Man Turns An Old Wine Barrel Into A Rustic Garden Bench With An Impressive DIY

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An old wine barrel can become a cozy, creative piece of furniture with a little imagination. Whether you love repurposing unexpected pieces or are simply inspired by woodworking projects, here's one transformation we're excited to share. Brian of Barrel Dreams Inc. on YouTube has shown his viewers many creative ways to repurpose old wine barrels in your home and garden. In one particular video, he built a charming "lovers' bench" using an old wine barrel, some deck screws, a power drill, and a circular saw. The result is both totally impressive and easy to replicate.

If you want to try this project but don't know where to start, make sure to review the tools worth investing in to start woodworking at home. Barrel Dreams Inc. started the project by building a basic, four-legged base, exactly 14 inches from the ground, before placing the barrel pieces (staves) across the back of the chair and the seat. For the back, the large piece with the bunghole was positioned in the middle, with the others fanned out from the center to create the "king and queen chair" look. Meanwhile, identical 18.5-inch pieces were cut and placed a finger's width apart for the seat. Once everything was in place, all the staves were attached using 2-inch deck screws. The finished seat is about 46 inches tall, although you can adjust this depending on your preference.

This bench can be as wide or narrow as you'd like. You can also add armrests for enhanced comfort. Use additional barrel staves for the armrests, with the pointed ends facing forward, and leave about two finger-widths from the edges before attaching them with screws. Finally, sand and dust the entire bench until it is smooth. Another optional addition, as demonstrated by Barrel Dreams Inc., is to drill on a pair of small side tables. You can take a wine-barrel top, mark the center, and cut it in half to create the two table pieces that will be attached to the sides. If you prefer tables that you can move around your outdoor space, here's how you can DIY a simple outdoor coffee table with wood pallets.

The way you finish your wood is also important, depending on your target use for the bench. If you want to store it outdoors, applying varnish or spar urethane sealant is essential to protect it from moisture. For example, this Senven Polyurethane Wood Finish is a highly-rated option. If the bench will be displayed inside your living space, wood oil will suffice — NetLea's 100% Pure Tung Oil is a tried-and-true choice for finishing any wood furniture. Don't forget the strange advice that can save your wood furniture: "Treat wood like skin."