Make a deck drinks cooler using old pallets

Cut along the inside of each outer stringer. Use a shovel to pry the deck boards from the middle stringer then remove all the nails.

Apply Resene Timber and Deck Wash to the timber from the pallet and give it a good scrub as required. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.

Precisely measure the outside of your chilly bin, then adjust the cut list above to suit the dimensions.

Cut your pine and pallet boards to size according to the cut list above (adjust to suit).

For the frame, attach two 380mm pine pieces between two 700mm pieces, securing with 70mm decking screws.

Repeat to create a second frame.

Join the two frames by attaching four 300mm pieces between them. 

Attach two 300mm pieces across the middle section of the frame to create a shelf for the chilly bin to sit on.

Place five 400mm pallet pieces across each side of the frame, starting at the ends – you might need to trim the middle board to make it fit snugly. Secure them with 40mm decking screws.

Attach two 580mm and two 300mm pallet pieces to the top. Then give everything a good sand and wipe off the sanding dust.

Insert your chilly bin, then cut the 420mm and one 300mm pallet pieces in half lengthways to make a frame. Screw the frame together with five 340mm pallet pieces across the top.   You may have to trim down the middle board to make them fit snug.

To secure the chilly bin lid to the wooden lid cover, fix it in place with four 70mm screws.

Apply one coat of Resene Quick Dry to the exterior surfaces.

Apply two coats of Resene Lumbersider Low Sheen in your chosen Resene colour allowing dry time between coats. Jacob used Resene Mocha.

For an aged effect, apply a thin coat of Resene Lumbersider Low Sheen in a contrasting colour and wait two hours for it to dry. Jacob used Resene Home Run.

Add some old-school hand lettering in pencil first, then use an artist’s paintbrush and a Resene testpot to fill in the letters. Jacob used Resene Wild Thing.

If you want the words to stand out more, use a glossier finish such as Resene Lustacryl semi-gloss or Resene Enamacryl gloss.

Line up your chosen handle and screw it in, then add two hinges to the lid so that it opens and closes with ease.

Screw on a bottle opener, and below it drill a hole large enough for a small round magnet. Glue the magnet in place, then attach a small tin to catch your bottlecaps.

Use steel wool to enhance the distressed effect even more and then you’re all done!

Time to reward yourself for all the hard work with an ice cold drink.

Deck finished with Resene Woodsman Wood Oil Stain in Resene Natural.