Metal craft ideas range from metal roofing, metal siding, making original works to decorate the home to inspire ideas new life in various old metal objects.
We have selected some of the most creative ideas metal crafts that will show you how to turn old barrels into cool furniture. Giving new life to seemingly useless objects requires creative approach and some skills. But it's much easier than you think. Who needs old barrels? They are bulky, sometimes rusty, and just don't look good! However, with a little imagination and inspiration you can use them in your yard, home bar, you can turn barrels into patio furniture, nightstands, tables, and many other different pieces of furniture.
Garden and Patio Ideas
How to turn old barrels into garden furniture or compost bins or plant containers? Millions of steel drums are thrown out of circulation every year. Most of them are recycled as scrap metal, and there are many barrels lying around in yards or warehouses. It turns out that recycling used barrels can be an exciting time for the creative mind. People have realized that they are an excellent raw material for various garden, vegetable or patio crafts. 
One of the most simple ideas, use them as containers for collecting and storing water, simply by painting them in all the colors of the rainbow. You can use them as planting containers and also decorate a corner of your garden or plant a small patch of greenery and eat fresh greens all year round. DIY projects from metal barrels how to use them for furniture, since oil barrels are very durable and can be purchased at affordable price. The only condition is thorough cleaning and high-quality washing before use. 
Garden Incinerator – Many gardeners know how necessary an incinerator is for garden waste. To do this, you can use an old steel barrel, which will help you collect all the burning waste, such as paper, cardboard, dry branches and leaves, residues building materials. To do this, you need to drill several holes for oxygen access in the bottom of the barrel. Periodically, the contents of the barrel are set on fire and burn out very quickly, and most importantly, even on a windy day you will not be afraid that the wind will disperse the burning sparks. The ash that collects in the barrel is an excellent fertilizer for plants. Of course, the walls of the barrel will eventually burn out, but you can easily replace such an incinerator with another one. 
Compost in metal barrels is easy to process. It needs oxygen; all you have to do is drill holes around the bottom of the barrel. How more holes– so much the better, the compost will receive enough oxygen. Create a drainage layer of branches or twigs. A lid for your DIY compost can be made from leftovers metal sheet. Paint a compost bin and you'll combine appearance with function and decorative element in the garden.
Containers for planting plants 
Converting a metal barrel into a planting box. Planter boxes can be used for any type of plant - from cucumbers and squash to herbs and flowers. This convenient option grow various plants, which makes them easier to care for.
Metal barrel – garden grill 
One of the most interesting ideas- is to turn old barrel to the garden grill. In order to make a garden grill, the barrel must be cut lengthwise into two parts. One of the parts forms the base for laying coal, and the second part is a cover connected to the base using conventional door hinges. Iron pipes and fittings are a stand for your DIY garden grill.
Outdoor furniture
Metal craft ideas and DIY projects for furniture. There are many various options arranging furniture for both indoors and outdoors outdoors. Those who are not very experienced or a beginner in DIY furniture projects can start with a simple idea, making a bar table with a round top. You can use any material for the top of the table - reclaimed wood from a large spool of wood or a simple slab of solid wood. Those who have more experience in DIY furniture projects can make a set of patio furniture - sofas and chairs, useful storage containers, rocking chairs, filing cabinets, lamps, coffee tables, cabinets, etc. Even the most ordinary furniture can be a source of inspiration, and we have collected the brightest and most interesting ideas. 
The big advantage of a DIY project when making furniture is that this furniture - tables, chairs, sofas - is lightweight. At the same time, it will be extremely durable, resistant to moisture and corrosion, using a special coating that will preserve the beautiful appearance and color of the furniture. Add some soft pillows for comfort. Cushions and pads can be made from any material, and you can add pops of color to your interior or exterior. 
Metal craft ideas and DIY furniture projects cabinets, chairs and tables easily become the focal point of your garden, yard or home decoration, adding a pop of color to help create a vibrant atmosphere. 
It would seem that there is nothing useful in an old empty barrel. However, many designers will not agree with this and will present their creations made from these simple objects to public judgment. Tables, chairs, sofas - all this will fit perfectly not only into country house interior, but will also be able to borrow worthy place even in the house.
1. Sofas
From a large metal barrel you can make unusual sofas for your home and garden. To do this you will need bright paint, metal cutting tool, welding machine and furniture cushions.
2. Chairs
The kit is simple and functional furniture consisting of high chairs and round table. All pieces of furniture are made of metal barrels and wooden boards.
3. Office chair
Exclusive office chairs with beautifully curved seats made from metal barrels, they will become real stars of rooms in loft, industrial, steampunk or rustic styles.
4. Chandelier
This one is stylish ceiling chandelier- the most simple thing, which can be made from an unnecessary metal barrel. All you need to do is: cut off a small part of the barrel, paint this piece black matte paint, add light bulb sockets and a ceiling mount.
5. Cabinet
A simple cabinet, which without special effort You can make an unnecessary barrel and use it for decoration and storage of things on the balcony, terrace or in the bedroom.
6. Washbasin
A metal chemical barrel, machine oil or anything else can be used to create a stunning floor mounted sink. This product will fit perfectly into the interior of a modern cafe, club or beauty salon, decorated in a loft style.
7. Cabinet with drawers
Elegant light cabinet with three drawers will become a spectacular detail of a modern interior. This cabinet will fit harmoniously into a room decorated in Scandinavian, rustic or country style.
8. Sliding cabinet
An original sliding cabinet on wheels, which can be made from one single metal barrel, decorated with drawings in the primitivism style.
9. Clock
A piece of metal barrel can be used to create bright unusual wall clock. A similar craft will decorate the wall modern apartment, and the process of its manufacture does not require special skills.
10. TV stand
An unusual TV stand made from a wide circle cut from a large metal barrel, which was complemented additional details for stability and painted bright orange.
11. Grill
Do you like to cook various dishes over an open fire? Then this homemade grill made from a large metal barrel will interest you.
12. Bench
From a metal barrel and wooden beams you can make an original and practical bench that will harmoniously fit into the landscape of your garden plot.
13. Openwork furniture
A fantastic openwork table and chair, carved from nondescript metal barrels, is a job that a real craftsman can do.
14. Parking
Children's cars.
Delight your children by turning metal barrels into colorful cars. This attraction will become a favorite entertainment for children in summer time of the year.
Video bonus:
I always want to decorate my garden or dacha plot in such a way that it would be pleasant for myself and I could surprise my neighbors! How do you think barrels can be used in the country?
Of course, the first thing that comes in response is:
- gather rainwater. This is of course very important!! The water given to us, how can we not use it in a good way. Well, of course, the barrel needs to be decorated so that you can admire it!
Can be done summer house for a faithful watchman.
A house for children who love to play mother and daughter. Such cozy house, with windows and curtains, and decorate it with a beautiful pattern.
For relaxing in the garden, it’s really possible to make such a waterproof garden furniture. You can come up with many design options for such furniture, I offer options that I found on the Internet.
To collect green mass from summer cottage for the formation of organic fertilizer.
Planting vegetables too a good option! Tomatoes, cucumbers, potatoes, strawberries are great options for growing vegetables and berries in no longer needed metal barrels. And the barrels can also be painted!!
The flowerbed is a locomotive, I think that not many people can see such a use for a barrel. And it's good fun for kids too!
A wonderful cabinet for storing dishes and an option to prevent rodents from accessing food supplies!
Outdoor barbecue.
Lamps, if the barrels are not standard, but smaller. Drill holes using a drill according to the design you came up with, apply paint, install electrical equipment and the whole dacha will glow in the evening!
A small pond for a summer residence.
- container for swimming!
So you got acquainted with the proposed options and found out what can be made from barrels in the country.
And how to decorate barrels used for irrigation is in the article.
Tools and materials
Hand grinders: 2 different ones, a large circular one for the main part of the work, and a small triangular one for finer work;
- Sandpaper with a coarser grain to remove burrs from wood, and fine sandpaper for a smooth finish;
- Glue that can glue and hold wood and metal together;
- Hammer;
- Hacksaw;
- Saw or jigsaw;
- Thick cardboard;
- Plywood or other material for shelves;
- Drill and drill bits;
- Roulette;
- Screws;
- Loops;
- Door handles;
- Damp cloth and warm water;
- Pencil;
- Scotch;
- Vacuum cleaner
Manufacturing instructions
Sanding is needed if the barrel is dirty. The middle hoop needs to be removed using a hammer and a piece of wood. It is best to carry out all work in a ventilated area, placing the barrel on an old blanket or sheet. When working outside, do not place the barrel on the grass, otherwise green spots will remain on the wood.
Sand the wood to grinding machine And sandpaper until perfectly smooth.
Using a crowbar and a hammer, pull the metal hoop towards the bottom of the barrel as low as possible. Determine at what distance the hoop will end up, and wrap the barrel in height with cellophane film so that the glue does not get on the wood. Clear inner part remove rust from the hoop with a wire brush or other method. Then apply glue and return the hoop to its place, being careful not to damage the protective film.
Do the same with the second hoop.
Let the glue dry and remove the protective film.
Determine the boundaries of the door and cover this area with tape so that the pieces of wood, after the door is cut, stay together and do not fall apart.
To get started, drill a hole from which you will begin cutting out the door with a jigsaw or file. Try to make the cut as neat as possible.
The door cover will consist of two halves, but until the slats are glued together, do not remove the film so as not to disturb the order.
Glue the planks to each other with glue one at a time, pressing firmly and allowing the glue to dry well. If the door consists of two halves, then the middle strips do not need to be glued together.
Once the door is finished, hold it against the door to make sure everything is done correctly. Once the glue dries, sand the boards to remove any excess.
If the barrel was used to store wine, then it needs to be cleaned from the inside. It is best to wear safety glasses and gloves in this area because the work ahead is dirty. Most of the dirt can most likely be removed with a scraper. Then walk through inner surface wood grinder. Wipe off dust and shavings with a damp cloth.
Decide at what height in the barrel the shelf will be located. The choice depends on what you intend to store in each part of the barrel. The compartment in which the bottles will be stored must be high enough. If bottles and food are located at the bottom of the barrel, then you can put a stereo or laptop on the top. In this case, the wires from the equipment can be released out through the hole in the upper part by removing the plug.
Measure the diameter of the barrel and make a shelf template from cardboard. Try it on and make sure that the cardboard shelf is the right size, and then make a real shelf out of plywood.
Now you need to make brackets to hold this shelf in the barrel. Wooden coasters can be made from scraps, cutting them into the shape of a barrel./p>
It is necessary to secure the hinges on the door and on the barrel. To position the hinges flush, make a small depression in the wood.
Make holes for the screws and screw the hinges onto the door. Drill holes in the barrel and attach the hinges to the barrel. Do the same for the other door. Make sure doors do not sag and close properly. If everything is in order, then handles can be attached to the door.
Wipe the barrel and shelf from dust again and replace the shelf. Screw it on with screws so that it holds well.
Now that the keg bar is ready, it's time to put it in place and fill it with all sorts of goodies. Have a nice rest!
Original post in English
