If you just finished framing our your home bar, you might be wondering how to add DIY bar shelves. This guide provides free plans with a bar shelf cut list and tips to attach the shelves to your bar.
DIY Bar Shelves Frame
The frame is constructed of 2x4s cut to 47 inches and 8 inches. The four 2×4’s measuring 8 inches are adhered to the two 2×4’s measuring 47 inches with 2.5 inch wood screws.
Before attaching it to the bar frame, make sure the bar shelf frame is level. Then attach it to the bar frame, making sure to hit the studs if possible.
Use wood screws and wood glue to attach the bar shelf frame.
Bar Shelf Frame Cut List:
- 2 – 2x43s @ 47 inches
- 4 – 2×4’s @ 8 inches
Bar Shelving Cut List:
- 2 – ¾ inch plywood @ 47” x 11” (bottom and middle shelves)
- 1 – ¾ inch plywood @ 47” x 11.75” (top shelf – more visible so can substitute for higher quality solid wood if desired)
- 2 – 1×4 @ 47” (Back shelf support)
- 3 – 1×4 @ 31” (front shelf support)
- 3 – 1×4 @ 11.5” (front shelf support)
- 3 – 1×4 @ 15” (front shelf support)
- 2 – 1×4 @ 18.25” (shelf trim)
How to Attach Bar Shelving to a Bar
The first bar shelf is 47” x 11” and sits on top of the frame. It is attached to the bar frame with wood glue and finish nails.
Make sure these shelf supports are level before attaching, so the bar shelving fits correctly.
Then attach two 1×4’s measuring 47 inches to the ¾ inch plywood using wood glue and finish nails.
Make sure to hit a stud on the bar frame when attaching these shelf supports as they will be holding weight.
The first bar shelf support is located 15” from the top of the first shelf and the second self support is spaced 11.5 inches above that.
Front Bar Shelf Supports
The front bar shelf supports consist of 9 1×4’s cut to 31 inches, 15 inches, and 11.5 inches.
Cut 3 1×4’s to 31 inches, next cut 3 1×4’s to 15 inches, and lastly cut 3 1×4’s 10 11.5 inches.
The shelf support is assembled with wood glue and finish nails.
Make sure the finish nails do not protrude through the front.
The 11.5 inch 1×4 will is attached to the top of one of the 31 inch 1×4’s. This piece should be flush on the top and sides.
The finish nails should go through the 11.5 inch piece into the 31 inch piece, being careful not to penetrate the front of it.
Then one of the 15 inch pieces are attached to the same piece, making sure the bottom is 3.5 inches from the bottom of the 31 inch piece.
Again this is attached with wood glue and finish nails, with the finish ails going through the 15 inch piece first.
Follow the same steps above until you have 3 total shelf supports.
Second Bar Shelf
The second shelf should again be 47” x 11”. It rests on the back of the first 1×4, as seen in the picture above.
This shelf is also attached to the 1×4 with wood glue and finish nails.
It may be easier to do this after the shelf supports are holding up the front of it in coming steps. Make sure it is level before attaching.
The front of the shelf rests on the three shelf supports that were built.
Attach the Front Shelf Supports
The three shelf supports are spaced out evenly, and they are attached to the bottom shelf with wood glue and finish nails going directly into the shelf frame.
Wood glue is also used to adhere the second shelf to the shelf supports.
Top Bar Shelf
The top shelf is the most visible, so I used higher quality wood. I also, used ½ inch instead of ¾ inch but that was just my preference. Make sure it is level before attaching.
Final Touches to the DIY Bar Shelves
Two 1×4 pieces at roughly 18.25” are used to fill in the bottom of the shelf. These pieces should be flush with the first shelf.
Tip: Add trim to the front of the second and third shelf.
Conclusion
There you have it easy DIY bar shelves that can be altered to fit your own space and needs. Use these instructions as a guide to adjust as needed. Make sure the shelves are level and attached to studs, so they can support weight.