheathing on each side, continuously, shown as item 3.
- Cover the inside face of the bar die with FRP over ½” Durock underlayment, (item 4).
- Numerous material choices are available to finish the exterior-side of the bar die; the sketch below shows cement board siding components by James Hardie Corp. (refer to items 15, 17, 18 and 21).
- 1/2″ plastic laminate inlaid panel over MDF, shown as items 19 and 20.
- 2″ dia. pipe footrest, shown as item 22.
- 4″ stainless steel drink rail, shown as item 11.
DESIGN CRITERIA FOR DESIGNING AND BUILDING THE BEST BAR
The basic structure is just the first step in the process. Several additional items are worth noting on our journey to design and build the best bar:
- The height of the bar die (which includes everything except the plywood underlayment and bar top) should be 41”.
- The inside edge of the finished bar top should overhang the inside face of the bar by 11”; this is good ergonomic design and will reduce bartender back strain.
- Electrical convenience outlets with USB ports (shown as item 16), installed every four feet.
- By virtue installing a continuous angle on both sides of the bar die, you’ll have superior bar top support, no matter the bar top material selected.
THE ORDERLINESS OF THE DESIGN PROCESS
Given all the above, here’s the steps to design and build the best bar:
- The process originates from the inside-out.
- Draw cross section views of the bar and back bar.
- Verify interior dimensions in all views (refer to Figure 3, below).
- Ordering all materials and equipment.
DOWNLOADABLES FOR THIS POST:
UNIVERSAL BAR CLEARANCES WITH ADA DESIGN
STANDARD_COMMERCIAL_BAR_SECTION_WITH_DIMENSIONS
DIETRICH_EASY_CLIP_D_SERIES_SUPPORT_CLIPS
DIETRICH_HEAVY_GAUGE_ANGLE
POPULAR DOWNLOADS:
BAR_AND_RESTAURANT_SEATING_GUIDELINES
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