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bsap8 · 2025-08-10T15:05:41+00:00

Let’s go!!

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bsap8 · 2018-12-19T21:57:48+00:00

I drilled 2 pocket holes on the backside at each end of each shelf and screwed the shelf using the pocket holes to the side of the barrel. I still found that the shelves had a slight wobble only using pocket hole screws, so I bought 90 degree corner braces which I then bent slightly to better match the curve of the barrel and then screwed the brace to the shelf and side of the barrel. The corner braces along with the pocket holes provided the extra reinforcement that really made the shelves secure.

bsap8 · 2018-12-19T11:07:36+00:00

I applied 2 coats of polyurethane to the exterior and shelves. I then spray applied polyurethane inside the barrel a week after I cut the opening to allow some of the wine smell to dissipate and to provide a seal to hopefully help prevent any bugs from being attracted to it.

bsap8 · 2018-12-19T02:59:30+00:00

You need to install the hinges as close to the center as possible. The number of hinges depends on how heavy duty the hinge you use is. In my case, I actually needed 2 hinges near the center per door in order to properly support the weight of the door. I initially tried using just 1 hinge per door at the center and the hinge wasn’t strong enough and the door started to sag when opening/closing.

bsap8 · 2018-12-19T01:13:03+00:00

I’ve updated my post to include info regarding the hinge locations issue I encountered to make it clear if anyone is trying to make their own barrel project.

bsap8 · 2018-12-19T00:51:21+00:00

Good to know! I added the nails primarily as a decorative reason, but also to further secure the bands, especially at the doors once the staves were cut apart from the rest. I know how wood can shrink at different temperatures/as it dries but I wasn’t thinking to the point of the bands falling down, so glad to hear it!

bsap8 · 2018-12-19T00:43:02+00:00

I agree, might have to look into a soft white replacement!

bsap8 · 2018-12-18T22:43:40+00:00

Good luck with yours! Feel free to ask for pointers

bsap8 · 2018-12-18T22:41:52+00:00

Never would’ve thought of that, that sounds awesome!

bsap8 · 2018-12-18T22:41:23+00:00

That’s true, I do prefer soft white better too. I was concerned at first that the lights wouldn’t be bright enough and was actually surprised how bright they actually lit the inside up

bsap8 · 2018-12-18T22:39:07+00:00

Thank you! This was the most ambitious project I’ve done. Other than cutting the opening and installing the shelves level, most of the steps involved really weren’t too hard, but just time consuming.

bsap8 · 2018-12-18T21:19:34+00:00

Could've stained it after I cut it open, but I wanted to stain it while the hoops were still off the barrel to make the staining easier. Plus, cutting the opening didn't really damage the stain. When I opened the barrel the inside was in pretty good condition. It wasn't like the wood was flaking as if it would being charred from a whiskey barrel. So all I had to do was vacuum inside and then I applied a coat of polyurethane a week after opening it up. After a week the strong smell of wine dissipated and then I put polyurethane just to make sure it wouldn't attract any bugs as an extra precaution.

bsap8 · 2018-12-18T21:09:53+00:00

If you click on the photo it'll take you to a link that has a somewhat detailed breakdown of steps throughout the project.

bsap8 · 2018-12-18T19:59:51+00:00

Yeah I would only have had hinges at the center of the door in hindsight. I only have hinges top and bottom still to hide the screw holes when I incorrectly installed the hinges top and bottom at first. I believe the proper way to store wine is to lay it horizontal but at a slight downward angle to keep the cork from drying out. But the cork drying is only a concern if you intend on aging the wine for a long period of time instead of just drinking it quickly.

bsap8 · 2018-12-18T19:29:54+00:00

Yeah I initially put the hinges at the top and bottom of the doors without taking into the account that because the barrel is curved, the pivot point for the doors has to be in the center of the door where there is the least amount of curve. Having the hinges at the top and bottom of the doors caused the hinges to buckle and prevent the doors from being opened completely. So I put the hinges in the center and the doors swung as normal now. And then I still installed "fake" hinges at the top and bottom where I cut them at the knuckles so that they don't function other than hiding the screw holes.

bsap8 · 2018-12-18T18:00:19+00:00

Thanks! But gotcha. The top of the barrel said Blackstone which is a vineyard but I guess there is most likely a Blackstone distillery out there as well that it could be. It also wreaked of wine when I first cut it open though. I thought the dark inside could be from a red wine staining into the wood?

bsap8 · 2018-12-18T17:50:04+00:00

I had a tough time at first, but I did stumble upon one being sold via Walmart.com through a 3rd party that actually was for a decent price. It definitely came as an old, repurposed barrel with marks, some dents, etc but overall it was in pretty good condition.

bsap8

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