Bar plans?

Anyone got any suggestions for bar plans or places that sell them? Anyone actually have any experience with these plans or overall suggestions for building?

I'm wanting to buld a typical L shaped bar. The long end right at 8 ft then the shorter L part attaching to the wall at about 5 to 5.5 ft. I'm going to run electrical through it but not plumbing (I'm doing a free standing sink on back wall behind the bar).

I'm putting this in a room where the length is not an issue, but it is slightly narrow. Meaning I want the bar itself to be as narrow as possible so that you can easily wall around the bar even with people sitting at it. The only thing as far as depth goes that I want in the bar itself is a beverage center (bar fridgerator). I do want a lower level work space behind the bar and I want the bar top to cantilever out at least some so your legs are under the bar top.

I can't find a bar plan on line that fits all the major components I want. One is close but it is a full three feet in depth before I stick the bar top out a little. So I'm wondering how easy these plans are to modify? Should I just get one to give me the general idea, then make the size as I see fit? Or really, is there a point in getting plan? Should I just frame some boxes and go from there? My concern is not the rough in part, but in the finishing details. This will be in a very visible place in our house and my wife agrees we should put up a bar, it better be nice, or I'll never hear the end of it!

Thanks for the idea guys! Due to my job, I'm probably going to have to put the actual building on hold (I work for a large insurance company on their Catastrophe Team- so sooner or later will be heading to the gulf coast area). However, I want to keep collecting ideas, maybe go ahead and buy some plans so when I get back can jump right in!

MaximAVS, geat bar! Did you attach to the ground or anything? I have tile over concrete slab. So I COULD go in the grout and into the slab, but I figure with even just basic framing and real plywood it would be heavy enough not to have to attach to the ground.

I certainly appreciate the kind words, but I'm not sure what you mean by "save your employer money"????

I'm on a permanent Catastrophe Team a position I put in for 10 years ago and was fortunate to be selected. As part of this team all I ever do is travel the country helping people when they need it the most, after a disaster.

I have worked Hurricanes, Fires, Tornado's, Hail Storms, Floods, etc, etc. It is all I do. While I'm not technically an adjuster, I'm part of the same group. I mainly do training, assist with difficult issues, quality control, etc. If needed I can fill the roll of an adjuster, fill in for management, help with technical issues, be a classroom trainer, train one on one, etc.

I very, very proud of what I do and that I get to help people. I'm also proud for the company I work for who has never (in over 15 years total working for them) asked me to do something that I was uncomfortable with. And as further note of why I'm proud of who I work for, I just got an e-mail yesterday they my company donated a large some of money to the American Red Cross AND will match contributions dollar for dollar of any donation us employees make.

Thank you for the note, no offense taken...

While you are correct, an insurance company is a "for profit" business, you want your insurance company to be profitable. You want your insurance company to make money, and make LOTS of it for years and years. Why? Because when something like Katrina hits, it will take every bit of it and wipe out all of those previous years profits. You certainly don't want an insurance company to "not make money". Why? Where will the money come from if you have a claim?

Insurance companies realize exactly what could happen. It is not a gamble. Especially after hurricane Andrew, companies realized the importance of being ready with something major hits. They have worked with the federal and state governments to make sure those that want insurance, can get it from some place. I won't speak for all companies but I have been working for mine long enough to know one simple thing, when something like this happens they will spare NO expense doing everything they can to help. They will bring in toys for kids who have lost all of their stuff, they will have water, coffee, snacks, they will let people use our phones, faxes, they will help people find someplace to stay, whatever. None of which is "covered under the policy" but it is the right thing to do. You are correct, we do not pay for damage that is not covered, we do not go around handing out money to those that did not have insurance. But if everyone had bought insurance, the right type with the right coverage, then all would get some money. And I understand that some have to choose between eating and buying insurance and this is where in almost every case, the federal government will step in.

Also, people who by insurance should not look at it as a gamble or "savings account". Insurance works by a very simple principle, a lot of people pay premiums that cover the claims of just a few. Insurance does not and cannot work if everyone turns in a claim. You buy insurance for the piece of mind it brings you and for the rare times something happens.

No offense was taken and I certainly didn't mean to sound like I do my job for free. We made a promise to those that bought our product, and I feel great that I get to help honor that promise and help them get their life back together. And I agree, I often work right next to, in the same tents, in the same office with the American Red Cross or other organizations. They are wonderful people!

Actually that is the site I joined about a month ago. I have not started yet as I had been working out of town, but MAY be home for a while. As it turned out, it may have been good to wait. The guy at the site is coming out with a new plan any day of exactly the type bar I want to build. He will call it the "Kegger L shape bar", but I do not plan to put in a keg, but will put in a frig. But the overall design is exactly what I want, L shape with work bartenders work area (I plan to have electrical, but no sink as my sink will be a free standing unit behind the bar).

Soon as his new plan is up, I will at least print and start to modify the size for my needs.

Very nice! Is that flagstone? Did you use concrete backer board?

Right at this moment, I'm thinking about an engineered stone bar top - quartz, home depot has it as Silstone. We did our kitchen in it and the guys did a great job and might see if I can get it directly through them. For the bartender work area, will probably do either a stained/sealed top or my formica.

I'd rather save the money and find a DIY top, but the granite look is hard to beat.

Heynow,

Great bar. Gave me some great ideas! I like your track lighting (Home Depot/Lowes - think I have seen those.). Lighting will be an issue for me as I have vaulted ceilings and right now the only thing for lighting I have is a ceiling fan and some skylights! I may have to pop some wall lighting in...