Barplan.com (Easy Home Bar Plans™) is a long-running DIY woodworking resource owned by Microlinx Technologies LLC that sells downloadable PDF blueprints for building home bars. Operating since 1997 (with its trademark dating back to 1996), the platform offers over a dozen beginner-friendly bar designs, custom sizing tools, and builder galleries for a single one-time access fee.
History & Mission (1996–Present)
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- Early Internet Roots. Operated by Microlinx Technologies LLC, the Easy Home Bar Plans™ brand originated in 1996 and began serving online builders in 1997. Over nearly three decades, it has grown into a staple archive for basement, garage, and backyard bar projects.
- Safety-First Philosophy. According to the Barplan.com About Us page, the site’s core mission goes beyond woodworking to encourage entertaining at home. By helping people build inviting spaces in their own homes, the platform aims to save users money and reduce drunk driving.
What the Platform Offers
Instead of selling individual blueprints, Barplan.com uses a bundled membership model where a $29.95 one-time payment unlocks the entire library.
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- Complete Blueprint Library. Members receive instant access to over a dozen CAD-designed PDF plans printable on standard 8.5″ x 11″ paper. Designs range from basic straight dry bars (EHBP-01) and L-shaped wet bars (EHBP-04) to 45-degree corner bars (EHBP-09), back bar cabinets (EHBP-11), outdoor tiki huts (EHBP-20), and even a PC jukebox cabinet (EMBP-2).
- Beginner-Friendly Documentation. Every plan includes a complete materials shopping list, a numbered cut list, and step-by-step 3D assembly diagrams. The projects rely on standard dimensional lumber, plywood sheeting, and basic power tools like circular saws and miter saws.
- Online Resizing Tool. Membership includes access to the CHBD bar resizing tool, which lets builders adjust the length, width, or height of select designs to fit specific room dimensions.
- Community & Inspiration. The Home Bar Builders Gallery and “Bar of the Month” blog showcase hundreds of completed projects submitted by members, offering real-world examples of finishes, lighting, and custom modifications.
Overall Review: Pros & Cons
| Aspect | Evaluation |
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| Value for Money | High. Getting every plan, future updates, two years of download/support access, and a lifetime personal use license for $29.95 beats buying single plans elsewhere. |
| Ease of Use | High. Builders on forums like Reddit’s r/DIY note that the cut lists and 3D diagrams are accurate, error-free, and manageable for first-time woodworkers. |
| Website & Design Aesthetic | Dated. Because the site has evolved organically since the late 1990s, its layout and promotional style feel distinctly old-school compared to modern woodworking blogs. |
| Customization | Moderate. While the resizing tool helps with basic dimensions and members frequently mix-and-match features (like pairing a bar with a bar back), intricate trim or custom cabinetry still requires your own improvisation. |
Barplan.com is a legitimate, time-tested resource for DIYers who want a sturdy, functional home bar without paying thousands for custom millwork. While the website itself has a nostalgic, late-90s feel, the underlying CAD blueprints remain practical, well-documented, and accessible for beginners.
If you are planning a build, let me know:
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- The layout style you are considering (straight, L-shaped, corner, or outdoor tiki)
- Your available floor dimensions
- Your woodworking experience and available tools
I can help you pick the best plan model from their catalog or estimate your material needs.