How can I repurpose a barrel from my wedding to create a functional ice and drink holder without making it too heavy?
Asked by Meghana Shah 
6 months ago
Last Updated: June 26, 2024
We have this barrel from our wedding sitting on our porch and I’m thinking of cutting the top off to turn it into a cooler for parties. Any suggestions on what I could fill the bottom half with so only the top can be filled with ice and drinks? I was considering adding a tap at the third iron band for easy draining, but not sure what to fill it with other than concrete, and that would be way too heavy!
You can try using pond spray foam to fill it up, it’s lightweight and can withstand ice and water well.
I really like the concept, but wow, that would require a lot of cans!
Should avoid using too much spray foam, as it can expand greatly when following the instructions. Purchase a Styrofoam Cooler and place it at the bottom of the barrel. Then, use the spray foam as a filler and sealant.
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Foam
You might want to check out a farm supply store like Tractor Supply and pick up a plastic tub that fits inside the barrel, resting its edge on the lip. We used empty plastic water bottles to fill the bottom half of ours.
I know, it does look beautiful with the plant!
Look for a sturdy plastic pot with a raised lip. Cut a hole in the top of the barrel a little smaller than the pot so it fits snugly. Be sure to treat the cut edge to prevent rot.
Spray on foam insulation. It insulates while it expands.
You could also consider cutting it in half to create two esky or stacking the other half on top.
How about an inverted planter?
Have you seen those inserts made for planters? If you find a large one, they work really well for my planters!
I’ve noticed that planter inserts come in varying depths.
Have you ever seen an upside down bucket?
Metal tub that is galvanized.
Large section of fps.m top with 60mm concrete, add water and l9ce
You might be able to come across a plastic bucket that fits inside.
To easily access the liquid inside a barrel, drill a hole at the bottom and attach a tap.
I came across a solution for making planters lighter. They recommended cutting and inserting pool noodles at the bottom.
Insulation foam, similar to what you might use in an attic. It’s lightweight, water-resistant, and great for insulation.
Consider finding a tub that fits inside the top, allowing you to lift it out and dispose of the ice/water as necessary.
Slice in half, locate a piece of glass, and create a sizable coffee table to serve as a focal point in your living space.
Place a planter or bucket upright so you can easily remove it to empty the melted ice.
Here’s a fun idea – flip over a 5 gallon bucket, put a container on top, and fill it with ice and drinks!
You should also take a look at this search result for a vintage barrel cooler on Google, it’s pretty neat!
Hey, check out this link for a cool vintage barrel cooler DIY project on Google!
Remove the inner lid, keep it aside, attach hinges, and insert a plastic large planter without drainage holes. You might need to place something underneath for added stability. This is a clever concept. Check out Pinterest for more inspiration.
Slice it down the middle to create two separate coolers.
Try using the lid as is, or turn the piece you removed upside down, and place it inside the cooler for extra support using 4×4 blocks.
I witnessed someone making a hole in the middle of this garbage can that was also serving as an outdoor table for people to gather around if necessary. Enjoy!
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Recyclables such as empty (capped) water bottles, beer cans, and coke cans are accepted.