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Question about peninsula bars

mwgaines | Posted in General Discussion on December 23, 2010 10:26am

I’d like to add a peninsula bar to my kitchen remodel, but I want the bar high enough for practical seating with bar stools. It’s my understanding that the typical bar height is ~ 42″. I plan to use RTA cabinets, but I’m not sure what I’ll need to order to accomodate the bar. Do I simply add an extension to the top of the base cabs? Should the back of the bar be at 36″ with the front of the bar at 42″ (i.e. split-level countertop)?

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  1. DanH | Dec 23, 2010 11:01am | #1

    Get shorter bar stools.

  2. sapwood | Dec 23, 2010 11:54am | #2

    A couple of thoughts here: first off, I'd suggest you go to your local library and check out a few books on kitchen design. The books will have many photos of different kitchens. There you will see an example of what you want in your kitchen. From there, all you'll have to do is replicate it.

    Secondly, I'd go and purchase the bar stools first. I should think it will be easier to fit a cabinet/bar top to the stool height rather than the other way around. Or else you might be stuck with short stools or something you don't care for.

  3. gfretwell | Dec 23, 2010 12:26pm | #3

    If you want to get the base units up, stack a drawer unit on top of them.

  4. mwgaines | Dec 24, 2010 08:53am | #4

    Thanks for the suggestions. I did some additional research and found some good photos that will help me out. My wife wants a 36" breakfast bar, but I prefer a 42" split level bar that would accomodate someone standing or sitting.

    Now this element of my remodel can begin like all the others:

    1. Calmly discuss the pros and cons of a 36" breakfast bar vs. a 42"  multi-level bar.

    2. Have a big fight about it.

    3. Design and build a 36" breakfast bar.

    1. calvin | Dec 24, 2010 09:14am | #5

      MW

      When you get around to not bldg the 42" bar..............

      check out "die panel construction".

      You DO NOT need a 2x4 wall to back up the regular cabinet in front of the raised counter.  While it may answer the question of power on the face side (36" counter side), it is not needed for sturdiness.

      I'm going to assume a google search will explain it, but a quick example would be the bldg of commercial (or residential) bars that sit atop a 3/4 ply panel.

      1. mwgaines | Dec 24, 2010 02:02pm | #6

        Thanks, Calvin. I'll check it out.

        1. calvin | Dec 24, 2010 03:26pm | #7

          MW, I did a google using die panel construction

          and got zip.

          Some architect a long time ago called this method of minimalist bar construction-And I know I heard him right-I hadn't been drinking..................

          Lemme know if you strike out and I'll try to explain.

  5. BajaScout | Dec 24, 2010 04:27pm | #8

    I am starting a similar project. My research came up with 40-42 inches for bar height. I wen't to my favorite bar and took a measurement and it was 42 inches. My assumption is there is no problem finding bar stools that will fit the 42 inch bar. I will be doing a transitional bar. The bar side will be 42 inches and on the other side will be standard cabinets at 36 inches. This will be my first attempt at something like this. Hopefully I don't mess it up too bad. This project includes a pass through between the kitchen and front room. Will be going to get permits next week. Guess I will find out how little I actually know. I included a picture of my starting point.

  6. Clewless1 | Dec 29, 2010 08:29am | #9

    A standard detail might be to build a wall behind your cabinets to accomodate the high bar height. Set the bar top on top of that. If you need support, install corbells at logical intervals. Finish the wall however you like. Match the cabinets w/ some veneer or drywall or whatever. I did the wall approach in our new house ... worked great. Installed outlets and tiled that 4-5 inches of backsplash. Trimmed the ends and finished the face in matching wood. I designed my own corbells of steel 'cause I didn't like anything I could by. I really like them although I would have opted for powder coating instead of spray painting them.

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