If you’re planning a basement remodel and thinking, “We need a bar down here,” you are not alone. A basement bar is one of the most popular upgrades for a reason. It adds functionality, style, and gives the space a polished, ready-to-entertain feel.
But here’s where the decision-making starts. Should you install a wet bar or stick with a dry bar? What is the difference? Which one makes sense for your space, your lifestyle, and your budget?
Let’s walk through it, step by step.
What Is a Wet Bar?
A wet bar includes a working sink with running water. That means plumbing, drainage, and often more cabinetry to make the setup cohesive. You can think of it as a mini kitchen without the stove.
With a wet bar, you get:
- A sink to rinse glasses or wash up
- More convenience during parties and cleanup
- A high-end feel that adds functionality and home value
Wet bars are ideal for people who entertain often or want a self-contained basement zone that keeps guests from running upstairs every five minutes.
What Is a Dry Bar?
A dry bar offers all the fun without the hassle of plumbing. No sink. No running water. But yes to stylish cabinets, floating shelves, a mini fridge, or even a wine cooler.
Dry bars work best when:
- You are working with a smaller space or a tighter budget
- You do not need a full cleanup station
- The focus is more on display and convenience than on heavy use
Dry bars still look fantastic and elevate the feel of the basement. They just require a little more back-and-forth if you need to rinse something or craft a fancy cocktail.
Cost Comparison: Wet Bar vs Dry Bar
The biggest cost difference comes down to plumbing. A wet bar requires running water and drainage, which means hiring a licensed plumber and possibly pulling permits.
On average, a wet bar will cost $1,500 to $3,500 more than a dry bar. That number can go up depending on how far the plumbing needs to run or how complex your cabinetry is.
Dry bars, by comparison, are much simpler. No plumbing. No extra permits. And often, a quicker install timeline during your basement finishing project.
How You Use the Space Should Drive the Decision
Before you decide what looks good, think about how you will actually use the space.
A wet bar makes sense if:
- You love to host parties or game nights
- You want a self-sufficient space for snacks and drinks
- You want to increase resale value with fully functional features
A dry bar is better if:
- You rarely host large groups
- You already have easy access to a kitchen upstairs
- You are focused more on style and storage than on utility
It comes down to how often you want to use the sink. If the answer is “not that often,” a dry bar will serve you just fine.
Can You Start With a Dry Bar and Upgrade Later?
In some cases, yes. If you plan ahead.
If you’re finishing your basement with Hawthorne, we can rough in the plumbing during construction, even if you hold off on installing the sink until later. That gives you flexibility without locking you into a decision right now.
Upgrading a dry bar to a wet bar after the basement is already finished can be tricky and expensive. So if a wet bar might be in your future, it’s better to plan for it now, even if you do not install everything immediately.
What We Recommend at Hawthorne
Here’s our honest take.
Go with a wet bar if you love to host, have the space, and want the full experience of mixing, rinsing, and relaxing all in one place.
Stick with a dry bar if you like the look of a built-in bar but know you won’t use the sink enough to justify the cost or plumbing work.
Either way, you are not sacrificing design. We make both options look stunning and functional, with smart layouts, high-quality finishes, and storage that actually works.
Let’s Design a Basement Bar That Works for You
Whether you are leaning wet or dry, we will help you make the right call for your home and lifestyle. Our design-first, process-driven approach makes it easy to create a basement bar that fits seamlessly into your space.
We’ll talk through your options, walk through your layout, and build something you will love using for years.
