My Bar is Topless.
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 6,955
axiomite
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OP
axiomite
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 6,955 |
But not for long.
This is the last piece (no really, it is the last thing this time) of the finish work on my 2 year HT room project but I can't decide what to do.
To refresh or initiate memories, my room is not big, 13x24 and it has a raised platform for the second couch. Attached to the rear of the raised platform is a bar. The raised couch sits pretty much against the front of the bar and there is room for stools behind it then the outside wall of the basement.
The room has been operational for some time but the bar is the last piece to call it 100% complete. The bar itself is built on an ridiculously sturdy frame. The outside walls are one-side-good plywood. I have fashioned trim for around the edges & corners, etc. but have not installed them yet until I decide how the top will be built. I don't want to ruin my options to attach it. It has not yet been stained or painted yet for the same reason.
I'm looking for suggestions on what and how to do the bar top. I just can't decide.
- It's a HT room so it will be dark more times than not so I'm not looking for pristine beauty as it will be largely wasted.
- Cost wise, I am looking for something that falls somewhere between economical and Bob won't make fun of it.
I pretty much am aware of all my options but can't decide. Help please!!!
With great power comes Awesome irresponsibility.
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Re: My Bar is Topless.
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Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,181 Likes: 1
connoisseur
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connoisseur
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,181 Likes: 1 |
What are your choices you are considering?
I put quartz counter tops in my kitchen and am very pleased with the durability and look of them. Plus they were cheaper than doing granite and I think they hold up better as they are completely non-porous.
But, a very cool wood top is pretty awesome on a bar as well. Pics? What style do you want the bar to be? a ship's galley? Modern? Irish pub?
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Re: My Bar is Topless.
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Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 4,357
connoisseur
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connoisseur
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 4,357 |
Andrew, have you heard of EnviroTex Lite? It's inexpensive and looks beautiful. I'm a paid member at Barplan.com. IMO it's the best resource online for anything to do with bars. I'll PM you some goodies .
The only reasonable argument for owning a gun is to protect yourself from the police.
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Re: My Bar is Topless.
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,458
shareholder in the making
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shareholder in the making
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,458 |
Does Envirotex Lite work on Axioms for a HG finish?
HG Beech would be SO custom!
::::::: No disrespect to Axiom, but my favorite woofer is my yellow lab :::::::
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Re: My Bar is Topless.
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Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 4,357
connoisseur
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connoisseur
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 4,357 |
Does Envirotex Lite work on Axioms for a HG finish?
HG Beech would be SO custom! That would be sweet, Mark. I don't know if the method of application would work, though.
The only reasonable argument for owning a gun is to protect yourself from the police.
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Re: My Bar is Topless.
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,703
connoisseur
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connoisseur
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,703 |
I'm putting in a remnant piece of quartz for our small bar sink in our basement/HT remodel.
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Re: My Bar is Topless.
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 6,955
axiomite
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OP
axiomite
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 6,955 |
Thanks all. Lots to Ponder. I planned on diving into this headfirst on the weekend but went skiing both days instead. Winter is too short this year. Had to enjoy it when I could.
With great power comes Awesome irresponsibility.
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Re: My Bar is Topless.
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Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 8,488
axiomite
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axiomite
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 8,488 |
I guess it depends on what the REAL, day-to-day use of the object is going to be, and if you ever plan to move it.
It sounds like it's built-in-place, so you have more options relative to weight.
I haven't lived with the synthetic stone or quartz, so I really don't know how it would be.
Real stone - either slab or tile - is timeless and wonderful. However, I have learned that it is not quite as "maintenance free" as people might like you to think. A big slab of granite would be lovely, but I don't think you can probably DIY.
If you don't abhor the look of grout lines, ceramic tile offers the optimum for creativity and easy maintenance. I found that using dirt-colored (black, in my case) epoxy grout from Laticrete basically eliminates any concern about maintenance of the grout lines.
EDIT: totally forgot...
Wood is lovely, but nobody's found a sure-fire way to keep it lovely in the last 500 years and you're not going to be the first. If you like the way it looks and are amenable to it developing some character as it gets used, good on you.
I saw a few examples of concrete countertops that I liked.
Time and money, buddy.
Have fun. Need pics.
Last edited by tomtuttle; 02/21/12 05:05 PM. Reason: D'oh.
bibere usque ad hilaritatem
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Re: My Bar is Topless.
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 3,596 Likes: 1
connoisseur
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connoisseur
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 3,596 Likes: 1 |
Andrew, what are the dimensions?
Is it small enough to afford stone or wood? All (good) stone and wood are $$$$. Stone counters break things easily. Wood would be way cool.
Don't rule out laminate until you've seen the hundreds of color/pattern choices that are out there. I will make fun of you only if it immitates something that it is not, like wood-grained vinyl-clad speakers. A punchy solid color of laminate could do it for you.
Mondo cheapo: paint grade ply, primer, 3 coats (oil-based) paint, 3 coats poly.
When any effort is made to make a manufactured material look like it's made from a real material, Bob cringes, then laughs.
Always call the place you live a house. When you're old, everyone else will call it a home.
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Re: My Bar is Topless.
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Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,236
connoisseur
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connoisseur
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,236 |
The new speakers can't come soon enough. I can order them in real wood and then a certain mean person will leave me alone.
M3 and M80
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