What are the best materials for building a wet bar

Dear Contractors.com,

I'm planning to put a wet bar in my basement, but I'm not sure which material to use. I like the look of wood, but are there any drawbacks like water damage? Would you recommend any other materials? What\'s the price range for the different options?

– R.C., Fairfax, VA

Wood is by far the most common choice for wet bars. There are different types of wood you can use, each with its own benefits and different look. If you already have cabinets installed or wood trim in your basement, you should probably choose to match that wood.

“Lots of clients ask for red oak, which is very popular for wet bars because of its beautiful grain. It has a natural and rustic look, and it’s a durable hard wood,” says Juan Infantes, owner and president of JEBA Construction Inc.

“Another excellent choice is maple, which is smooth and doesn't have much graining so it’s easy to cover the joints with putty and sand over, and it looks great.” Oak is another popular choice that will give you beautiful results.

“You don’t need to worry about water damage, as long as the wood is properly protected,” assures Infantes, who has more than 15 years of construction experience in various trades. “After staining the wood, it should be protected with several coats of clear satin or semi-gloss sealer to protect it from water damage.”

You can also choose any type of countertop that’s available for kitchen counters. There’s a huge variety of materials, styles in a variety of prices. What you should choose will depend on your personal taste and your budget.

“Granite looks great, it’s a very nice quality finish but of course it costs more. There’s around a $1,500 dollar difference between an all-wood bar and wood with a granite countertop.”