Chicago bar rail

Introduction

Welcome to the world of home bar design, where the secret ingredient to a luxurious and authentic look is the Chicago bar rail. This unique design element, with its sturdy build and curved apron, harks back to the Art Deco era, offering both style and practicality. In this article, we delve into the history, aesthetics, and functionality of the Chicago bar rail, and why it's an excellent choice for your home bar. We also provide a step-by-step guide on its installation and tips for its maintenance. Let's explore how this timeless design can transform your home bar into a space of luxury and comfort.

Understanding the Chicago Bar Rail

Chicago bar rail is a unique and sturdy design, thicker than many other types, and includes a curved apron built for durability. This curved apron was often used for neon accent lighting or purse hooks, adding convenience and style. Chicago bar rail molding nearly always included curved radius corners, maintaining the smooth, clean lines of the Art Deco style. It’s rare to see sharp, mitered corners on true Chicago bar rail. We've spent decades producing the true Chicago bar rail profile, keeping the design as close to the original as possible.

Historical Significance of the Chicago Bar Rail

The original Chicago bar rail moldings are thick and sturdy, built to withstand thousands of people bellying up to the speakeasy bar for their illicit drinks. This apron became a practical location for installing neon lighting to highlight the design elements of the bar front, or to install purse hooks for the ladies. Real Chicago bar rail molding almost always includes radius corners to keep with the art deco tradition. The traditional Chicago bar rail molding design has been in constant production since 1945.

Design and Aesthetics of the Chicago Bar Rail

True Chicago bar rail is thicker and more sturdy than many other types, and it includes a curved apron built to last through years of use. This curved apron became a favorite location for neon accent lighting or purse hooks. Chicago bar rail molding nearly always included curved radius corners, maintaining the smooth, clean lines of the Art Deco style. It’s rare to see sharp, mitered corners on true Chicago bar rail. We’ve kept our design as close to the original as possible, giving your bar an authentic look.

Why Choose a Chicago Bar Rail for Your Home Bar

Choosing a Chicago bar rail for your home bar brings authenticity and a touch of luxury. The original Chicago bar rail moldings are thick, sturdy, and designed with a stylized, curved apron for a bold yet smooth appearance. These moldings are not only aesthetically pleasing but also practical, providing a location for installing neon lighting or purse hooks. They are available in straight and curved profiles to fit your bar’s individual needs, and in over a dozen domestic and exotic wood species for a unique look. With over 40 years of experience, we ensure a seamless fit for your bar top edge.

Comfort and Functionality

The art of making bar rails, including the Chicago Bar Rail, has evolved significantly. The BR 475S, BR475, and BR550 designs are old-school, time-tested designs that prioritize comfort and ergonomics. These designs require the use of thicker, better quality materials, and are more difficult to make. They are cut out on a 45-degree angle so that the grain wraps around the corner with no glue joints, ensuring a comfortable and functional experience for those sitting at the bar.

Enhancing the Luxurious Appeal

The original Chicago bar rail enhances the luxurious appeal of your home or commercial bar. Crafted from hand-selected, high-quality hardwoods, these bar rails give your bar an authentic look, whether it was built in 1920 or 2020. The design stays true to the Art Deco style, maintaining smooth, clean lines and a sturdy, thick profile. The curved apron, a favorite location for neon accent lighting or purse hooks, adds a touch of convenience and style. The bar rail molding nearly always includes curved radius corners, a rare feature that further elevates the luxurious appeal.

Installation and Maintenance of Chicago Bar Rail

Installing a Chicago bar rail is straightforward. You'll need a drill, glue, screws, spoil board, biscuit joiner, and biscuits. Set up your spoil board against your bar subtop to hold the bar rail in position while cutting. After making the cuts, drill pilot holes into your subtop every 12 inches. Apply glue to the subtop and to the top notch of the bar rail. Use clamps with blocking to hold the bar rail in position while it dries. Secure the bar rail to the bar top from underneath with screws. After some light sanding and applying a water-resistant finish, your bar top will be ready.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

Installing a Chicago Bar Rail is straightforward. Set up your spoil board against your bar subtop to hold the bar rail in position while cutting. Set your miter box angle at 45 degrees and position the bar rail on the spoil board to make the first cut. Reset the miter box to the opposite 45-degree angle and position the other piece of your bar rail for another cut. After making both cuts, check the pieces for proper fit and make any adjustments necessary. Apply glue to the subtop and to the top notch of the bar rail, then use clamps with blocking to hold the bar rail in position while it dries. Finally, secure the bar rail to the bar top from underneath with screws.

Tips for Proper Maintenance

Maintaining your Chicago Bar Rail is crucial for its longevity and aesthetic appeal. If you are staining your bar rail, use a good quality lightly pigmented stain, brush it on, and wipe off the excess once the desired effect is achieved. Allow the stain to completely dry for 24 to 48 hours prior to top coating. The same process applies when clear coating without stain. Several build coats using a high gloss sheen can help build a film that can then be top coated with 3 to 4 coats of satin or semi-gloss. Remember, pre-finishing your bar rail molding prior to installation is not recommended.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Chicago bar rail is more than just a design element; it's a piece of history that brings authenticity, luxury, and functionality to your home bar. Its sturdy build, curved apron, and smooth lines are reminiscent of the Art Deco era, while its practical features like neon lighting or purse hooks add convenience. Choosing a Chicago bar rail means opting for a design that prioritizes comfort and ergonomics, enhancing the overall appeal of your bar. With proper installation and maintenance, this timeless design element can last for years, making your home bar a true testament to the luxurious appeal of the past.