What is a Wet Bar?
The dictionary says that it’s “a bar with running water for serving alcoholic drinks at home“. That’s the simplified definition. There’s much more… So what is a wet bar?
More than just running water and booze:
typical home wet bar with sink and beer tapper system
First, a wet bar should include a sink with running water and a drain. The drink prep area should be designed to both prepare cocktails and contain spills. The bar top design should also prevent over spill on to the floor in the event someone tips over a full glass.
Don’t get Zapped:
In any wet area proper electrical protection should be provided using GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) protected electrical power outlets.
This safety breaker device protects against dangerous electrical faults that could occur in drink mixers and other electrical devices.
GFCI unit on Amazon:
Counter tops should have glassware mats for proper drying and sinks should include drain filters to prevent stir sticks from clogging the trap. Mold and mildew are always a threat, remember your kitchen cleaning aides.
Avoid Trench Foot:
The floor area behind the bar should be sloped toward the nearest drain with anti fatigue floor matting installed to reduce foot fatigue and prevent the bartender from getting trench foot standing in beer swill all night.
EHBP-03 Keg Box Wet Bar
Spigot drains are also a feature of a true wet bar, one definitely located under your beer tapper, preferably made of stainless steel or brass. A beer gutter is also a key bar top design feature that allows you to mix drinks or dispense tap beer in a wet area with proper drainage.
Our plan sets detail these wet bar features and make it easy and affordable for the weekend do it yourself builder.
Current wet bar models:
EHBP-03 Straight Bar Design
EHBP-04 L-Shaped Bar Design
EHBP-09 45 degree corner Bar Design
Each of these wet bar plans are designed to accommodate a sink, plumbing and many key design features to contain and control spills. They also include plans for building your own integrated kegerator and CO2 charged beer tapper system that will keep your tap beer fresh for weeks. We also include the EHBP-11 Back Bar Cabinet to compliment your wet bar and accommodate your liquor and glassware supply.
What are Dry Bars?
Our definition of a dry bar is basically a standard beer / soda serving bar. We have several models to serve as dry bars, they include:
EHBP-01 Straight Standard Bar
EHBP-02 L-shaped Standard Bar
EHBP-05 Portable Tailgate Bar
Keep in mind, these so called “dry” models can also serve as wet bars and include beer / cocktail prep gutters to contain spills.
Of course you can also look at an establishment itself as “wet” or “dry” depending upon whether or not they sell or dispense adult beverages.
Oh, and one small inaccuracy in the dictionary definition of wet bar, it does not require alcoholic drinks. In fact, we know of many folks who run a home bar but mix only non alcoholic drinks. In that case, you might call it a wet bar that’s gone dry. Wet or dry it’s all the same to me.
Faux Wet Bars:
Free plans and articles are fine, but a proven plan can make short order of your project. We’ve reviewed other bar related sites and found most lack the detail and spill containment and none include internal keg box details.
So stop guessing and do it right the first time, get started building your bar today!
More Wet Bar Stuff on Amazon: