Introduction: Rustic Minibar From Pallet Frames
In our lovely garden we have a nice sunny corner where we barbecue. But there is always too little counter space for both food and beers. So to solve this world problem, I want a piece of furniture that looks nice but also has both storage and counter space.
Step 1: Plan and Materials
I wanted to use the rustic look of the pallet frames and started by making a sketch of how I wanted my minibar.
Materials:
- 4 pallet frames
- 1 pallet
- 1 tabletop
- Some spare wood (for the inner frame)
- 4 hinges
- 4 wheels
- 1 lock
- Screws
Tools:
- Hammer
- Saw
- Jigsaw
- Circular saw
- Screwdriver
- Grinder
- Orbital sander
- Crowbar
Step 2: Adjusting Size
I found that the pallet frames were too wide for how big I wanted the minibar to be, but I still wanted to use the hinges. I removed the old nails from the hinges, cut the frames and screw the hinges back on.
Step 3: Foundation
Of course the bottom had to fit the top, so I adjusted the width of the bottom and used the spare boards to fill out the holes. Then I added some wheels so I can "drink and drive" at the same time :)
Step 4: Adjusting Heights
I wanted my minibar to fit the normal height of a kitchen table (normal work level from floor to tabletop is 91 cm in Denmark) and cut the upper frame and hinges.
Step 5: The Inner Frame
In order to stabilize and secure bottom and top to the structure I needed to make an inner frame.
Step 6: Tabletop
I had an old tabletop, but it looked rather new next to the old pallet frames, so to make it more "rustic" and "alive" I burned the surface. I think the result was rather neat!
Step 7: Cabinet Hole
I wanted to be able to use the minibar for storage. I measured the width of a fitting size cabinet door. Then I put in a nail at both sides and used a strip of wood veneer to make an arched top. I made a small hole with a power drill in order to cut out the doors with a jigsaw. Afterwards i sanded the edges. Be sure to make an even cut since the wood from the hole will be used for the doors.
Step 8: Cabinet Doors
I took the wood from the hole and used it for the cabinet doors. I used some spare wood to assemble and stabilize the boards. Then I used the circular saw to cut the boards in half. Afterwards I assembled the doors again with a little space between them so they wouldn't bind later on.
I put the hinges on the doors first and on the cabinet afterwards. To make the final look neat I made sure the space around the doors was even.
Step 9: Skål = Cheers
When you are working with rustic materials it is more important to "take a step back" and look at it instead of measuring everything out.
First Prize in the
First Time Author Challenge
Participated in the
Wood Contest