When You Can’t Find a Wine Barrel Top Make Your Own
I keep on seeing the most beautiful things from Pottery Barn popping up in my Pinterest feed. Like their wine barrel top tray. Ahhh man it’s so pretty. Unfortunately, they don’t ship to South Africa. In fact, we can’t even get into their web site to steal with our eyes. It’s blocked for some strange reason. All I can see is a big fat blank screen with tiny letters saying “*file not found*”. Thank goodness I’ve still got Pinterest. Well if I can’t buy one, then I’ll just have to make it instead.
It’s a little more rustic than the beauty they have for sale. But I’m kinda okay with that since it used to be a broken table in a previous lifetime.
We picked this table up, along with a whole bunch of other crap awesome stuff, for an absolute bargain. Yup, besides the table and other bits and bobs, we got a whole boot-load of the most amazing pieces of solid wood, including Rhodesian Teak and Meranti. All that stuff for the astronomical sum of R100. That’s not even $10 😀
You guys I'm in woody heaven right now
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How to Make a Wine Barrel Top
Using a screwdriver, hammer and pliers we dismantled the table.
It was actually surprisingly easy to take apart, given how much glue whoever built the table used. I measured the width of all the slats to figure out how big the tray could be and then drew a circle on a piece of hardboard (MDF), using the highly scientific pen and string method. It works every time;-)
The slats were glued and screwed onto the hardboard circle and left overnight to dry. It makes it so much easier afterward to cut the slats with a jigsaw and you don’t have to join them together.
I sanded my not so perfectly round circle lightly to bring out that beautiful weathered grain. For the sides of the wine barrel, I used the table offcuts. Fortunately, Mother Nature had already done all the hard work for me and they were beautifully curved from lying outside 😀
All I had to worry about was how to stain the cut bits to match the other weathered pieces. Oh well, there’s nothing that oil paint thinned down with a bit of turps won’t cure.
It’s getting there, but I still needed to figure out how to make the wine barrel hoop. Is that what it’s called? The metal brace thingies that go around the barrels?
Adding the Wine Barrel Factor
Anyhows, it had me stumped for a bit until I remembered the metal tension bracing strips we used to make the pallet headboard. They would work after some rustifications. The easiest way to rustify something is to throw it in a hot fire for a bit.
RUSTIFICATIONS (verb): The act of throwing metal into a fire to rust quickly
Once they cool down completely, those bracing strips were wrapped around the wine barrel tray tightly and screwed on every few inches.
And obviously, no wine barrel top tray would look complete without some signage, courtesy of The Graphics Fairy.
After another light sanding to distress the signage a bit, the sides bits were glued onto the tray and then the metal bracing strip was screwed in to hold everything together. To protect the tray I gave it two coats of a clear sealant. What do you think? Can I give up my day job and become a maker of stuff for Pottery Barn 😉
I’m loving the way the sealant added a rich luster to the weathered wood and that rustification on the bracing strips.
And to think the wooden barrel top tray started out as a poor forgotten table in someone’s woodpile.
If you like the idea of making your own wine barrel top, don’t forget to pin it for later
Sharing is caring 😉
Have you brought home broken wooden bits to make something new? Please share in the comments, I’d love to hear about it.
Oh before I forget, if you don’t want to go to the trouble of finding some of the materials we used, we’ve got you covered Disclosure: Clicking on the links below, means we may receive a commission from Amazon. But don’t worry it won’t come out of your pocket, and it helps us come up with more crafty ideas to share with you 😉
As always here’s wishing you a beautifully creative week.
Wow, how cool is that!!! Great job!
Thank you Rhonda ?
Ok wow I have so much to say! I think we might have the same creative minds. I have one I am working on in the garage that is very similar to yours but winter hit and I had to stop for a while as I have no heat in my detached garage. By the way, yours is awesome and totally Pottery Barn worthy! In fact, I think yours is even better! Of course I always think mine are too but that’s another subject…lol!
Just wondering…you said you couldn’t get on the PB website…did you know that if you go to the search on Pinterest and type in Pottery Barn that everything they sell is there? Ok let’s hope you can see it but it is there I promise!
You work like I do too, hoard things u til there is a definite project for it. My husband is totally not a fan of all my stuff but when he sees things I make he loves them. So hopefully one day all the stuff won’t bother him so much. I try to follow the rule “out of sight, out of mind” and it does help some with him. My biggest problem is in Sept. my daughter and 2 grandchildren had to move back in. Well I had to move a lot of thing to fit them in and hubby was going belistic over all the stuff sitting around. It’s slowly finding a space and I hope to be done soon.
Ahhhh Shirley, you just totally made my day. It must be lovely to have your daughter and granbabies with you, even though you had to give up some creative space. Wouldn’t it be awesome if we had some kind of “beam me up Scotty” machine so we get together and chat about hubbies and hoarding. We could have so much fun. I suspect I’ll be stuck on Pinterest all day if I go through all the beautiful things from Pottery Barn. It’s so strange that they’ve blocked their website for South Africa, but they must have their reasons. Thank you for taking the time to share a little piece of your life with me, I truly appreciate it so incredibly much ?
Oh, I was just browsing through some things and came across your comment that I hadn’t seen before. I am at mcgypsy9@aol.com and we can talk there or through Facebook if you have that. I just bought a new 60” round table and already want to take the legs off of it and put on a different base. The top is wood slats that have been super sealed almost to the point of looking plastic. I like it for easy cleaning and it looks nice too so I will keep it! The legs are 4 separate legs and the chairs don’t go under it properly and it drives me crazy! LOL Everyone loves it though and said it fits better in there which is why I purchased it in the first place. The other was a rectangle and took up too much space. Hubby just got a large bonus check and told me to do my living room…yeahhhhh!! I have almost everything I need for it but now I will get the help I need to put it together! I have had some major health issues for the last 3 years which has finally come to almost a screeching halt. A pain that was causing more and more pain each day. My primary dr. Should have been able to diagnose this but didn’t. It took another dr. I go to for pain management (this is not something that he should have looked at but he took it under his wing) and he told me some things to try and within 4 days it worked! Praise God! I seriously thought I was going to die but now I am almost 100% good. The simple things that can cause so much drama and stress…I just couldn’t believe it was that easy.
Anyway…didn’t mean to bite your ear off, I’m just so excited and relieved about it. I hadn’t been able to do any crafting, woodworking or even do the dishes for a very long time and now I can and it’s just so nice. I can’t wait to get back to woodworking. I just love it! But I also love interior and exterior design. I have made a lot of things for my home and was going in one direction and then I changed directions (for my living room) and now I have things I won’t be using so I will just have to sell them. I made a rustic coffee table and I love it so much but it won’t be right so instead of getting rid of it I’m going to paint it so it will still work with my design. This particular piece, the tray, will be made into a lazy Susan for my dining table. It isn’t formal like I’ve always had but I needed something that everyone was comfortable at. We had our first family meal there last night and it was nice to see and talk to everyone…they all commented on how nice that was as well. We should exchange pictures of our projects. I think we would probably enjoy each other’s work. I must run for now so take care and keep crafting!
Wow Shirley, I’m really glad you finally got the pain sorted out. Such a pity your doctor didn’t diagnose it properly in the first place. 3 years is a long time to suffer like that. Isn’t it just so wonderful to be pain free again and to do all the things you want to do. I would love to connect with you on Facebook and see all the lovely projects you’re working on. Your hubby sounds like an absolute darling too. What a lovely thing to do, it’s always so much fun when you can redecorate a whole room like that. Stay safe and enjoy doing all those things you’ve missed so much
Awesome idea, and very well done, guys! Great job!
Thank you Greg ?
This is awesome Michelle!!!! You could definitely create products for Pottery Barn or any company you would like. You have so much creative talent!!! This is an awesome tray and I hope you and your husband enjoy using it! 🙂
Ahhhh my friend, thank you so much. This one is going down to our little house by the sea
Oh Michelle! What you have done again! It is rustic and it is so beautiful! It is perfect for displaying everything appetizers or decoration items! You can make everything with your hands!!!
? Awww Christina, thank you so very much. I’m super happy with how this one turned out
Love love love! I love DIY. The only thing I would have done differently is paint it. I love to create.
Thanks so much Oyinkan. I was considering that, but with the lovely naturally aged grain of the wood it just seemed wrong to paint it some how ?
Natural wood stained with a nice shellac sealant is the only way to go … Painting it a color would not look good. Natural is so much more pretty.. Thank you Michelle.
I agree Anon, some pieces of wood have such a beautiful story to tell and we shouldn’t hide it under paint. Thank you for your lovely comment, I really appreciate it so much
This is beautiful Michelle, its very well done even with the little mishap. Love the tones you chose for it.
Thank you so much Leanna ? One day I’ll conquer that jig saw
Wow this DIY is so gorgeous and lovely! It really makes the vase/flower look more beautiful! I think you can even sell it! haha
Thanks so much Claire
OMG, this is amazing woodwork, Michelle, are so creative. I wish I have that tray. I am so glad I found you through Way wow group, now I am learning so many things through your blog.
Likewise Sadhna ? I have tasted the most delicious Indian dishes just coz I get to share your recipes with our favorite resturant and they cook it for me.
Wow!! You really impressed me in your DIY wine barrel tray. This is very expensive when you buy in the store but you did an alternative one. You are very creative. Good job!!
Thanks so much Elizabeth ?
Oh my goodness, you did an AMAZING job!!! God knows I’ve always wished I were good with wood! I would have SO MANY incredible pieces!!! Awesome job!!!
Thanks Candy, I love wood to bits ? Everytime I pick up a piece there’s this little story inside. So fascinating
This wine barrel top tray looks so awesome. You are very creative to do this. If you buy this in any store it is very expensive.
You’re right Shubhada they are expensive. Thank goodness we found that old table top
So pretty! This would be an amazing living room focal point or gift idea. Such a creative concept too!
Thanks so much for that Katie
That’s great idea, and result is absolutely amazing! I need to try this out, hope it turns out this pretty.
I’m sure it will Courtney ?
Mix this is incredible!! I am absolutely in awe! It’s odd that you can’t get onto Pottery Barn’s website but maybe its also a blessing in a way. The beginning picture to the end result was incredible to see. I swear I want to come over and see all you beautiful creations! Also the design you did on the center of the tray.. blimey. I would have guessed that was some sort of professional stamping or print that was done on the original wood. Immense love for this!
Where’s my blush emoticon when I need it. Thank you so very much Ithfifi. Our door will always be open for you ?
Your creativity never disappoints. I can tell this took a lot of work and attention to detail. It is a special kind people who can dedicate time to doing DIYs and doing them SO WELL! The tray looks better than the one I have seen at Pottery Barn! Trust me 🙂
? Oh yay I’m so glad to hear that Tanvi. Thanks so much for your lovely comment
Love your DIY spirit and really admire your gorgeous creations! I think Pottery Barn will be fortunate to have you both! 😉
? Wouldn’t that be so much fun, thanks so much Aditi
Oh, I love, love, love this tray! It’s gorgeous, and looks amazing with the white flowers on it. I love the stenciling/signage that you always add. It gives it just the right touch. Perfect!
Awwww Amy thank you my friend. I really appreciate that
I loved your quotes to share on Twitter; is rustification really a word haha? I use the word beautification so I’m going with it! 🙂 This is such a charming piece. Wood always has such a classy feel to me. Forget Pottery Barn, you’re doing a way better job! !
LOL Ching, thanks so much. I’m not sure if it’s a real word, but we use it lots at home ?
This is really cute! You did an excellent job. I really like the writing on it. You would never know that it didn’t come from Pottery Barn. 🙂
Oh yay, I’m so glad to her that. Thanks Samantha
Michelle, you’ve worked your magic again! The tray looks awesome, and I love the “rustification” factor. The graphics fairy image is perfect with it too, completing that tray. I love it! Love rustic…that’s my thing.
Rustic, time worn is my thing too. There’s just something about a piece that looks like it’s been around for a bit that makes my heart smile. It’s kinda like looking in the mirror ?
This is amazing creative! I LOVE that table tray. I never even thought of using a wine barrel for a tray; probably haven’t peeked at Pottery Barn mags lately 😉 I’m always in awe of how people can create such beautiful things out of seemingly throwaway items. Love it.
Ooooooo you get the PB magazine? I’m so jealous Amy. Don’t you want to send some of the old ones over this way ?
Wow Michelle your wine barrel top tray is beautiful. But that doesn’t surprise me. I think that yours looks better than any Pottery Barn tray. I love how you added the rusty band around the tray, and the pretty graphic. Beautiful!
Thanks sooooo much Linda ?
You are so creative! I love the idea so much, I’m currently stocking up a load of DIY ideas as we are in the process of buying our first home. Can not wait to get started
Congrats on your almost first home Amanda, that’s so exciting. Wishing you many, many happy hours decorating, renovating and DIY’ing
This is truly beautiful Michelle. The wood was the perfect candidate for this and the rusty metal just adds to the charm. I think you can totally give up your day job!
Heeee Haaaaaa, won’t that be awesome. I can make stuff all day long instead of doing the laptop butt workout ?
Mix, I love this! It’s really beautiful and fabulous!
Jeannee
Thanks so much Jeannee ?
WOW! I love this! Thanks for sharing with us! 🙂
Thanks so much DeeDee ?
Oh screw PB, who cares, I love love love yours and it´s so so so unique and beautiful! You just amaze me every time!
LOL Katrin ? thanks so much for that
I love this! Ok pallets I can find but a barrel to no! Thanks for the awesome diy!
Yeah pallets and broken tables are easy, but those wine barrels. No ways, they’re so scarse and expensive
Love this! I love anything made of wood and this is a beauty! This would look stunning as a centerpiece for any table.
I agree Carolann, there’s just something so special about wood that’s been aged by nature. Nothing compares
This is such a money saver, Barrel tops are rather expensive , this is such a great alternative, one that can be customized to you liking a well.
Thanks so much Cia. I couldn’t believe the price people charge for them.
This is fantastic, Michelle! I just checked out the one from PB and I like yours so much better. It’s got more rustic charm and I love that you added a graphic. Your tray is very beautiful and you saved a lot of money too! I see you had a cute furry helper. 🙂
Have a great week!
Ahhhh our little Cleo. She loves inspecting things and I’m convinced if she had fingers she’s be grabbong a paint brush or saw and helping with our DIY stuff ?
Gorgeous, Michelle! I had to laugh about the jigsaw. I have no idea how anyone can get a nice curvature 😀 Love how you reused so many goodies and turned them into such a beautiful and functional piece. Forget Pottery Barn, I want your tray
Whoop, whoop, thanks for that Angie and I think that jig saw and I need to have a chat sometime. I’ve got to try figure out how to cut a perfect circle 😉