Cooler, Wooden

Shirley
by Shirley
2 Materials
$180
1 Week
Easy
This is a project that I absolutely loved doing! I have very few pics of how I put this thing together but the site below has screw by screw directions!

I have seen plans that call for using pallets but since there were none available, I purchased 1x4's. A more expensive way I know, but I love the resulting piece...The build took me approximately 5 days of on and off work and really goes together quickly. I hadn't done any woodworking for a number of years and it took me a minute to get the hang of where to cut my wood on the mitre saw (on the line , over the line, above the line?). That's really important!

I sanded each piece and rounded the edges before I put it together giving it a more finished look.

The finish I used was Olympic Translucent Stain and Sealer in Cinder giving it a rustic yet finished look.... and the stain lasts 6 years......

Because of using the 1x4's to build the cooler box, by using the Kreg K4 Screw Pocket Jig, the top, legs and cladding (sides and front) have invisible screws....(Hubby doesn't know it but he bought my Birthday present!)


Tools Used
12″ Dual Bevel Miter Saw
Brad Nailer
Oscillating Sander
Kreg K4 Pocket Hole Jig

Materials
(17) 8′ 1×4 white wood
1-1/4″ Pocket Hole Screws
1-1/4″ Exterior Screws
48qt Igloo Cooler
2 Single Hooks
Hose Bib
3″ utility hinges
Front handle
Bottle Opener
1/2″ PVC Nut(2)
1/2″ Male PVC Adapter
1/2″ PVC Pipe

I would say to anyone out there would would like to build this Wooden Cooler Box, GO FOR IT~~~
http://fixthisbuildthat.com/diy-patio-cooler-grill-cart-combo-plans/

The most important step and beginning of the build. All of the "hardware" handles and top of the lid have been removed. Lay out your 1/4's surrounding the cooler which has been placed upside down. Make sure the fit is snug but not tight. You will use the Kreg K4 Screw Pocket Jig to fit the pieces together.
This is a pic of the front. In the step by step instructions from Fix This Build That, he chamfered the edges. I did not have a router so I hand sanded the edges down with with an electric orbital sander. All edges on the build were sanded this way and gave the piece a more furniture like feel with no sharp edges.
The build instructions called for a solid front because they needed a storage compartment. I did not need the storage, so I left the front open and will use it for wine and glasses. The bottom shelving was nailed in place with a brad nailer....
Beginning to work on the cooler lid...
Finished build with Cooler Open. Hardware added and decorative piece on the front. The cooler has a drain that can be opened and closed.
Finished Build With Cooler Closed
Suggested materials:
  • 1X4's   (Home Depot)
  • Olympic Stain in Cinder   (Lowe's)
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
  1 question
  • Dee Dee on Jul 27, 2017

    I love it ! What is to the left of the cooler on the top I know you said open storage on the bottom but I cant make the top out ? Thanks

Comments
Join the conversation
 2 comments
Next