Wine barrel is now a sink

[stevolabo]

really cool

[Hart8]

Very cool!

[PremierGenetics]

Very neat

[Coup de Grace]

Nice.

[bsills]

Very nice

[*DW*]

Awesome.
Now my wife wants one for the patio.

[Dusty Britches]

I bought the wine barrel from Messina Hof Winery last year for $100. Most wineries have them for about that price.

I took the barrel to Micheal Braden (yes, THE Micheal Braden, pro-archer) in Houston.

First, he took the top 3 rings off, sanded the top 1/2 of the barrel and put clear coat on it. He painted the rings, put the rings back on and used square head screws to attach each stave to the ring. We were told that HAD to be done because as the barrel dries, the rings will fall off. You could use rivets, but the square head screws look just as nice.

Then he turned the barrel over and did the same to the bottom half. Then he cut the barrel's door and removed it. To stabilize the "countertop", he cut 3/4 inch plywood and fitted it on the under side and used short screws from the inside to attach it without going through the countertop. Then he measured and cut the hole for the copper sink.

He added one hinge in the center of the door - you cannot add 2 because of the concave shape.

Since the faucet is going to be pewter, he painted the rings and screws a metalliac grey, which looks pewter. He used spray paint on those. It was actually a combination metal primer and paint. (come to think of it, I don't know if he painted the rings before putting them on or after.)

On the counter top, he topped it off with marine grade laquer - multiple coats - to keep water from damaging the wood. I'm going to add a few more coats.

Mike also made some small shelves to add onto the sides, but I'll add those after I place it in the bathroom. Then I'll post up some more pictures. It will be a few weeks.

This project was not be any means cheap - the barrel was $100. I paid Mike $500 (and I would have paid more). The sink with drain was $200. The faucet was $200. (The faucet is a higher end and most people will go with a cheaper one.) I spread out the costs so it wasn't such a hit on my pocketbook.

I think for you handy people, you could save some money on the carpentry by doing it yourself. I didn't have the time, tools, or knowledge to do this right. There are some places you can buy these barrel vanities online for $800 - $1200, but mine is special. It is authentic.

[Flame-Tamer]

Just Met Ms. Tracey yesterday. What a cool idea..

[bps3040]

Great idea!

[brichard]

thats cool

[hogbuster]

very neat

[True Texan]

nice work.

[TexasBob]

Wow. That's definately on the project list. Do they sell Crown Royal barrels?

[Zoch'10]

Very awesome project. I like it alot.

[TheRealHatfield]

thats pretty darn cool