This DIY cooler cabinet makes outdoor entertaining a breeze.
Note:The overall dimensions for this project are dependent on the size of the cooler.
Our cooler measures 22 inches long by 13 inches wide by 11 inches tall.
Credit: Adam Albright
Adjust the dimensions to accommodate the size of your cooler.
Build Cabinet Lid
Start by building the cabinet’s lid.
Lay the slats on a flat surface so that their ends are aligned.
Credit: Adam Albright
Press down firmly and drive 1 1/4-inch brads through the cleats and into the slats.
Drive at least four brads in each board; then clean up any wood glue with a damp towel.
Once the glue has dried,use an orbital sanderoutfitted with 120-grit sandpaper to smooth all the edges.
Cut Slats and Corner Cleats
Cut the cabinet parts to size.
Cut the four 1x2 corner cleats (G) to length.
Build Cabinet Sides
To build the sides, lay out the side slats on a flat surface.
Apply wood glue to one face of each of the corner cleats.
Drive four brads for each side slat.
Attach Legs
Attach the hairpin legs to each corner of the bottom of the box.
Use a 1/8-inch-diameter drill bit to make a pilot hole for each screw.
Fasten the legs using 3/4-inch No.
Position the two hinges for the top about 6 inches in from the sides of the cabinet.
Check the Cooler Fit
Remove the lid from the cooler and use 1 1/2-inch No.
8 panhead screws to attach it to the cleats on the underside of the cabinet.
Place the cooler in the cabinet and check to see how the lid fits.
Stain and Paint Cabinet
Use 120-grit sandpaper to lightly sand the cabinet.
Apply stain following the product manufacturer’s directions and let dry overnight.
Apply two or three coats of white spray paint to create the stripes.
Let dry between coats and then remove the tape.
Attach Bottle Opener
Drill pilot holes and use 3/4-inch No.
8 wood screws to fasten the bottle opener to the top corner of one of the cabinet’s sides.
Load the cooler with ice and your favorite beverages, and you’reready for a party!
When not in use, the cooler offers extra table space or a spot for potted plants.
