Bringing a Vision to Life: The Custom Speakeasy Bar Build in Bend, OR
Hidden behind a handcrafted bookcase door, this custom speakeasy bar is a masterpiece of woodworking and design. Crafted with quarter-sawn white oak, reclaimed whiskey barrels, and meticulous attention to detail, this project showcases the artistry and skill that define Frank Garrett’s custom woodworking. Here’s an inside look at the process from concept to completion.
Sourcing Materials & Planning
The foundation of this build started with sourcing premium materials, including reclaimed oak whiskey barrels and staves. The design called for quarter-sawn white oak with a rich dark stain for the hidden bookcase door and surrounding walls.
Key elements planned for the space:
A hidden bookcase entry door with a soft-close mechanism
A custom hanging light bar
A handcrafted wine cabinet
A serving bar with oak paneling
Whiskey barrel accents for a vintage touch
With the designs finalized, we began milling the stiles and rails, setting the stage for an extraordinary transformation.
Building the Components
Before installation, many of the bar’s elements were carefully handcrafted in the woodshop. Some of the standout features include:
Lock Miter Joints & False Beams: Five white oak beams were constructed using lock miter joints, ensuring a strong, seamless 90-degree finish. These hollow beams elegantly wrap around structural posts.
Whiskey Barrel Accents: Repurposed whiskey barrels were modified and prepped for installation beneath the bar top along the back brick wall.
Custom Cabinets: Designed specifically for the inner bar serving area, these cabinets, though appearing identical, were uniquely measured for a perfect fit.
Quarter-Sawn White Oak Corbels: Handcrafted from rough-cut 4/4 material, these corbels provide structural support for the bar top, completing the vintage aesthetic.
Stave Wall & False Beams: Whiskey barrel staves were arranged in a basket weave pattern between vertical false beams, adding texture and character to the space.
Installation & Assembly
Once the major components were built, installation began. The process included:
Cabinets & Floating Shelves: Carefully installed to complement the bar’s layout.
Wall Staining & Lacquering: Creating a rich, deep finish that enhances the wood’s natural beauty.
Whiskey Stave Feature Wall: This labor-intensive process involved cutting, drilling, waxing, and securing each stave individually.
Bar Top Construction: A custom-fit bar top was installed over the whiskey barrel base, completing the central feature of the space.
Granite Countertops & Finishing Touches: After adjustments for granite installation, shelves and other elements were reinstalled to ensure a seamless final look.
The Final Reveal
As the build neared completion, the finishing details brought everything together:
Custom Light Bar: Hand-built, stained, and installed to provide perfect ambient lighting.
Vault-Style Entry Door: A massive and striking custom-built door, setting the tone for the speakeasy experience.
Illuminated Corner Shelves: Custom shelves with hidden LED lighting to create a warm, inviting glow behind the bar.
Cherry Wood Wine Cabinet: The final custom piece, featuring overhead wine glass storage and a rich stain to complement the speakeasy aesthetic.
With every piece meticulously crafted and installed, the speakeasy is now a stunning showcase of craftsmanship, creativity, and attention to detail.
Work With a Master Woodworker
Frank Garrett specializes in high-end custom woodworking in Central Oregon, including Bend, Sunriver, Tumalo, and Redmond. Whether it’s a hidden speakeasy, custom cabinetry, staircases, mantels, or interior finish work, each project is built with precision and passion. Contact us today to bring your vision to life!