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A beautifully crafted collapsible coffee bar with a wooden chevron pattern, featuring 'good vibes only' in white lettering, set up for an outdoor party with wine bottles, ice buckets, and glassware.

How to Build a Collapsible Coffee Bar: The Ultimate DIY Guide

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Introduction:

Imagine hosting a party with a stunning bar that catches everyone’s eye, then effortlessly folding it away for easy storage. Whether you’re looking to impress guests with a stylish wine bar, create a self-serve coffee station, or set up a dessert table for special occasions, our collapsible coffee bar is the perfect solution. With its portability, ease of setup, and customizable design, it’s more than just a piece of furniture—it’s a game-changer for any host. Picture yourself enjoying the compliments as your guests admire your handiwork, then easily storing the bar until your next event. The versatility and convenience of this bar make it an essential addition to your home, ready to adapt to any occasion.

Detailed Plan for the Floating Dot Work Tracker

1. Overview

The goal is to create a floating dot application that tracks work hours for two different businesses, logs the data, and generates weekly, monthly, and annual graphs.

2. User Interface (UI)

2.1 Floating Dot:

  • Design: A small, movable dot that stays on top of all other windows.
  • States:
    • GoodDIYPlans: Red (not working), Green (working).
    • AI Consulting Business: Yellow (not working), Blue (working).
  • Interaction: Click to toggle between states and drag to move around the screen.

2.2 Color Indicator:

  • Ensure the dot changes color based on the business and work status.
  • Implement a right-click menu to switch between businesses.

3. Data Logging

3.1 Structure:

  • File Format: Excel (.xlsx) file.
  • Sheet Names: Separate sheets for each business (e.g., “GoodDIYPlans”, “AIConsulting”).
  • Columns: Date, Clock In Time, Clock Out Time, Duration (minutes).

3.2 Logging Mechanism:

  • Log clock-in and clock-out times, calculate the duration, and append to the corresponding sheet.

4. Data Aggregation

4.1 Weekly Aggregation:

  • Calculate total hours worked for each week.
  • Group data by weeks and sum the durations.

4.2 Monthly Aggregation:

  • Calculate total hours worked for each month.
  • Group data by months and sum the durations.

4.3 Annual Aggregation:

  • Calculate total hours worked for the year.
  • Group data by year and sum the durations.

5. Graph Generation

5.1 Tools:

  • Use Python libraries (e.g., Pandas, Matplotlib) to generate graphs.
  • Export graphs as image files or embed them in the Excel file.

5.2 Weekly Graph:

  • Bar chart showing hours worked per week.

5.3 Monthly Graph:

  • Line chart showing hours worked per month.

5.4 Annual Graph:

  • Bar chart showing hours worked per year.

6. Implementation Steps

6.1 Setup Environment:

  • Install necessary Python libraries: Tkinter, openpyxl, Pandas, Matplotlib.

6.2 UI Development:

  • Create a Tkinter window for the floating dot.
  • Implement color changing and position dragging functionality.
  • Add right-click menu for business selection.

6.3 Data Logging:

  • Create or open the Excel file.
  • Implement functions to log clock-in and clock-out times.
  • Calculate and log durations.

6.4 Data Aggregation:

  • Write functions to aggregate data weekly, monthly, and annually.

6.5 Graph Generation:

  • Create functions to generate and save graphs based on aggregated data.

6.6 Final Integration:

  • Combine all components to ensure smooth operation.
  • Test the application thoroughly to handle edge cases (e.g., computer shutdown, multiple sessions).

Features and Specifications:

Crafted from 3/4″ thick plywood and common 1×2 and 1×4 lumber boards, our coffee bar combines durability with a sleek design. The use of piano leaf hinges makes it collapsible, ensuring it’s easy to set up and break down. When disassembled, it breaks down into four compact pieces that can be easily stored without taking up much space.

Ease of Transport and Stability

Designed with portability in mind, this coffee bar is easy to transport, making it perfect for various events. The sturdy coffee bar top locks into place, providing a stable surface for serving. The shelves are equally robust, locking into place to ensure they remain secure during use. Assembled using glue and pin nails, the structure is both strong and reliable.

Key Benefits

  • Versatility: Use it as a dessert table, coffee bar, serving table, wine bar, or self-serve station.
  • Customization: Easily customize with your favorite paint or finishes to match your decor.
  • Portability: Compact and lightweight design for easy transport and storage. 

Conclusion

Ready to build your own versatile and stylish coffee bar? Our DIY plan is your ultimate guide, featuring visual color-coded diagrams, detailed step-by-step instructions, a cut list, a lumber shopping list, a tools list, and a materials list. With cost estimates and imperial dimensions included, you’ll have everything you need to create this stunning piece. Whether you’re a seasoned DIY enthusiast or a beginner, our plan makes the process straightforward and enjoyable. Build your coffee bar today and enjoy the satisfaction of having a custom, functional, and beautiful addition to your home. Ready to get started? Grab your comprehensive DIY plan now and transform your gatherings with a one-of-a-kind coffee bar.

Time

(varies with experience)

Cost

Estimated Built Cost $200:(Note: Costs can vary by location and supplier.)

Skill level required

Beginner

DIY Collapsible Event Bar Plans

What is included in the PDF download? 

 

    1. Easy to read step by step instructions
    2. Material list
    3. Tools needed 
    4. Helpful links to materials and tools needed

DIY Collapsible Event Bar Dimensions

Tools and Materials:

Available with the purchase of the DIY plan PDF. 

Lumber Shopping & Cut List:

Available with the purchase of the DIY plan PDF. 

Step 1: Building the Front Face of the Folding Coffee Bar

Sub-step 1: Prepare the Foundation

  1. Foundation Setup:
    • Take a 54 inch x 36 inch, 3/4 inch thick plywood sheet. This will serve as the foundation for the face of the bar. 
Creating the front of the coffee bar

Sub-step 2: Construct the Frame

  1. Assemble the Frame:
    • Arrange two 54 inch 1×2 lumber pieces and three 33 inch 1×2 lumber pieces into a rectangle. Place one 33 inch piece in the center as a divider.
    • Secure these pieces to the plywood sheet with wood glue and 1.25 inch pin nails. 
Adding trim to the home bar front
Securing the trim to the front bar wall

Sub-step 3: Attach End Pieces

  1. End Pieces Attachment:
    • Flip the assembled frame upside down.
    • Attach two 36 inch 1×4 lumber pieces to the ends of the rectangle. Use wood glue and 1.25 inch pin nails (these pieces are color-coded in green in the diagram).
Building the bar front

Sub-step 4: Secure Adjacent Pieces

  1. Adjacent Pieces Addition:
    • Attach two 36 inch 1×2 lumber pieces adjacent to the 1×4 pieces. Secure with wood glue and 1.25 inch pin nails.
Building the bar front

Sub-step 5: Create the Decorative Face

  1. Decorative Lumber Preparation:

    • Prepare various sizes of 1×4 lumber cut at 45 degrees on both ends:
      • Two 38-1/2 inch
      • Two 35 inch
      • Two 27-3/4 inch
      • Two 20-1/2 inch
      • Two 13-1/4 inch
      • Two 6 inch
      • Two 10-3/16 inch
      • Two 17-7/16 inch
      • Two 24-11/16 inch
      • Two 31-15/16 inch
      • Two 37-1/16 inch 
Adding decorative bar front panels
Adding decorative bar front panels
  1. Assemble Decorative Face:

    • Arrange the cut pieces diagonally to form the decorative face of the bar, maintaining a 1/8 inch gap between each piece.
    • Secure these pieces to the bar face using wood glue and 1.25 inch pin nails.
Securing the decorative coffee bar front panel pieces

Step 2: Building the Bar Sides

Sub-step 1: Prepare the Side Panels

  1. Foundation Setup:
    • Take two 36 inch x 20-1/2 inch, 3/4 inch thick plywood sheets. These will serve as the foundations for the sides of the bar. 
Building the bar side panels

Sub-step 2: Construct the Frame

  1. Assemble the Frame for Each Side:
    • For each plywood sheet, arrange two 33 inch 1×2 lumber pieces and two 19-1/4 inch 1×2 lumber pieces as shown in the diagram.
    • Secure these lumber pieces to the plywood sheet with wood glue and 1.25 inch pin nails.
Building the bar side panels
Building the bar side panels

Sub-step 3: Repeat for Both Sides

  1. Create Two Identical Sides:
    • Repeat the above steps to create a total of two side panels.
Building the bar side panels

Step 3: Building the Shelves of the Bar

Sub-step 1: Create the Smaller Shelf

  1. Prepare the Smaller Shelf Foundation:

    • Take a 52-1/2 inch x 11 inch, 3/4 inch thick plywood sheet.
  2. Attach End Pieces:

    • Attach two 52-1/2 inch long 1×2 lumber pieces to the ends of the plywood (color-coded in salmon pink in the diagram).
    • Secure these pieces with wood glue and 1.25 inch pin nails. 
Building the bar shelf
Building the bar shelf

Sub-step 2: Create the Larger Shelf

  1. Prepare the Larger Shelf Foundation:

    • Take a 52-1/2 inch x 18 inch, 3/4 inch thick plywood sheet.
  2. Attach End Pieces:

    • Attach two 52-1/2 inch long 1×2 lumber pieces to the ends of the plywood (color-coded in salmon pink in the diagram).
    • Secure these pieces with wood glue and 1.25 inch pin nails.
Building the bar shelf
Building the bar shelf

Step 4: Building the Bar Top

Sub-step 1: Create the Top Foundation

  1. Prepare the Top Foundation:

    • Take a 58-1/2 inch x 27-3/4 inch, 3/4 inch thick plywood sheet.
  2. Attach the Lip Frame:

    • Attach two 27-3/4 inch 1×2 lumber pieces and two 60 inch 1×2 lumber pieces around the edges of the plywood to create a lip.
    • Secure these pieces with wood glue and 1.25 inch pin nails.
Building the bar top
Building the bar top

Sub-step 2: Reinforce the Bar Top

  1. Inlay the Support Pieces:
    • Add one 55-1/2 inch long 1×4 lumber piece along the length of the top.
    • Add two 26-1/4 inch long 1×2 lumber pieces on the shorter sides inside the lip frame.
    • Add one 58-1/2 inch long 1×2 lumber piece along the other length inside the lip frame.
    • Secure all these pieces with wood glue and 1.25 inch pin nails.
Building the bar top
Building the bar top

Step 5: Assembling the Bar Sides and Front

Sub-step 1: Attach the Sides to the Front

  1. Install Piano Hinges:

    • Take four 8-inch long piano hinges.
    • Attach two hinges to each side, placing them at the ends as shown in the diagram for maximum stability.
    • Ensure the hinges do not obstruct where the shelves will be attached in future steps.
    • Secure the hinges with appropriate screws.
  2. Test the Folding Mechanism:

    • Fold and unfold the sides to ensure everything operates smoothly.
    • Make any necessary adjustments to the hinges to ensure proper alignment and movement.
Connecting the bar front and sides together
Connecting the bar front and sides together
Connecting the bar front and sides together

Sub-step 2: Attach the Bar Assembly to the Tabletop

  1. Prepare the Tabletop:

    • Place the tabletop upside down on a flat surface.
  2. Inlay the Bar Assembly:

    • Inlay the front and side panels (now attached with piano hinges) into the grooves of the tabletop.
  3. Secure the Support Pieces:

    • Attach two 20-1/2 inch long 1×2 lumber pieces and one 51-inch long 1×2 lumber piece (all color-coded in pink) to the bottom of the tabletop.
    • Secure these pieces to the tabletop, not the coffee bar walls or front, using wood glue and 1.25-inch pin nails.
  4. Ensure Snug Fit:

    • Once the support pieces are in place, test the tabletop to ensure it can be easily popped on and off.
    • The tabletop should fit snugly and securely without moving when in place.
Adding the bar top to the bar front and walls
Adding the bar top to the bar front and walls

Step 6: Attaching the Shelf Supports

Sub-step 1: Attach the Larger Shelf Supports

  1. Prepare Larger Shelf Supports:

    • Take two 18 inch long 1×4 lumber pieces (color-coded in yellow).
    • Inlay these pieces (without attaching) into the larger shelf unit as shown in the diagram.
  2. Position the Larger Shelf:

    • Place the larger shelf unit with the inlaid 1×4 supports onto the bar face and sides as shown in the diagram.
    • Mark the spot for the shelf support with a pencil. This will be the height you choose for the larger shelf.
  3. Attach the Larger Shelf Supports:

    • Remove the shelf unit and attach the 1×4 lumber supports to the marked spots using piano hinges.
    • Secure the supports with the piano hinges to ensure stability.
Adding shelf supports
Adding shelf supports
Adding shelf supports
Adding shelf supports

Sub-step 2: Attach the Smaller Shelf Supports

  1. Prepare Smaller Shelf Supports:

    • Take two 11 inch long 1×4 lumber pieces (color-coded in yellow).
    • Inlay these pieces (without attaching) into the smaller shelf unit as shown in the diagram.
  2. Position the Smaller Shelf:

    • Place the smaller shelf unit with the inlaid 1×4 supports onto the bar face and sides as shown in the diagram.
    • Mark the spot for the shelf support with a pencil. This will be the height you choose for the smaller shelf.
  3. Attach the Smaller Shelf Supports:

    • Remove the shelf unit and attach the 1×4 lumber supports to the marked spots using piano hinges.
    • Secure the supports with the piano hinges to ensure stability. 
Adding shelf supports
Adding shelf supports
Adding shelf supports
Adding shelf supports

Sub-step 3: Sand the Shelf Edges

  1. Sand the Shelf Edges:
    • Sand the edges of the 3/4 inch thick plywood shelves to fit the leaf hinges.
    • Ensure the shelves rest directly on the supports, providing a smooth and stable surface.
Adding shelf supports

Step 7: Finishing the Coffee Bar

Sanding the Unit

  1. Prepare for Sanding:

    • Gather an orbital sander and sandpaper (80, 120, 220 grit).
    • Wear a dust mask and safety goggles.
  2. Sanding Process:

    • Start with 80-grit sandpaper to smooth rough surfaces.
    • Switch to 120-grit for refining.
    • Finish with 220-grit for a fine surface.
    • Sand with the grain to avoid scratches.
    • Be gentle with plywood edges to avoid sanding through the veneer.

Concealing Pin Nail Holes

  1. Fill Holes:

    • Use wood filler matching the wood color.
    • Apply with a putty knife, pressing into holes and smoothing level.
  2. Sand the Filler:

    • Once dry, sand the filled areas with 220-grit sandpaper.
    • Wipe with a tack cloth to remove dust.

Preparing for Painting or Staining

  1. Clean the Surface:

    • Wipe down the unit with a damp cloth to remove dust.
    • Let it dry completely.
  2. Masking:

    • Use painter’s tape to protect areas you don’t want to paint or stain.

Staining the Unit

  1. Apply Stain:

    • Stir stain well.
    • Use a cloth or brush to apply, following the wood grain.
    • Let it penetrate for 5-15 minutes, then wipe off excess.
    • Allow drying as per manufacturer’s instructions.
  2. Seal the Stain:

    • Apply a clear sealer or polyurethane with a brush or cloth.
    • Let it dry fully between thin coats, lightly sanding with 220-grit between coats.

Painting the Unit

  1. Prime the Surface:

    • Apply an even coat of primer and let it dry completely.
  2. Apply Paint:

    • Stir paint thoroughly.
    • Use a brush or roller to apply thin, even coats, following the grain.
    • Let each coat dry fully before adding the next (typically two to three coats).
    • Lightly sand with 220-grit between coats for a smooth finish.
  3. Final Touches:

    • Remove painter’s tape and inspect for touch-ups.

Attaching the Casters

To add mobility to your folding coffee bar, you can attach a set of 1-inch casters. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Purchase the Casters:

    • Obtain a set of 4, 1-inch rubber casters suitable for furniture. These should be heavy-duty, low-profile, and have locking mechanisms.
  2. Prepare the Bar Bottom:

    • Ensure the bottom of the bar is clean and free of any debris.
    • Mark the positions for the casters at each corner of the bar’s bottom. Make sure the marks are evenly spaced and aligned.
  3. Attach the Casters:

    • Position each caster over the marked spots and secure them using screws that come with the caster set.
    • Use a drill to drive the screws into the bottom of the bar, ensuring the casters are firmly attached.
    • Make sure all casters are properly aligned and that the locking mechanisms are functional.
  4. Test the Mobility:

    • Once all casters are attached, test the mobility of the coffee bar by moving it around.
    • Lock the casters to ensure the bar stays in place when stationary.

Renting Out Your Coffee Bar

  1. Set Rental Pricing:

    • Charge $150-$300 per event based on local market rates.
  2. Prepare for Rental:

    • Ensure the unit is clean and undamaged.
    • Provide assembly and usage instructions.
  3. Market Your Rental:

    • Take high-quality photos.
    • List on rental websites, social media, and community boards.
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