Wet Bar Installation Cost Calculator

Leading provider of wet bar installation cost estimating.

A wet bar typically ranges from $2,200 to $13,200 for a prefab model and $11,000 to $33,000 for a custom design, with costs depending on the size and added features. In comparison, building a dry bar runs from $1,100 to $16,500, with costs varying based on whether it’s a prefab or custom setup. The main difference is that a wet bar includes a sink, while a dry bar does not.

Average Home Bar Costs

Bar Type	Average Total Cost
Prefab Dry Bar	$1,100 – $5,500
Prefab Wet Bar	$2,200 – $13,200
Custom Dry Bar	$5,500 – $16,500
Custom Wet Bar	$11,000 – $33,000

Cost to Build a Basement Bar

The cost of building a basement bar can increase significantly if your basement needs finishing first. Finishing an unfinished basement typically costs $30 to $55 per square foot, or about $16,500 to $82,500 for a full conversion. Remodeling an already finished basement will run around $25 to $70 per square foot, totaling about $13,750 to $71,500.

If you’re considering a custom wine cellar instead (or as an addition to a bar), expect a price tag of $330 to $550+ per square foot for a fully custom cellar. Alternatively, a prefab wine cellar system can range from $1,760 to $8,800. Wine cellars offer a stylish touch to your home, though they aren’t as flexible in use as a basement bar.

Home Bar Installation Costs

Installing a home bar involves several factors that can influence the overall cost, especially if you’re building a wet bar, which requires plumbing and additional fixtures. Here’s a breakdown of typical installation costs based on size and type:

Home Bar Installation Costs

Factor	Average Cost Installed
Cabinets	$165 – $550 per linear foot
Countertops	$55 – $165 per square foot
Backsplash	$11 – $55 per square foot
Electrical Wiring	$4.40 – $9.90 per square foot
Flooring	$6.60 – $11 per square foot
Plumbing	$495 – $1,980 per fixture
Lighting	$110 – $715 per fixture
Sink Installation	$418 – $1,540
Faucet Installation	$275 – $660
Dishwasher	$605 – $1,760
Refrigerator	$748 – $2,750

Several additional factors can impact the overall cost of a home bar installation:

Design / Décor – Incorporating furniture, specialized lighting, or decorative wall art will increase expenses. These personal touches add style but also add to the budget.
Location – Costs will vary based on where the bar is located (e.g., outdoor, indoor, basement). Outdoor bars or those in unfinished basements may need extra electrical wiring, outlets, plumbing, and flooring, which can be pricier than simply adding shelves to an existing finished room.
Seating – Bar stools range from $50 to $200 each, depending on the brand, height, and whether they include back support, which all add to the cost if you need seating.
Stocking the Bar – Keep in mind that liquor and other bar stock are not part of construction costs, so budgeting for this is essential if you plan to fully outfit your bar.

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Labor Costs for Building a Bar

The cost of labor for a bar installation will vary depending on the professionals involved:

Interior Designers charge between $50 and $200 per hour or $450 to $1,500 per room to assist with layout and décor.
General Contractors typically charge $50 to $150 per hour or take 10% to 20% of construction costs to manage subcontractors and oversee the project.
Carpenters range from $30 to $200 per hour, with rates based on skill level and experience.
Plumbers usually charge $45 to $150 per hour, depending on their experience.
Electricians charge between $50 and $130 per hour, influenced by project complexity and experience.

Wet Bar vs. Dry Bar Costs

Installing a wet bar generally costs more than a dry bar due to plumbing requirements. Here’s a comparison:

Factor	Wet Bar	Dry Bar
Total Cost Installed*	$2,000 – $30,000	$1,000 – $15,000
Pros & Cons	Higher installation cost, but a sink adds convenience and makes it great for entertaining	More affordable, suitable for smaller spaces, and quicker to install

*Excludes liquor and supply costs.

Custom Bar Costs

Custom bar prices depend on the size, materials, and features included. Here’s a cost breakdown based on bar type:

Bar Type	Average Total Cost	Details
Basic or Small Custom Bar	$2,000 – $5,000	Bar cart or small counter, limited storage
Mid-range or Average Custom Bar	$7,000 – $10,000	Sit-down bar with cabinets
High-end or Large Custom Bar	$12,000 – $30,000	Includes cabinets, premium counters, large sit-down area

Additional Costs:

Demolition – Removing existing structures costs $4 to $10 per square foot, depending on whether walls are load-bearing.
Cabinets – Custom cabinets range from $500 to $1,200 per linear foot installed.

Outdoor Bar Costs

Building an outdoor bar comes with a few added expenses to create a comfortable and functional space:

Patio – Installing a new patio will cost about $5.50 to $38.50 per square foot, depending on the material. Poured concrete is usually the most budget-friendly option, while natural stone is on the pricier end.
Outdoor Kitchen – Adding an outdoor kitchen can range from $7,700 to $17,600 for a pre-built unit with installation, or $11,000 to $38,500 for a fully custom outdoor kitchen.
Outlets – Installing a new outdoor outlet will typically run $200 to $385 each.
Outdoor Lighting – Landscape lighting, which enhances ambiance and visibility, generally costs $88 to $330 per fixture, including installation.

Prefab Bar Prices

Prefab bars offer a convenient, often lower-cost solution for adding a bar to your outdoor space. Here’s an overview of typical prefab bar costs:

Bar Type	Average Cost (Materials Only)	Details
Bar Cart	$165 – $770	Great for small gatherings or occasional use
Freestanding Bar Cabinet	$220 – $880	Portable storage for bar essentials
Freestanding Sit-Down Dry Bar	$1,650 – $5,500	Stool-height counter with seating options
Built-In Wall Cabinet Dry Bar	$1,100 – $2,750	Permanent cabinet setup, sometimes with counter space

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Building a Budget-Friendly Home Bar

Creating a home bar on a budget is possible by using prefabricated materials, repurposing pre-owned shelving, and doing some of the work yourself. A DIY wet bar kit will cost approximately $550 to $7,700, depending on the bar’s size and materials.

Home Bar Costs by Feature

Home bars range from simple countertop and cabinet setups to fully-equipped bars with sinks, lighting, and appliances. Here’s how different features impact the total cost:

Feature	Average Cost for Materials and Installation
Cabinets	$165–$550 per linear foot
Countertops	$55–$165 per square foot
Backsplash	$11–$55 per square foot
Sink	$330–$1,540
Faucet	$275–$660

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Cabinets

Cabinet costs depend on the materials and whether they’re prefabricated or custom. On average, they cost $165 to $550 per linear foot for materials and installation. Budget-friendly options like wood veneer and laminate are available, while solid wood offers a premium look.

Pre-made stock cabinets are more affordable than custom designs. For example, solid wood stock cabinets cost $110 to $660 per linear foot, while custom ones range from $550 to $2,200 per linear foot.

Countertops

Countertops play a key role in both wet and dry bars. Homeowners spend around $55 to $165 per square foot on bar countertops. Laminate is one of the most affordable options, averaging $22 to $88 per square foot, but it may show wear over time. Natural stone ranges from $55 to $165 per square foot and offers more durability, while metal, costing $88 to $220 per square foot, is especially durable and stain-resistant.

Backsplash

Adding a backsplash costs $11 to $55 per square foot and enhances both the look and function of a home bar. Since home bars typically need less backsplash area than kitchens, homeowners may choose premium materials. For example, ceramic backsplash averages $11 to $33 per square foot, granite costs $22 to $50 per square foot, and marble ranges from $33 to $165 per square foot.

Sink

A sink installation for a home bar costs between $330 and $1,540, excluding plumbing. Drop-in sinks are among the most affordable at around $275, while undermount sinks start at $385, and corner sinks start at $495.

Faucet

If you already have a sink and just need to add or replace a faucet, expect to spend $275 to $660 for the fixture and installation. High-arch faucets range from $55 to $2,750 for luxury models, while pull-out faucets range from $39 to $2,200.

Prefab vs. Custom Home Bars

Prefab bars are ready-made and more budget-friendly. They offer limited options compared to custom bars but are still a great choice for affordable installations. A prefab dry bar typically costs $1,100 to $5,500, while a prefab wet bar ranges from $2,200 to $13,200.

Custom bars, on the other hand, offer flexibility for tailored designs. Custom dry bars generally cost $5,500 to $16,500, while custom wet bars cost $11,000 to $33,000. While custom bars are pricier, they allow for a personalized look and fit, ideal for unique spaces.

Does Building a Bar Increase Home Value?

Adding a bar can increase your home’s value, especially if home bars are popular in your area. Wet bars generally add more value than dry bars and are well-suited for entertaining spaces like living rooms, dining rooms, and basements. However, keep in mind that a bar doesn’t guarantee a substantial return on investment; prioritize your enjoyment and usage of the space.

Budgeting Tips for Building a Home Bar

Compare Wet vs. Dry Bars – Plumbing for a wet bar adds cost but can be worthwhile if the bar is far from the kitchen, such as in a basement or patio. For bars closer to the kitchen, a dry bar may be more budget-friendly.
Measure Before Buying – Prefab bars can be stylish and affordable but may not fit every home. Measure entry spaces carefully before purchasing to ensure smooth installation.
Shop Sales – Look for discounts on materials or consult with contractors about any special pricing options they might have.
Get Multiple Quotes – Contact several local builders to compare quotes for your bar project.
DIY Finishing Touches – While professional help is essential for plumbing and electrical work, painting and other finishing tasks can be done yourself to save on labor costs.

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Conclusion

Installing a home bar, whether a wet or dry bar, offers a versatile addition to any home, enhancing both style and functionality. Costs vary widely based on type, location, and design preferences, with prefab dry bars starting at around $1,100 and custom wet bars reaching up to $33,000. Key cost factors include cabinetry, countertops, plumbing, and electrical work, each contributing to the final price. Whether for casual gatherings or personalized wine storage, a well-planned home bar can add enjoyment and potentially increase home value, making it a rewarding investment for those who love to entertain.

Question Answer

Frequently Asked Question

What is the typical cost of installing a wet bar?

A wet bar installation ranges from $2,200 to $13,200 for a prefab model and $11,000 to $33,000 for a custom design, depending on features and materials.

How much does a dry bar cost compared to a wet bar?

Dry bars generally cost less due to the absence of plumbing. Prefab dry bars range from $1,100 to $5,500, while custom options run between $5,500 and $16,500.

What factors impact the cost of a basement bar?

A finished basement costs about $30 to $55 per square foot, while remodeling an already finished one can cost $25 to $70 per square foot. Location, size, and design choices can impact the final cost.

What are typical installation costs for home bar components?

Average costs include $165–$550 per linear foot for cabinets, $55–$165 per square foot for countertops, and $495–$1,980 per plumbing fixture, depending on materials and customization.

How much does it cost to add an outdoor bar?

Outdoor bar costs vary, with patios ranging from $5.50 to $38.50 per square foot and outdoor kitchens from $7,700 to $38,500 for custom builds, depending on materials and layout.

What’s the cost difference between prefab and custom bars?

Prefab bars are more budget-friendly, with prefab dry bars costing $1,100 to $5,500 and wet bars $2,200 to $13,200. Custom dry bars are $5,500 to $16,500, and custom wet bars range from $11,000 to $33,000.

Do home bars add value to a property?

Home bars, especially wet bars, can enhance home value and appeal. However, value added may vary based on location and popularity in the area.

What are budget-friendly options for building a home bar?

Using prefabricated materials, repurposing shelves, and handling DIY tasks can reduce costs, making it possible to create a functional bar for $550 to $7,700, depending on the materials chosen.

How much do different bar features cost?

Typical costs are $55–$165 per square foot for countertops, $11–$55 per square foot for backsplash, and $275–$1,540 for sinks. Customized options may add to these expenses.

What labor costs are involved in building a home bar?

Costs vary based on professional rates. Interior designers charge $50–$200 per hour, plumbers $45–$150 per hour, and general contractors 10%–20% of project costs.

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