Building a Rustic Style Wine Bar

by DoItYourself Staff

There are many types of wine and just as many styles of wine bar. Each person’s choice is different. One golden rule to abide by when building a rustic style wine bar is to measure the space it will go into and not to have it overpower the size of the room. This simple wine bar will be ideal for most homes and is ideal when built with most hardwoods.

Tools and Materials

1 piece of untreated hardwood 1 x 22 x 55 inches
1 piece of untreated hardwood 1 x 22 x 48 inches
4 pieces of untreated hardwood 1 x 22 x 38 inches
1 piece of pine plywood ½ x 48 x 38 inches
2 x lumber 1 x 48 x 4 inches
2 x lumber 1 x 20 x 4 inches
3 x lumber 1 x 24 x 4 inches
3 x lumber 1 x 24 x 3 inches
Three cleats 1 x 24 x 3 inches
4 block cleats 2 x 2 x 2 inches
Medium grade sandpaper
44 wood screws (1/4 inch)
Wood glue
Drill
Screwdriver
Jig Saw/Skill saw
Spirit Level
Square Edge
Pencil
1 inch paint brush
Dust mask
Gloves

Step 1 – Designing and Planning

Most average size home wine bars are approximately 42-45 inches in height, 55-65 inches in length and 22-30 inches deep. Make sure that the bar you are designing will fit into the area where you are planning to house it.

Step 2 – Assembling

Lay the 4 pieces of shorter lumber (1 x 22 x 38 inches) with the edge facing up at equal distances. Place the larger (1 x 22 x 55 inches) pieces across the top and secure using glue and two wood screws. Place the large piece of plywood across the front of your frame, enclosing it. Secure to each edge piece using glue two wood screws. Stand it upright.

Turn the construction so you are facing the open side of the wine bar. You will have three equal sections. You can now assemble the shelves. Using the 3 cleats (1 x 24 x 4 inches), measure equal distances from the inside top of the center section and screw three cleats into the back area. Screw two wood screws into the sides of each cleat. This will secure the cleats at the back to create sturdy shelves. Attach the other three cleats (1 x 24 x 4 inches) at the very front edge.

Step 3 – Securing the bottom.

Lay your wine bar on its back so that the open front is facing upward. Using the final larger piece of lumber (1 x 22 x 48 inches), attach with 2 screws in each edge piece to the bottom of the assembled wine bar. This will serve as the bottom shelf. What you will have left are 2 pieces measuring 1 x 48 x 4 inches and 2 pieces measuring 1 x 20 x 4 inches. These will become your plinth.

Take the shorter pieces and secure them to the bottom sides of the wine bar using a block cleat in each corner. Then, using the longer pieces, attach them to the front and back. Attach using 2 screws for each side. Once your wine bar is fully assembled, stand it up.

Step 4 – Finishing Off

Don’t smooth your wine bar to create a perfect finish but eliminate any possible splinter areas or edges that can cause phyical harm. This will help promote a rustic appearance. Use varnish or wood stain to coat the wine bar at least twice, allowing for enough drying time between each coat.