Monday, January 12, 2015

Reuse Whiskey Barrels

Whiskey barrels can have a second life in and around your home.


A whiskey barrel, made of white oak, lives two lives: one at the distillery and then a second in and around people's homes. When reaching the end of its useful life as a whiskey barrel--after it has been filled and refilled so many times that the whiskey has taken out all the "good stuff" from the wood--it is ready to be reused around your home. There is a wide variety of after-market items waiting to be made from a well-used whiskey barrel. Does this Spark an idea?


Instructions


1. Cut a whiskey barrel in half for two outdoor flower planters. Drill numerous 3/4-inch holes in the bottom of the barrel to allow drainage so not to trap water that would eventually rot the roots of your plants. Fill your barrel with potting soil and plant as you would any traditional planter.


2. Load up one-half of a whiskey barrel as an extra-large beverage bucket. While not necessary, you can line the barrel with a large plastic liner or trash bag to keep the ice from making contact with the barrel and ensuring all water remains in the barrel. Fill the entire barrel with ice and use as you would any traditional beverage bucket at your next party.


3. Utilize two, identically sized, intact barrels for the base of a rustic bar. Lay or attach a decorative door or wood planks across the top of the barrels. The height of the bar depends on the size of your barrels. For longer bars, consider three or more barrels to support the expanse.


4. Convert a whiskey barrel into a rain barrel. Because whiskey barrels are made for holding liquids, they are a natural solution for rain-collection barrels for watering your garden. Empty your downspouts right into the barrel, and harvest your rainwater with an easy-to-install irrigation spigot.

Tags: whiskey barrel, barrel with, around your, around your home, beverage bucket, would traditional