How do you design and build a commercial bar? We’ll discuss basic bar construction, such as footrest design, bar tops and supports, dimensions and other tips.
SOME TIPS ON COMMERCIAL BAR DESIGN
The bar base is the foundation and therefore is the most critical element to the overall design and construction of the bar. Just as with any structure, if the foundation is weak the overall integrity of the building will be compromised. A section view of a standard bar die with wood studs is shown in Figure 1 below:
- We prefer 3 5/8” x 1″ x 1/2” metal studs spaced on 16” centers.
- Most contractors prefer 2″ x 4″ wood studs of the same size are acceptable, provided they are fire treated.
- The base plate should be anchored securely to the floor. If you are using a wood treated plate and a concrete slab, use ½” x 5” expansion anchors on 24” centers.
- Fire treated wood sheathing should be applied inside and outside, from top to bottom, using ½” MDF plywood.
- The inside face should be finished with FRP over ½” Durock.
- Apply any type of exterior cladding you wish.
WHAT IS THE MOST EFFECTIVE DESIGN OF A COMMERCIAL BAR TOP SUPPORT?
What do you need to know about how to design and build a commercial bar? There are many misconceptions about proper bar top support. We simply recommend one layer of 3/4″ marine grade plywood, fastened with 2 1/2″ deck screws every 12″. We use this method very successfully to support wood tops, granite and quartz. I’ve seen bar owners use steel brackets to support their bar tops. This just isn’t necessary.
- The most critical factors for bar top underlayment performance are flatness and resistance to water.
- Marine grade plywood provides a stable, flat surface and is resistant to water. It is easy to cut with a CNC router and will resist water that wicks from the bar top.
- CDX plywood has neither of the above qualities.
- MDF is very stable but lacks water resistance.
BAR DESIGN TIP:
A single layer of 3/4″ marine grade plywood is the best underlayment for bar tops. It offers superior stability for cutting and water resistance.
Downloadable:
Standard Universal Bar Clearances
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How much space does a commercial bar need?
When planning new restaurant bars, the facts most hospitality experts agree on are:
- Back-of-the-house generally accounts for 30 – 40% of the total building area.
- 60 – 70% of a given building’s space is designated as front-of-the-house, which is the area intended for customers.
- The 10% variance is normally the result of the complexity of the menu.
Sports bars tend to require less kitchen space, whereas fine dining requires more.
How do you make a bar look good?
Once the bar layout has been determined, there are a myriad of options for creating the finish. The following is a top 7 list of commercial bar finishing options:
- Soffits
- Ceiling treatments
- Wall coverings
- Architectural lighting
- Bar tops
- Bar cladding
- Foot rails
A list of Top 7 commercial bar finishing options
How much overhang should a bar top have?
Bar top overhang is a very misunderstood concept.
- The universal standard is for the inside edge of the bar top to overhang the inside face of the bar base by 11".
- Exterior overhang is subjective and normally varies from 6" - 8", although some of our clients have requested as much as 12".
- The most common size we specify for bar tops is 24".
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT COMMERCIAL BAR TOPS
Referring to Figure 2 (above), the finished height of bar tops should be between 42” – 45″ (1,067mm – 1,143mm). Bar stools (top of cushion) range between 30” – 33″ (762mm – 838mm) and a 12” (305mm) separation between the two is recommended. I’m a proponent of durable surfaces, so it’s no secret that I prefer quartz for bar tops.
- Bar top depth normally ranges from 24” – 30” (610mm – 762mm), depending on personal preference.
- Bar tops in the 24″ – 30″ range (including drink rail) provide an overhang of 7″ – 9″.
- The amount of overhang is purely subjective. I’ve had clients who like 12″ of overhang.
- The limiting factor is based on economics.
- Drink rails, which provide an area for the bartender to make drinks with built-in drainage, are a matter of personal preference. Drink rails are not required by health departments.
- Glastender offers a 4″ (102mm) stainless steel add-on drink rail.
- My personal preference is a 6 1/2″ (165mm) because of its superior platform, shown in the photo below.
- When planning your bar top, be sure to deduct the depth of your drink rail from the overall depth.
- The Glastender drink rail fastens to the bottom of the bar top, which may require further modifications; the downloadable cut sheet is below.
Downloadable:
Glastender Model DR Drink Rails
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BAR FOOT RAIL DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
How to design and build a commercial bar begins with the foot rail. Any bar that doesn’t include a foot rail is like flushing your money down the toilet! I recall visiting a popular, upscale restaurant in Chicago a few years ago. Everybody was raving about the beautiful bar and I could hardly wait to see it. The minute I entered the bar area I couldn’t help but notice two things: the beautiful granite cladding on the bar face – and the MISSING foot rail!
Don’t fall into the trap of not including a foot rail or your customers will not be staying long. There are two solutions to this problem. The most basic foot rail is the old-fashioned brass kit. Personally, I hate this approach, but at least it’s better than not having a foot rail. The brass hardware doesn’t hold-up very long and the first thing to go is the finish. The other problem is it tends to fall apart. Lightweight foot rails are a waste of money.
WHAT IS THE BEST FOOT RAIL FOR BARS?
The most effective and popular foot rails today are:
- 2″ x 12 ga. square steel tubing (as shown in the photo below)
- 1.5″ Sch. 40 cast iron
- 1.9″ x 12 ga. stainless steel tubing
BAR DESIGN TIP:
Foot rails fabricated from steel or cast iron should include a powder-coated finish because of the discoloration of the metal and any welding that may be required.
ADDITIONAL TIPS ABOUT BAR DESIGN
Looking for a few more tips for how to design and build a commercial bar? Check this out:
- If you want to add a great-looking, traditional wood bar edge, you’ll want to consider calling my good friend, Larry Wolfe, at Lawrence Corp. in Amherst, NY.
- Hinged bar gates do not hold up to everyday wear-and-tear. If anything, they’re a liability. Did you know that a 36″ x 24″ quartz bar gate (with plywood underlayment) weighs 100 pounds? Nobody can lift and lower that without injury. The best bar gate is the type that utilizes a mechanical lift assistance mechanism (refer to the photo below).
- The best drink rail should be 6 1/2″ deep as shown in the photo above.
Need Help Planning Your restaurant and bar?
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