When building a great home bar, there are a number of factors to consider. The multitude of different bar top materials out there can be overwhelming at times. If you’re unsure what material you want to use for your bar, here is an overview of the most common materials and how they differ.
Laminate
Laminate is an affordable material that is easy to care for and available in a wide range of colors and styles. This is a great choice for a bar since it’s easily cleaned with mild soap and water. However, it is prone to scratching and with a lot of moisture exposure, it’s possible that it can peel, exposing the particle board inside. Laminate is not known for being the most stylish material out there, but there are options that mimic stone, wood, and other surfaces if it is all your budget will allow.
Granite
If you are looking for something high-end, granite is a great option. It is natural, durable, and comes in a host of unique colors and patterns. It’s also pretty expensive and requires professional installation. Granite will require periodic sealing. Unless you get a lighter color, which would be more likely to stain, or a very porous slab, you’re looking at a pretty hardy stone top that will make you the envy of anyone who sets their eyes (or a beer) on it.
Solid Surface
Corian and other solid surface counters are a great choice for bar tops. Not only do they come in an array of colors and styles, but they are easy to clean and are not extremely susceptible to staining. They are certainly more expensive than laminate but generally aren’t as expensive as natural stone.
Marble
We are just going to say it, marble is a bad idea for a bar top. Despite its natural beauty and luxurious feel, it is extremely porous and fragile. You will spend a fortune and it will be absolutely gorgeous…as long as you don’t use it. And who wants a bar you can’t put a drink on?
Wood
If you’re going for a traditional, classic bar top, nothing beats wood. It’s hard to put a price on it though, as the range is huge. As classic and stylish as a wood bar top could be, it is vulnerable to liquid damage. Wood is also prone to dents and scratches. Some may want a bar that shows its history of use and others may not, depending on your style and aesthetic. It should be pointed out that wood is not a great choice for prep surfaces because of its vulnerability. If you choose wood for your bar top, be sure to properly seal it for maximum longevity.
These are certainly not the only choices for bar tops. There are epoxies and resins, stainless steel, ceramic tile, quartz, and much more. Hopefully this helps give some information on the differences between some of the popular styles. While we can’t choose the bar top for you, Clean Beer can install a professional draft beer system that will be sure to compliment whatever you choose. Contact us today to get started on beautifying (and beer-ifying) your home bar.
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