Build A Home Bar Cabinet To Entertain In Style
Whether your home bar is small or large (or even just a DIY nook!), making use of bar cabinets is a good idea. With the possibility of having an aesthetic piece of furniture that also serves a core function, there’s really nothing to list on the “con” side of this proposition.
Many different materials can be used for your cabinets, depending on your budget and how well it coordinates with the rest of your décor. Some of the materials that are commonly used include acrylic, laminate, plywood, veneer, MDF, HDF, stainless steel, glass or PVC. Giving your home bar cabinet a modular look has plenty of appeal, though some may prefer a more vintage vibe. Here’s a quick assessment of the types of materials you can consider for your bar cabinet:
HDF Or MDF?
While HDF (High-Density Fibreboard/Hardboard) is more expensive than MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard) it also has a higher resistance to moisture, which is a good thing when it comes to a storage space for liquids. Many homeowners prefer to use a combination of MDF and HDF-HMR (High Moisture Resistance).
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Wood, Or…
Solid wood cabinets are usually not recommended for a starter bar cabinet as they are a bit more expensive, and also because exposure to moisture could make the wood warp or blister over time.
Plywood is a popular choice, but may not be the best option for your cabinet’s shutters due to its weight. You wouldn’t want the shutters to get dislodged from their hinges during frequent use.
Particle Board is by far the cheapest material to make use of. Do note though, that it is not very sturdy and cannot hold a lot of weight, so make use of it only if it serves your purpose.
PVC & Stainless Steel
PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is an excellent cabinet material due to the ease of cleaning and maintaining it. Available as hollow boards and foam, PVC is easy to repair and is even available in many different colours. However, it is not as durable as other materials, although it is recommended for places with high humidity. Foam board is known to be sturdy, and holds more weight in comparison to PVC.
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You may want to go for stainless steel though, as it is durable, waterproof and very easy to clean. Plus, you can also make it look very good!
Do Ensure Your Bar Cabinet…
-Is built/purchased to the specifications you need in terms of dimensions. You want it to fit seamlessly into the designate area, and not have edges to stub your toe against jutting out into the floor space.
-Has a secure closure. You may or may not want to keep your spirits behind lock and key, but if you have kids in the house or aren’t home for swaths of time, you’ll want to prevent any mishaps.
-Has adequate storage space and shelving. Duh! You wouldn’t want to get a whole other cabinet because the first one isn’t capacious enough, do you?
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-Has internal lighting, even if it’s just an LED strip. Because you don’t want to be groping in the dark if your bar cabinet is not positioned in a part of the house that is brilliantly illuminated at all times.
-Is easily assembled, or comes with the option of having someone assemble it for you. Setting up your bar cabinet should be fun and creatively satisfying, not frustrating.
-Fits your budget. Enuf said!
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