Kitchenette & Mini Bar

Back in November, we finished this Custom Kitchenette & Mini Bar for a client in California. Originally this was suppose to be completed in September, but due to COVID-19 and the wildfires it was delayed. Our clients were more then understanding and were great to work with throughout the whole process. It was finally shipped in early November. Just before the shipper arrived, there was a break in the rain, but as soon as we started moving it out front is started sprinkling and then raining hard. So you’ll see some rain drops in pics.

Like most of us this year, we cancelled some big events, vacations and more. Well they unfortunately had to cancel a big vacation. They decided instead to remodel their home. This build was being custom built to replace their old kitchenette in their basement that also happens to be the Man Cave.

The kitchenette & Mini Bar overall dimensions were 58″W x 28″D x 36″H. The base is painted in Benjamin Moore White Dove Cabinet Enamel paint. We used Kiln dried fir, birch and pine wood for the base. Of course all are planed, jointed and sanded during assembly.

The base also got some jewelry with the Chrome Hardware. I’ve never used chrome hardware on builds, but it definitely gave the kitchenette a great look. The cabinet doors also got some nice hardware inside. We used Blum soft close hardware. We always use BLUM soft close hardware since it’s a premium hardware, easy to install and have the ability to make adjustments is nice. The soft close feature is the best part though.

Inside the kitchenette cabinets there’s adjustable shelving. We also added an adjustable shelf in the Mini Fridge opening. The mini fridge going in here was 18.5″W x 24.5″H x 20.5″D , so the adjustable shelf could be used for a microwave or more storage.

The Top was built with Poplar Hardwood. I stained the top with Dark Walnut by Minwax. Dark Walnut is the most popular stain color in the Shop. Because the top had a sink, was going to be used for prepping snacks and would be in the basement we used Spar Urathane. It’s more durable and it’s waterproof. We added 3 coats of it on the top, so it’ll be nice and protected while being used.

The Modern undermount sink was picked by our client. Its overall basin dimensions are 7.13″ W x 15.75″L x 5.5″ D. When we do custom builds like this, it’s important for us to have the sink on hand. We want to know that it will for sure fit. The sink was also sealed with waterproof caulking. We did pre-drill the hole for the faucet.

You’ll also get character with our builds. The kiln dried fir and pine have unique character. Even after planing, jointing and sanding you’ll still get some of that character and I don’t hide it. It’s what makes the build unique and not like any other . If you don’t like the character the wood brings, you can always do hardwood.

Overall our client loved their Kitchenette. It fit perfectly in the spot it was meant for. It was our first kitchenette/ Mini Bar and now we have 3 more of these to make in 2021.