He Turns Old Wood Pallets Into A Rustic, Steampunk-Inspired Storage Chest

If you're obsessed with vintage furniture, this woodworking project will blow your mind. Epic UpCycling on YouTube used his enviable skills to turn scrap wood into a stunning steampunk apothecary storage chest. This is an expert-level woodworking project, so if you're attempting it yourself, you may want to collaborate with a professional. In the video, Epic UpCycling used scrap wood planks and pallets, nails, hot glue, wood stain, a copper hot-water cylinder, and 1110 copper rivets.

First, he cut and nailed the scrap boards together to create two smaller rectangular panels for the short ends of the chest and one larger rectangular panel for the main side. For the drawer side, smaller pieces of wood were cut and glued across long horizontal planks, creating a layered, slatted surface for the front of the chest. This technique was repeated to create three rows of drawers. A large rectangular panel was also constructed for the lid and attached with hinges. On the back, additional decorative pieces were cut and glued onto the panel to create a raised, recessed-panel-like effect. 

For the decorative details, the wood was stained dark to give it a more authentically vintage appearance. The finish on the front of each drawer was distressed, allowing the lighter wood underneath to show through and creating an aged vibe. To get that steampunk look, Epic UpCycling hammered nails around the drawers and side panels to create an industrial, riveted appearance. If you want a similar effect without hammering in individual nails, you could glue on decorative studs or rivets instead. Pieces of leather cut from an old belt were also glued over the hinges. The finished apothecary aesthetic is equal parts moody and charming.

If you're not a woodworker but you love this classy way of incorporating steampunk into your home decor, you could also start with an existing old wooden chest and give it the same apothecary character without building the piece from scratch. For example, try re-staining the wood in a deep, dark tone and lightly distress the edges. Scrap leather can also be used for drawer pulls, hinge covers, or small handles. You could also attach old-looking labels or number plates to the drawers. Even salvaged hardware, metal washers, bolts, or small touches of copper can help create that industrial, antique apothecary look without requiring significant woodworking. For complementary design ideas, don't forget to check out the ultimate guide to steampunk decor.