A custom bar on wheels is a very useful addition to any home. You can roll it from room to room or even take it outside onto the patio or deck and serve drinks to your friends and family. Although buying a custom bar on wheels is expensive, you can make your own for a fraction of the cost. It doesn’t require any exceptional carpentry skills and can be made using some basic tools and a little planning.
Tools and Materials
- 2 Pieces of 1/2 inch plywood, 30 by 18 inches
- 1 Piece of 1/2 inch plywood, 30 by 24 inches
- 2 Pieces of 1/2 inch plywood, 24 by 18 inches
- 6 pieces of 2 by 2 lumber, 28 inches long
- 6 pieces of 2 by 2 lumber, 18 inches long
- 4 pieces of 2 by 2 lumber, 26 inches long
- Tape Measure
- Pencil
- Drill and bits
- Screws
- Screwdriver
- 4 Casters
- Level
Step 1- Framing Top and Bottom
Take one of the 30 by 18 pieces of plywood. Place one of the 18 inch pieces of 2 by 2 lumber under each one of the 18 inch ends so they are flush with the edges. Screw the lumber in place, using several screws along the length to make it secure. Next, take two of the 28 inch pieces of lumber and place them under the long sides of the plywood so you create a frame. Screw in place, with the screws 6 inches apart.
Repeat on the other 30 by 18 inch piece of plywood.
Select one of the pieces you’ve just worked on to be the bottom on your custom bar. Create a second frame of 2 by 2 lumber on the other side of the plywood on this piece and screw in place. Measure 3/4 inch in from each corner on the lumber and mark with a pencil. At each mark, drill a hole large enough to accommodate the leg of the caster (the caster package will give the dimensions). Do not put the casters in place yet.
Step 2 - Assembling the Bar
Take the bottom of the custom bar and turn it so the holes for the casters are on the underside. Now, take one of the 26 inch pieces of 2 by 2 lumber and stand it in the corner of the frame of the bottom of the bar. Screw it in place going through from the lumber at the sides. Repeat on the three other corners so you have your pieces of 2 by 2 standing upright.
Now it’s time to attach the front of the bar. Take the 30 by 24 piece of plywood. Fit it to the top of the frame of the bar bottom so it rests on the frame and against the uprights you’ve just put into place. Using a level to make sure the uprights are straight, screw through the plywood to the uprights using several screws. The top of the plywood front of the bar should be 2 inches below the top of the uprights.
Take one piece of the 24 by 18 inch plywood and attach to the uprights at the side of the bar, screwing through the plywood. Repeat on the other side.
Fit the top of the bar onto the uprights so they fit just inside the frame. Screw all four uprights into place, going through the frame you’ve created. Your bar should now be firm.
Step 3 - Attaching the Casters
Turn the custom bar upside down to expose the holes you’ve drilled for the casters on each corner. You should have a plastic sleeve for each caster that fits snugly into each hole. Insert these then push in the casters. This might require a little force. Now turn the bar back over and your custom bar on wheels will be ready to roll!
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