Did you know that whiskey barrels are great for making furniture? They're sturdy, easy to work with, and give your home a rustic look that can't be replicated with anything else. Whiskey barrels are usually inexpensive, too! You can use its materials to make just about anything—tables, coffee tables, bars, stools, chairs, coolers, even dog beds... the list is endless! But, before you start cutting into your new project or searching online, let's talk about how best to use these staves once they're in your possession.
Depending on the type of wood you use, it will affect how the finished product looks. The type of grain, color, and texture influence how your whiskey barrel furniture turns out. For example, oak is popular for furniture projects because it's strong and durable. It is imperative to intricately utilize the distinctive grain patterns effectively to get the desired outlook. Oak is a good option if you're going for a rustic and traditional look. If you want a clear design with less visible grains, then it is important to choose maple.
Now let's talk about the anatomy of a barrel sourced from top notch whiskey distilleries. The precise measurements and knowledge is vital for creating the best piece of furniture. The staves are the strips of wood that make up the inside of a whiskey barrel. Metal hoops hold them together. The staves have a grain running from top to bottom. as opposed to side to side. You'll want to cut your wood so that it matches this pattern when you assemble it into one long piece.
The heads at the end of each stave meet at each corner of the barrel. When you create a barrel, you have to remove it. They can be preserved and redesigned into more rustic furniture, such as a tabletop for a Whiskey barrel coffee table or a charcuterie board. Lastly, the end grain refers to the part of the wood that's not between two rings. You'll want to look for a barrel with a thick end grain, as this is more stable than having an end grain that's thinner or has more knots in it.
If you're going to use an authentic barrel and turn it into furniture, make sure you are aware of proper barrel care. The best place for aging barrels is in cool, dry areas to avoid exposure to harsh elements over time.
If you want to add a piece of this rich history to your homes and create a conversation starter, then consider repurposing an old used barrel instead of buying one new from a store.
As you can see, making your own whiskey barrel furniture is a fun and rewarding project. That's why we turned our years of experience with Patrick Daigle Hardwood Flooring and our love of bourbon libations into creating the most unique whiskey barrel furniture store. If you have any questions about anything we covered today, please feel free to reach out to Wood & Barrel at 860.643.9191. Or, if you don't want to DIY yourself, let's discuss making a custom whiskey barrel piece for your home. The experts have you covered.
From our family to yours,
-The Daigle Family
Wood & Barrel
54 Hilliard Street, Manchester, Connecticut 06040
Phone: 860.643.9191
Website: woodandbarrel.co
