Need help with bar design

JL , I am a bit unclear on your questions. I will say that bar styles and design as well as construction techniques are all over the place. You need to first decide on the look your after as well as the existing integrity of the surroundings. But to answer what I think youve asked is you could go either way: full panel up to 42aff or 36aff with an upper 6 inch high section. Either way dictates differant approaches from the outset. Personally I would buid 42 high front and end panel with a shallow top allowing access to the sink, or whatever at the full depth 36 inch high top which would be concealled Hope this helps.