Blog>Cost Guides>How much does it cost to build a home bar?
Last updated: 29 January 2025
How much does it cost to build a home bar?
If you love to have friends and family round, a home bar can quickly become your favourite spot to hang out. So, let's look at the cost to build a home bar in the UK.
Fast Facts
The cost to build your home bar will depend on the size of your bar, along with any prep work needed to ready the space
For the bar itself, you can hire a cabinet maker at around £35 to £45 per hour
If building your bar in the basement, you'll need to convert it first; Cellar conversion costs around £1,600 per m²
To help you plan your budget, we've put together this guide to look at the average cost of building a bar in your home. We'll also look at some of the factors that might affect the total cost.
The average cost to build a home bar in the UK
| Cost provided item | Unit | Cost - low | Cost - high | Average cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carpenter | Per hour | £35 | £45 | £40 |
| Interior designer | Per hour | £50 | £150 | £100 |
| Mural painter | Per day | £150 | £230 | £190 |
| Downlight supply and installation | Estimated job cost | £300 | £500 | £400 |
| Laminate worktop | Per m² | £40 | £60 | £50 |
| Granite worktop | Per m² | £120 | £180 | £150 |
| Quartz worktop | Per m² | £80 | £130 | £110 |
| MDF | Per m² | £8 | - | £8+ |
| Bar stool | Per bar stool | £15 | ||
| Fridge | Per unit | £150 | £700 | |
| Pool table | Per item | £1,000 | £5,000 | £3,000 |
| Two door under counter fridge | Per item | £150 | £700 | £425 |
| Cellar conversion cost | Per m² | £1,000 | £2,200 | £1,600 |
| Cost to excavate a new cellar and underpinning | Per m² | £1,920 | £2,800 | £2,800 |
| Last updated: May 2024 Our costs are ballpark averages - get a local tradesperson to quote now | ||||
The cost of building a bar at home will depend on where you decide to build it.
The size and style will also affect the total budget and where you live (for example, building costs are often more expensive in London).
And, of course, you'll need to save some cash to stock up your new bar with drinks, glassware and snacks.
Let's look at a breakdown of the different home bar costs involved.
Cost of building a bar
For the actual bar itself, you can hire a cabinet maker at around £35 to £45 per hour. They can assemble a flat-pack bar or build something bespoke just for you.
In terms of materials, MDF is usually cheaper than hardwood at around £8per m².
To finish your new bar, you'll need the right worktop. Here are just a few of your options, all perfect for slinging drinks like a pro:
Laminate worktop - £40 to £60 per m²
Granite worktop - £120 to £180 per m²
Quartz worktop - £80 to £130 per m²
Add bar seating/stools cost
You can pick up bar stools from as little as £15per bar stool, an affordable way to give your friends and family somewhere comfortable to sit.
Add a bar fridge cost
A 2-door under-counter fridge is the perfect choice for your home bar, costing around £150 to £700 depending on the make and model.
Lighting cost
Downlights are the ideal choice for an atmospheric home bar. On average, downlights cost around £400for supply and installation.
Games/Pool table cost
No home bar is complete without some entertainment. So, if you have the budget, splash out on a pool table for between £1,000 to £5,000 if bought new.
However, you can find some great bargains online for second-hand pool tables.
Budget for your bar's decor
You can bring in a professional decorator to get your new home bar looking ship-shape. The average day rate for a painter and decorator is £250 - £400 per day.
If you're going all out, consult an interior designer at the cost of around £50 to £150 per hour.
Cost of building a bar in the basement
An unused basement is ideal for a home bar. However, before you can start mixing martinis, you'll need to convert the space.
Cellar conversion costs around £1,600 per m².
If you need to create a new cellar, you'll pay much more at around £2,800 per m² for excavation and underpinning.
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FAQs
Do I need planning permission for a home bar?
If you're building a home bar in the garden, you shouldn't need planning permission as long as you meet conditions relating to the size and height of the structure.
However, you will still need to meet all the relevant Building Regulations.
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