6- Using bar mats? Drink rails and how water affects how products are used.
Water creates more than a few issues for deposition cast tops using plywood and hardwood construction, and it shapes how every metal bar top should be detailed.
What is a bar mat?
A Bar service mat is the 4”x24” rubber insert designed to fit in the drink rail on the bartender’s side.
Custom bar mats are also used at service areas where drinks are expedited. Sometimes bar mats are used on bar tops when service rails are not present.
At 3 Spark, we design our tops so bartenders can keep using standard rubber bar mats.
What is a drink rail?
A drink rail is the 4″ metal tray on the bartender’s side where drinks are prepared. Bar drink rails provide a wet service area that can accept rubber bar mats or drip tray inserts. This helps the bartender complete the task of making drinks.
Stainless steel drink rails are the most common in the industry because they are durable and easy to clean.
The service industry has developed around a basic set of tools and supplies, and we build our tops so bartenders can keep using them.
At 3 Spark, we agree with the idea that stainless inserts prolong the life of any bar top. In fact, we recommend them for more than just drink rail areas. Our experience in making commercial tops has shown that creating a superior product with better details is the best approach.
Years of data from hundreds of projects guide our recommendations, so we detail each top around how the bar will actually be used.
Moisture does not degrade metal.
Moisture does not degrade the metal itself, but on wooden-core tops it does conspire with the substrate below to introduce movement. Over time, this causes the metal to separate from the wood. Moisture destroys wooden substrates.
Before you specify a top, ask what can and cannot be used on it and how that affects the warranty.
If your project includes semi-covered indoor/outdoor spaces, consider how a little weather will affect your top.
Moisture is an issue for wooden core products, which is why our tops use composite substrates instead.
3 Spark to the Rescue
At 3 Spark, we have resolved this issue with our full line of products. Our composite substrates handle moisture, so our products are suitable for indoor and outdoor use. We will help detail your project with stainless inserts where needed, so feel free to use bar mats with your bar top.
Bar mats are fine on our tops. Just don’t let them, or the bar, stay soaked. Keep mats dry and lift them to wipe underneath, because metal left constantly wet under a mat can damage the finish and isn’t covered by any warranty. Reach out to 3 Spark to begin your next project.