Bar Building Materials
Project overviews show estimated material costs.
You can certainly spend more and you can spend less. You are not required to spend what we recommend and there are many ways to save over our recommended bar building materials. For instance, if we call out OSB sheeting to be covered with paneling, you could skip buying two sheets and cover the outside a single sheet of 3/8 plywood.
If cost of materials is your primary concern, you could re-purpose materials from a Habitat for Humanity Re-Store or similar outlet.
Requires only Standard Dimensional Lumber
Here is a list of recommended building materials which are available at Home Depot or any hardware store or home center.
Our project material lists will tell you the parts you will need for a given project. This is an overview of parts used in all out projects.
If you are new to woodworking, you may want to read about Lumber Sizes so you understand exact size call-outs.
Note, for lumber that will be in contact with ground, AC2 Treated Lumber is recommended.
Construction Lumber / Studs
This is lumber used primarily for structural framing, or the skeleton of your bar project. They are usually hidden from view in the finished project.
- Order 2″ x 4″ material – Common framing studs, comes in various lengths. 8 foot is usually recommended.
- Order 2″ x 6″ material – Common framing studs, comes in various lengths. 8 foot is usually recommended.
- Order 2″ x 8″ material– Used primarily for foot rest or rafters.
- Order 2″ x 10″ material – Used Primarily for structural support of longer bar top sections.
- Order 2″ x 12″ material – Rarely used for structural support of longer bar top sections.
Dimensional Lumber
These boards are used as trim and are usually very visible in the finished project. They are typically stained and varnished or painted. It is recommended that you select these by hand for best quality. You can use any species of wood you like and can afford. Pine is cheapest, oak is the most expensive.
- Order 1″ x 4″
- Order 1″ x 6″
- Order 1″ x 8″
Plywood and OSB Sheeting
- 4′ x 8′ x 1/2″ OSB (Oriented Stand Board) Economy sheeting providing structural strength, but not looks.
- 4 x 8 x 3/4″ CDX Plywood. This is a very rough grade of plywood that is only recommended for the base of a bar top.
- 4 x 8 x 3/4″ B/C Plywood. This is a finish grade plywood with one side grade B (place up) and the other graded C (place down).
Decorative Paneling and Veneer Sheeting
This is the finish grade sheeting for the exterior of your project. It can be very thin since the OSB layer is providing the structural support.
You can select from photographic veneers or natural wood, the latter being much more expensive.