Build a Home Bar with RTA Kitchen Cabinets

Bar Cabinets for Home: How to Use RTA Cabinets for DIY Bars

If you’ve ever dreamed of having your own home bar — whether it’s for mixing cocktails, storing wine, or setting up a coffee station — you’re not alone. As more people explore creative ways to enhance their kitchens, basements, and living spaces, building a bar using RTA kitchen cabinets has become an affordable, flexible DIY project.

Why Use Kitchen Cabinets to Build a Bar?

RTA kitchen cabinets are one of the most accessible and effective materials for building a home bar — especially if you’re looking for a DIY-friendly solution. While you could design a custom bar from scratch, starting with RTA cabinets gives you a solid, pre-engineered base that’s already built to hold weight, store items, and last for years.

Here’s why kitchen cabinets work so well for home bar projects:

• Cost-effective without sacrificing quality: Custom-built bars can get expensive quickly. Kitchen cabinets — especially RTA models — offer a more affordable way to get a finished, professional look. Most are made from durable plywood or hardwood with features like dovetail drawers and soft-close hinges.
• Pre-configured sizes that fit most spaces: Whether you’re building into a basement alcove or carving out a nook in your living room, kitchen cabinets come in standard widths and heights that make planning easier. They can be arranged side by side to form a bar wall or paired with a sink base to create a functional wet bar.
• Quick assembly for DIYers: Ready-to-assemble cabinets are designed for fast, tool-friendly setup. Most home bar builders can handle installation with basic household tools — no specialized carpentry needed. Instructions are straightforward, and most manufacturers offer additional resources or customer support.
• Design flexibility to match any aesthetic: From modern slab doors to timeless shaker cabinets, kitchen cabinets are available in a range of styles and finishes. Whether your space leans farmhouse, industrial, traditional, or contemporary, you’ll find options that match your taste.
• Add-on accessories to maximize functionality: Many cabinet lines offer compatible accessories like wine racks, glass-front doors, or stemware organizers. This makes it easy to customize your setup with features that match your vision — whether you're building a full-service wet bar or a casual coffee and cocktail station.
• Easy to expand or update later: Starting with modular cabinets makes it easier to expand your bar area later. You could add new components like drawer inserts, upper cabinets, or an island counter if your needs change or if you’re entertaining more often.

Using kitchen cabinets to build a home bar blends affordability, durability, and style, making them a smart choice whether you're doing a full basement bar renovation or just upgrading a corner of your kitchen for casual entertaining.

Planning Your DIY Bar Layout

To build a bar that fits your space and lifestyle, follow these tips:

• Measure the space: Account for cabinet depth and height, and leave room for appliances like a mini fridge or ice maker. Also consider whether you want a dry or wet bar.
• Choose your height: Standard base cabinets are 34.5" tall (36" with countertop) — perfect for a counter-height bar. For a true pub-style setup, consider a bar-height counter at 42".
• Pick a style & color: Choose from modern slab doors, classic shaker,  traditional or transitional door profiles.  Complete your selection with a stunning wood or paint finish that matches or enhances your existing décor.
• Leave room for seating: If using an island or extended counter, make sure bar stools fit comfortably underneath.

Wet Bar vs. Dry Bar: What’s the Difference?

Before choosing your cabinets, decide whether you're building a wet or dry bar:

• Wet bar: Includes a sink and requires plumbing. Great for cocktail mixing, handwashing, or coffee stations.
• Dry bar: No sink, just cabinet and counter space. Perfect for beverage storage and prep.

RTA cabinet lines often include sink base cabinets, making it simple to install a small sink if you decide on a wet bar.

Where to Buy RTA Cabinets for Home Bars

If you’re starting a DIY bar project, one of the first steps is sourcing the right cabinets. Many homeowners use ready-to-assemble (RTA) kitchen cabinets as a practical and cost-effective base for home bar setups. These cabinets come in standard sizes, making them easy to plan around, and are available in a variety of finishes and styles to match your existing space.

At Custom Service Hardware, we carry a wide range of RTA cabinets and accessories that are perfect for your home bar project. We carry everything from base cabinets to build your bar to top-of-the-line customization options that will ensure you have everything at your fingertips.

Cabinet Accessories for the Perfect Home Bar

The right accessories can elevate your bar cabinets for home use from simple storage to a fully functional entertainment hub. Consider these helpful add-ons when customizing your home bar:

• Wine racks: Store bottles horizontally in open or closed compartments
• Stem glass holders: Install underneath upper cabinets to hang wine glasses
• Glass-ready doors: Showcase barware or decorative drinkware
• Pull-out trays or spice drawers: Repurpose for cocktail mixers, bitters, or tools
• Lighting: Add under-cabinet lights to highlight your setup

Many RTA cabinet lines — including those available from Custom Service Hardware — include these options to help you customize your build.

Need Help With Your DIY Bar Plans?

If you’re new to building your own bar, creating a plan can help avoid costly mistakes and ensure everything fits your space and lifestyle. Building a bar at home — whether in the kitchen, basement, or living room — is easier when you have a clear plan and the right cabinet setup. 

Your plan should include:

• Layout ideas: Will you include base cabinets only, or add wall cabinets above for extra storage?
• Bar type: Do you want a simple dry bar for storage and prep, or a wet bar with a sink and plumbing?
• Appliance space: If you’re including a mini fridge or wine cooler, account for electrical outlets and ventilation.
• Accessory storage: Plan ahead for glassware, bottles, mixers, and small appliances like a blender or espresso machine.

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, which is part of what makes DIY bar projects so rewarding. You can mix and match RTA cabinets to suit your space and budget, and build a home bar that reflects your personal style.

Our team can walk you through layout ideas, recommend base cabinets for bar setups, and help you choose the best RTA cabinets for a home bar based on your style and space. Whether you're going for a sleek modern look or a cozy classic vibe, we’ll help you get the cabinet configuration and accessories you need.

Start your DIY at-home bar project with RTA cabinets from Custom Service Hardware. Contact us to discuss design ideas, get style recommendations to match your vision, or learn more about home renovations with ready-to-assemble cabinets.