I’m a big fan of DIY projects, but I’m not exactly skilled with power tools. I haven’t quite tackled dovetails or learned how to use a router yet. So, when I decided to build a coffee station for our kitchen, I knew I needed something simple. I was inspired by a look using reclaimed barn wood and steel pipes and didn’t want to spend more than $100. After doing some research, I found a tutorial that looked promising but needed some tweaks. I adjusted the size and used a different type of wood.
With some sketching and trial and error, we ended up with a project we really love. I’m sharing the details in case you want to try something similar. It’s super easy, I promise! Here’s the full tutorial below.
I have to give credit where it’s due—I got a lot of help from my dad and one of my sons since my husband was traveling at the time. Their extra hands and measuring skills were a lifesaver!
The part I enjoyed most was decorating and organizing the bar after it was finished. We take our coffee seriously and have fine-tuned our method for making the (almost) perfect cup. Here’s what I used to keep it organized: three small wire baskets for coffee, tea, and supplies, plus a circular wire basket on the bottom shelf for towels and aprons.
In total, I spent $113.94 on supplies, but I already had some tools like a drill, wood glue, and a pocket jig.
The directions will vary depending on the size of the table or bar you want. Mine ended up being 4 feet wide, 17 inches deep, and about 40 inches tall, which is a bit higher than the countertop. You can adjust the concept to fit any size you need.
Before starting, sketch out your table size and double-check your supplies and measurements. If you want a deeper table, you’ll need to modify the frame width. For my 17-inch deep table, 4-inch pipes were just right, but you might need longer pipes for a wider table.
I had a convenient 4-foot space on the wall for the table. The 2×6 boards came in 8-foot lengths, so I cut them in half to get ten 4-foot pieces, though I only used nine. Each of the three layers was made of three 4-foot 2×6 boards.
I decided to stain the boards at this stage to avoid uneven pooling between the boards. I used some tarps and old sheets to stain indoors because it was too cold outside.
I chose a non-toxic staining method to do this safely indoors, using steel wool, vinegar, and tea. I also sealed the wood with a natural sealant since the station would be used for hot drinks daily. I made my own furniture wax from beeswax and olive oil but found plain olive oil worked fine too. I waited a week for the wood to dry completely before sealing it.
To assemble, I used a pocket hole jig system to pre-drill and screw the boards together, using glue for added strength. This way, I created three shelves, each 16.5 inches by 4 feet.
Next, I built the H-shaped frame with steel pipes, making sure to screw them together evenly for a symmetrical look. First, I attached “Tee” braces to the ends of a 36-inch pipe, added 4-inch pipes to each brace, and created a long “I” shape that lay flat.
By adding tee braces facing opposite directions, I created the frame’s middle section. Four tee braces should touch the ground on a flat surface at this point.
Deciding on the shelf height, I went with a shorter top and larger bottom shelf for storage. I attached 12-inch pipes to the top and 24-inch pipes to the bottom of each tee brace, adding flanges to stabilize the shelves.
I temporarily removed the top pipes and flanges to mark holes for the middle shelf. Aligning everything, I drilled the needed holes and assembled my DIY coffee bar, securing everything with wood screws.
After ensuring everything was level, I added the middle shelf using tube straps for a secure hold.
And there you have it—a completed coffee bar. It also works great as a wine or cocktail bar if that’s more your style.
I’m hoping to make matching wall-mounted shelves and sliding barn doors next to go with this industrial/farmhouse look. I’d love to hear about your DIY furniture adventures and how they turned out!
