How Tall Should A Bar Be? - FineWoodworking

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fourtrees | Posted in Project Plans/CAD Software on December 1, 2005 03:45am

Does anyone know how tall standard bar height is? The owner wants to use it for standing next to or sitting on bar stools. Or if there is any info on the subject such as articals, web sites, or books. thanks for the help!

Replies

jazzdogg | Dec 02, 2005 06:05am | #1
Somewhere in the neighborhood of 42" seems to work well for a bar at which you can either stand or sit on a stool.

-Jazzdogg-

"Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive." Gil Bailie
spiff | Dec 03, 2005 12:30am | #2
42 inches
Patto | Dec 05, 2005 07:21am | #3
Tall enough to dance on?
philip | Dec 06, 2005 11:44am | #4
Figures like 40 to 42 inches are just a guideline-if you are to custom make a bar for a customer then I suggest you measure and interrogate the turkey WELL first.Dangeeit these are critical matters!
Philip Marcou
Steinmetz | Dec 17, 2005 06:08am | #5
Google up Archetectual specifications They show typical sink, window, chai,r furniture, door, openings sizes etc etc. Steinmetz
Edited 12/16/2005 10:09 pm ET by Steinmetz

GunnyKip | Jan 27, 2006 05:20am | #14
Standard bar height is 42" off finished floor

Ricks503 | Dec 19, 2005 08:28pm | #6
Tall enough to comfortably lean your elbow and forearm on while holding a beer.
1 - measure the board twice, 2 - cut it once, 3 - measure the space where it is supposed to go 4 - get a new board and go back to step 1
68KANE | Dec 21, 2005 05:40am | #7
Too high and you might get hurt falling off the stool :O

Pondfish | Dec 21, 2005 07:23am | #8
It's never high enough -- someone else is always looking to "raise the bar." Besides, it's more fun to drink under the table.Recommending the use of "Hide Signatures" option under "My Preferences" since 2005

Steinmetz | Dec 22, 2005 05:54pm | #9
Reminds me of the famous Peter Arno cartoon in The New Yorker MagazineA rather buxom young woman seated at the bar with her drink arriving from the bartender. He notices she has a pack of cigarettes, ashtray ,lipstick,mirror, compact, purse and boobs taking up space. Bartender says: " Lady will you take your things off the bar? Steinmetz

datachanel | Jan 05, 2006 04:37pm | #10
Not sure, but sounds like a few research trips could be in order.

Datachanel

Doing things the hard way
Steinmetz | Jan 05, 2006 11:04pm | #11
fourtrees, If you're into dancin' the limbo, it depends .

If you are younger than most, (Including me)about one foot above the floor at the lowest. And four or five feet at the highest.

If on the other hand, you ARE as old as me, forget about Limbo and head to the free bar. Do a bunch of 'heavy lifting' before you 'Siesta' Note: Esther lives on the other side of town!.

Steinmetz
Edited 1/5/2006 3:05 pm ET by Steinmetz
labatt50 | Jan 06, 2006 07:14am | #12
Standard Bar height is around 42". The question is really "how high does the owner want to sit?". Buying stools for the Bar range from 24" to 32" seat tops and some at 36". I built a Bar a couple of years ago (antiquish pedestal) with a 48" top for myself. The height is great because your guests when seated at the Bar are always eye level with those standing around the Bar. In addition the extra height of the Bar top provides a great height for the drink preparation and bottle storage behind the Bar (new level staggard from top). Now, because of this height I opted to build my own bar stools with a 36 inch seat height due to lack of options and price jump for these stools. Secondly, your bar must be stepped (8") or have an a brass bar for occupants to step up to the stools.

I really enjoy the height of the bar, when sitting at it, it feels as thought your sitting "at the bar" on not at a kitchen island. It really is neat to watch peoples faces the first time they sit at it; they look right, then left, then smile and drink.

to some up, see what the owner feels comfortable with.

badarse | Jan 06, 2006 07:46pm | #13
This month's "This Old House" magazine has a section on bars with a gallery of ideas. Not the best article ever but it might give you some extra ideas