Build Your Own Space-Saving Murphy Bar: The Ultimate Guide

Want to add a touch of bar-cart sophistication to your patio or home without sacrificing precious space? Look no further than the DIY Murphy bar! This innovative design, reminiscent of the classic Murphy bed, combines functionality with a sleek, modern aesthetic. As an experienced craftsman, I’m excited to guide you through the process of building your very own Murphy bar. With a few basic tools, some readily available materials, and a dash of creativity, you’ll be mixing up your favorite cocktails in a weekend!

Planning Your Project

Materials You’ll Need:

• Lumber:
  • 1×4 boards
  • 1×8 boards
  • 1×10 board
  • 3/4 inch plywood
• Paint: Krylon Outdoor Décor (or any durable outdoor paint) in your desired colors. I recommend Satin Rainwater and Satin White Cloud for a classic look.
• Hardware:
  • Wood glue
  • 1 1/4” Kreg screws (.22 thickness)
  • 2 1/2 inch long pocket hole screws
  • 3 inch hinges (x2)
  • Lid supports (x2)
  • 18”x24” acrylic panel
  • Bottle opener (optional)
  • Handles
  • LED lights and battery pack (optional)

Tools You’ll Need:

• Circular Saw
• Miter Saw
• Table Saw
• Drill
• Router
• Jig Saw
• Chisel
• Measuring Tape
• Level
• Safety Glasses
• Respirator

Building the Murphy Bar

Step 1: Building the Cabinet Frame

1. Cut the Frame Pieces: Begin by cutting the 1×8 boards to create the top, bottom, and side pieces of your cabinet frame. The size can be customized to your preference, but make sure to keep the dimensions proportional for stability.
2. Assemble the Frame: Using a pocket hole jig set for 3/4 inch stock, drill four pocket holes at each end of the shorter frame pieces. Apply wood glue to the ends and attach the sides to the top and bottom pieces using the 2 1/2 inch pocket hole screws.
3. Attach the Back: Cut a piece of 3/4 inch plywood to fit the back of the cabinet frame. You can either attach it flush with the back using pocket holes or create a cleat system for mounting the bar to the wall.

Step 2: Crafting the Wine Rack and Shelves

1. Plan Your Layout: Determine the placement for your wine glass holders and shelves. Consider the height and width of your glasses and bottles to ensure a snug fit.
2. Create Wine Glass Slots: Using a drill bit and jigsaw, carefully cut out the slots for your wine glass holders. The size and shape may vary depending on your chosen design.
3. Install Shelves: Attach the remaining shelves using pocket holes and screws. Feel free to adjust the height and spacing of your shelves to accommodate different bottle sizes and barware.

Step 3: Constructing the Table and Front

1. Assemble the Tabletop: Cut 1×8 and 1×10 boards to create the tabletop, aiming for a smooth, flat surface. Attach the boards using wood glue and 1 1/4” nails, ensuring they are flush and securely fastened.
2. Build the Legs: Construct the legs using 1×4 boards, connecting them at the top and bottom with 1×6 boards for added stability.
3. Install Hinges and Supports: Attach 3-inch hinges to the top of each leg, connecting them to the underside of the tabletop. Install lid supports on both sides to keep the legs locked at a 90-degree angle when the table is in use. This part can be a bit tricky, so take your time and adjust as needed.

Step 4: Adding the Acrylic Panel

1. Create the Rabbet: Using a router and a rabbet bit, cut a lip around the inside edge of the cabinet frame’s opening. The depth of the rabbet should match the thickness of your acrylic panel.
2. Square the Corners: Use a hand chisel to clean up any rounded corners left by the router, ensuring a tight fit for the acrylic panel.
3. Test Fit: Before moving on to painting, do a test fit with the acrylic panel to make sure everything lines up perfectly.

Step 5: Sanding and Painting

1. Smooth It Out: Sand all surfaces of the Murphy bar thoroughly using 220-grit sandpaper. This will create a smooth finish and help the paint adhere better.
2. Clean Up: Wipe down the entire piece with a damp cloth to remove all sanding dust.
3. Paint Time: Apply at least three coats of your chosen outdoor paint, allowing ample drying time between each coat. Remember to work in a well-ventilated area and wear a respirator for safety. I highly recommend Krylon Outdoor Décor paint for its durability, quick drying time, and resistance to fading and peeling.

Step 6: Finishing Touches and Installation

1. Insert Acrylic Panel: Apply a thin bead of clear epoxy to the rabbet you created earlier and carefully insert the acrylic panel.
2. Reinstall Hardware: Reattach all hardware, including the hinges, lid supports, and any handles or bottle openers you’ve chosen.
3. Mount to the Wall: Attach a sturdy 45-degree cleat to your wall, ensuring it’s positioned at the correct height for your table legs to sit flush with the floor. Carefully lift the Murphy bar onto the cleat and secure it with screws for added stability.
4. Optional Lighting: For an extra touch of ambiance, consider adding LED strip lights to the underside of your cabinet. Rechargeable battery-powered options are ideal for easy installation and portability.

Conclusion

Congratulations on building your very own space-saving Murphy bar! This project is a testament to the power of DIY ingenuity, transforming your home or patio into a stylish and functional entertainment space. Now it’s time to stock your new bar, invite your friends over, and impress them with your handcrafted masterpiece.

Don’t forget to share photos of your finished Murphy bar in the comments below. I’d love to see your unique creations and hear your feedback.

For more inspiring DIY projects and handcrafted gift ideas, be sure to explore the rest of the Robert Kline Art website. Cheers to your creativity!