Custom Home Bars
Entertain in style with a handcrafted bar designed around the way you host.
The Art of Entertaining
There is something magnetic about a beautifully designed bar. It draws people together, sets the tone for an evening, and becomes the backdrop for your most memorable gatherings. At Woodhouse, we design and build custom home bars that reflect your personality, your entertaining style, and the architecture of your home - whether that means a classic timber-topped pub bar in a Johannesburg townhouse or a sleek cocktail station in a contemporary Cape Town residence.
Every bar we create is a complete, functional unit. We consider bottle storage, glassware display, refrigeration, sink access, lighting, and seating in every design. The result is a bar that works as hard as it looks - ready for anything from a quiet whiskey with a friend to a full-scale cocktail party. We source premium materials including solid hardwoods, natural stone, hand-finished metals, and architectural hardware to ensure each bar is built to last and designed to impress.
Bar Styles
Classic Pub Bar
Rich timber tops, brass foot rails, and panelled fronts that evoke the warmth of a traditional English pub. Our classic bars feature deep shelving for glassware, integrated bottle storage, and a generous serving counter - perfect for hosting in Johannesburg or Cape Town.
Modern Cocktail Bar
Clean lines, stone countertops, and backlit shelving create a sophisticated setting for mixing and serving. We design cocktail bars with prep surfaces, ice wells, and under-counter refrigeration - everything you need to entertain with flair.
Wine & Whiskey Bar
A quieter, more intimate setup for collectors and connoisseurs. We combine wine racking, whiskey display shelving, and a tasting counter in a design that celebrates your collection and invites slow, thoughtful enjoyment.
Outdoor Entertainment Bar
South Africa's climate invites outdoor living, and our outdoor bars are built to thrive in it. Weather-resistant materials, durable countertops, and integrated braai or prep areas create an alfresco entertaining space that stands up to sun, rain, and years of use.
Features & Fittings
Display Shelving
Tiered bottle displays, floating shelves, and illuminated niches designed to showcase your finest spirits and glassware.
Refrigeration Alcoves
Purpose-built openings for under-counter fridges, wine coolers, and ice makers - seamlessly integrated into the bar design.
Sink Integration
Bar sinks with drainer surfaces and plumbing provisions for a fully functional wet bar that makes prep and cleanup effortless.
Atmospheric Lighting
LED strip lighting, pendant fixtures, and backlit panels that set the mood and highlight the craftsmanship of your bar.
Premium Countertops
Solid timber, natural stone, quartz, or copper - we source and fit countertop materials that define the character of your bar.
Seating Integration
Bar overhangs designed for stools, footrail provisions, and ergonomic counter heights that make your bar a comfortable gathering point.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much space do I need for a custom home bar?
A compact bar can fit into a space as small as 1.5 metres wide. A full entertainment bar with seating, refrigeration, and a sink typically requires 2.5 to 4 metres of linear space. We design around your available area, no matter the size.
Can you build a bar into an existing room?
Yes. We regularly fit bars into living rooms, entertainment areas, basements, and covered patios. We assess the space, plan plumbing and electrical requirements, and design a bar that integrates naturally with the room's architecture.
What materials do you recommend for bar countertops?
It depends on the style and use. Solid timber tops suit classic and rustic bars, while stone and quartz work beautifully in contemporary designs. For outdoor bars, we recommend materials like granite or sealed concrete that handle weather and heavy use.
Do you handle plumbing and electrical work?
We design the bar with all plumbing and electrical provisions built in, and we coordinate with licensed plumbers and electricians to ensure a seamless installation. Everything is planned in advance to avoid disruption during the build.