Building a Home Bar During COVID-19: A Personal Journey
TLDR: This blog post chronicles the journey of building a home bar during the COVID-19 pandemic, detailing the planning, construction, and creative processes involved, as well as the personal touches that made the project special.
In March 2020, as the world began to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic, many people found themselves looking for ways to stay busy while working from home. One individual decided to take on the challenge of building a home bar, transforming a space in their home to accommodate their collection of alcoholic beverages. This blog post details the journey of that bar build, from initial planning to final touches, highlighting the creativity and effort involved in the process.
Planning the Build
The idea for the bar came from a set of blueprints that seemed to fit the available space perfectly. With a collection of alcoholic beverages needing a proper home, the project was a way to stay engaged and productive during the lockdown. The build began in March 2020, coinciding with the onset of the pandemic, providing a much-needed distraction during uncertain times.
The Construction Process
Early Stages
As the construction began, the bar started to take shape. The builder noted that the physical effort was significant, as evidenced by their huffing and puffing while nailing boards together. Over the next week, the corners of the bar became sharper, and the base was established. Preparations for electrical work were also underway, showcasing the multifaceted nature of the project.
Electrical Work
A friend, Kyle, joined in to help with the electrical installation, making the process more enjoyable and manageable. They divided the tasks, ensuring that the electrical setup was completed efficiently.
Building the Bar Structure
The builder installed three-quarter-inch plywood across the front and top of the bar, providing a sturdy foundation. A piece of red oak was added as a precursor to the drip tray that would be created later. This stage marked the beginning of a more creative phase, where the builder decided to implement a multi-color look for the bar, which turned out to be a successful design choice.
Finishing Touches
The finishing touches included facing the bar with better plywood, completing the electrical work, and adding bar rails. The builder also acquired bar stools and a hammered copper sink, which complemented the overall aesthetic. Staining the wood proved to be a challenge, requiring multiple coats to achieve the desired look.
The Glazing Process
The glazing process was intricate, involving a two-part glaze that required careful mixing and application. The builder documented the process, showcasing the meticulous nature of the work. They added personal touches by incorporating Harley poker chips collected from travels around the world, along with military coins, creating a unique and meaningful surface.
Adding Personal Touches
As the build progressed, family involvement became a part of the experience. The builder’s daughter, Madison, visited to help with staining and took photos, adding a personal touch to the project. The bar began to take on a life of its own, with modifications and enhancements being made as friends and family visited.
Final Modifications
The bar continued to evolve, with the builder adding lighting, plumbing, and even a brick wall at the back, inspired by a friend’s suggestion. The project became a social hub, allowing friends to gather and enjoy the space. The builder humorously referred to it as “the bar that never ended,” as new ideas and modifications kept surfacing.
Special Mementos
A special addition to the bar was a brick from the Worcester cold storage fire, gifted by a firefighter friend. This brick was incorporated into a shelving unit, adding a layer of history and significance to the bar.
Conclusion
The journey of building a home bar during the COVID-19 pandemic was not just about creating a physical space; it was about fostering connections, creativity, and personal expression. The builder encourages others to take on similar projects, emphasizing the joy and fulfillment of creating something with your own hands. As the bar became a gathering place for friends and family, it served as a reminder of resilience and the importance of community during challenging times. Cheers to creativity and camaraderie!
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We are honored that Mike chose to share his photos, but twice as honored to see he created a video of the entire project process.
Last but certainly not least, we honor Mike’s service and that of his fellow service members, and the camaraderie of the biker brotherhood.