Wet Bar & Kitchenette

A basement bar turns your lower level into the go-to hangout spot. Whether it’s a simple wet bar with a sink and mini fridge or a full-service setup with draft taps, wine storage, and seating for eight, a well-built bar adds character and function to your finished basement.

Utah Basement Finishing designs and constructs custom basement bars tailored to your space, style, and budget. We handle framing, plumbing, electrical, countertops, cabinetry, backsplash, and all the finishing details.

What We Offer

Dry Bar (No Plumbing)

• Bar counter with overhang for seating
• Base cabinets or open shelving for glassware and bottles
• Dedicated electrical circuit for mini fridge and blender
• Pendant or recessed lighting
• Backsplash with tile or shiplap accent
• Best for: Smaller spaces or tight budgets
• Typical footprint: 6-8 linear feet

Wet Bar (With Sink)

• Everything in the dry bar plus a bar sink with hot and cold water
• Drain tied to existing basement plumbing
• Dishwasher-ready plumbing (optional)
• Garbage disposal option
• Best for: Entertaining and convenience
• Typical footprint: 8-12 linear feet

Full Basement Bar

• Full-size sink and countertop workspace
• Kegerator or draft system with tap tower (cold lines run through the countertop)
• Wine cooler or wine rack storage
• Under-counter refrigerator and/or ice maker
• Floating shelves or glass-door upper cabinets with LED accent lighting
• Bar-height counter (42″) with knee wall and stone or quartz countertop
• Tile, stone, or wood plank backsplash
• Built-in sound system shelf or TV mount area
• Best for: Serious entertainers
• Typical footprint: 10-16+ linear feet

Popular Materials and Finishes

• Countertops: Quartz (Cambria, Silestone, Caesarstone) is the most popular for durability and zero maintenance. Butcher block adds warmth. Granite and marble for a classic look. Live-edge wood slabs for a rustic feel.
• Cabinetry: Shaker-style painted cabinets (white, navy, charcoal) or stained wood (walnut, white oak). Soft-close hinges and drawer slides are standard.
• Backsplash: Subway tile, herringbone pattern, stacked stone, or peel-and-stick for budget-friendly options.
• Bar face: Shiplap, tongue-and-groove, board-and-batten, stacked stone, or painted drywall with trim. The bar face is what your guests see from the seating side — it sets the tone.
• Flooring: LVP or tile under the bar area (never carpet — spills are inevitable).

Our Process

Step 1: Design Consultation

We discuss your entertaining style, beverage preferences (beer? wine? cocktails? all of the above?), and available space. We’ll recommend a layout that maximizes function without overwhelming the room.

Step 2: Planning and Selections

We finalize the bar layout, select countertop material, cabinetry style, backsplash, and fixtures. We’ll coordinate plumbing and electrical requirements and submit for permits if the project includes plumbing work.

Step 3: Construction

Framing the bar structure, running plumbing (for wet bars), pulling electrical for outlets and lighting, installing cabinets, countertops, backsplash, and all finish work. Bar construction typically takes 2-3 weeks.

Step 4: Final Details

Hardware installation, caulking, lighting adjustments, and a walkthrough to make sure everything meets your expectations.

Cost Range

Cost drivers:

• Countertop material: laminate ($20/sq ft) vs. quartz ($60-90/sq ft) vs. granite ($50-80/sq ft)
• Cabinetry: stock ($150-300/linear ft) vs. semi-custom ($300-600/linear ft) vs. full custom ($600+/linear ft)
• Plumbing: new supply and drain lines add $2,000-$4,000
• Appliances: kegerator ($500-$2,000), wine cooler ($300-$1,500), ice maker ($300-$800), under-counter fridge ($400-$1,200)

Why Choose Us for Basement Bars

• Custom design — no cookie-cutter bar packages. We design around your space, style, and how you actually entertain
• Plumbing expertise — proper drainage, venting, and supply connections for below-grade installations
• Quality materials — we work with local countertop fabricators and cabinet shops for consistent quality
• Integrated approach — if the bar is part of a larger basement finish, it’s designed to flow with the entertainment area, not feel tacked on
• Attention to the details — toe kicks, electrical for blenders, cable management for mounted TVs, outlet placement for charging phones, under-cabinet lighting — the small things that make a bar functional

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit for a basement bar? A dry bar (no plumbing) typically doesn’t require a separate permit, though electrical work does. A wet bar with plumbing requires a plumbing permit and inspection. If the bar is part of a larger basement finish, it’s covered under the project permit.

Can you install a bar in a small basement? Absolutely. A compact dry bar or L-shaped wet bar can fit in as little as 6-8 linear feet of wall space. We’ve built functional bars in tight corners, under stairs, and along short walls. The key is smart design — prioritizing the features you’ll actually use.

What about Utah liquor laws — does a home bar need a license? No. Private home bars for personal use don’t require any licensing. Utah’s liquor laws apply to commercial establishments, not residential homes. Stock and serve whatever you like.

How do you handle drainage for a wet bar below the sewer line? If the bar sink drain is below the main sewer line, we connect it to a utility pump (smaller than a full sewage ejector) that pumps gray water up to the main drain. It’s a standard solution for below-grade sinks.

Can you install a kegerator or draft system? Yes. We frame and wire the kegerator alcove, install the countertop penetration for the tap tower, and run the beer lines. You supply the kegerator unit and kegs — we build the infrastructure. We recommend a dedicated 20-amp circuit for the kegerator to ensure consistent cooling.

What countertop material is best for a bar? Quartz is our top recommendation — it’s non-porous (won’t stain from wine or cocktails), heat-resistant, and requires zero sealing. Butcher block is warm and inviting but needs periodic oiling and is susceptible to water damage near the sink. Granite works well but requires annual sealing.

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Design your perfect basement bar. Call 801-515-3473 for a free consultation.

Utah Basement Finishing — 369 E 900 S #235, Salt Lake City, UT 84111 | Mon–Sat 8am–6pm