This handy table comes equipped with built-in coolers to keep beverages chilled throughout your party, making it the ideal solution for beer enthusiasts and entertainers.
Begin by assembling the frame for your table. Cut 1-x-2s into corner braces, using wood glue to secure them to their respective corners.
Introduction: Cooler Table for Outdoor Gatherings
An outdoor cooler table can be an invaluable asset for outdoor gatherings. No longer do you need to run between your refrigerator and backyard patio for cool beverages and snacks - now, they can all be served directly from your DIY table! Plus, its extra space can be used to store other accessories like sunnies, bug spray, kid's toys, and legos or grilling accessories!
Although many DIY tables feature cooler compartments, there are a few unique designs that take this concept one step further. Take a look at these creative ideas for tables with built-in coolers that will make your next backyard party extra exciting!
This accent table makes use of its hidden 7.5-gallon cooler to transform into a drink station, complete with a lid that extends upward 10 inches from its rim for easy service of drinks or snacks. Plus, there's even a drainage plug at the bottom so melted ice can easily be removed from this convenient table!
If you have some extra pallets lying around, this DIY table with cooler box is a perfect way to put them to good use! Created by the husband-and-wife team at The Best DIY Plans Store blog, this free building plan includes step-by-step instructions for assembling both its frame and cooler box - plus all cuts and dimensions listed as printable diagrams!
This rustic outdoor design has a unique feature - its trough is a built-in cooler! That means you can cool 12-ounce cans or other beverages whenever they arrive! Plus, its elegant criss-cross legs add a stylish element. All this can be built out of pine for under $75 with a Domesticated Engineer comprehensive tutorial offering guidance along the way! This project is considered intermediate since more involved steps may need to be completed but the tutorial provides adequate assistance along the way!
Cutting and Assembling the Frame
No matter, if you're entertaining guests or enjoying some relaxing patio time alone, having drinks within reach, should never require getting up. A cooler table provides this solution by placing beverages within easy reach without needing to get up from your seat each time you need something cold to drink. You'll find various plans online for building one yourself but most feature the same basic components such as a wooden base and an insulated box for holding drinks and keeping them chilled.
As part of your decision-making process, selecting whether the ice bucket you want should be built-in or removable is essential. While this decision should ultimately be up to you, if opting for a built-in option be mindful to choose a model that is slightly larger than the table bottom so its frame doesn't interfere with the opening of the lid.
After you have decided on the size of your cooler table, purchase lumber that can withstand outdoor use and cut it using a saw. Most plans provide you with exact dimensions of what wood to buy for this project, however, if you're uncertain as to which size wood you need or you have specific style preferences in mind for precutting at your local home improvement store can save both time and money!
Next, attach the legs of the table frame to its base. To do this, cut four 30" pieces of 4x4 post and rip them using the 2" wide part of the stair-cutting bit so they are exactly the same length.
After drilling pocket holes into the ends of long pieces of wood, screw them to the sidewalls of your base using screws. Next, add the legs. For this task, use a mortise template to mark out where to cut your tenons before using a router to do it.
Once your frame has been assembled, it may look somewhat flimsy; however, as soon as you add the tabletop and ice bucket it should become firmer. Before adding these components though, make sure that any pockets or holes have been filled by sanding down individual parts of the frame to smooth any wrinkles or pockets in their construction.
Building the Cooler Compartment
One of the exciting parts of building a cooler table is selecting and customizing its cooler itself. At Home Depot, there is an assortment of coolers suitable for any budget and capacity need; you may even find one equipped with features perfect for this application such as multiple grab handles, front/side pockets, D-rings or side straps to secure gear externally or to a boat and even a vacuum valve to release any extra air that accumulates inside it.
Start with the lid of your cooler. If necessary, cut it to ensure a tight fit before using a pair of 1x6s to build a frame around its interior using it as the guideline for assembly. Leave about an inch between its edge and the top of its frame so it will open and close smoothly.
Use some additional 1x6s to construct the walls of your cooler box, double-checking measurements regularly so that everything remains square as you work. Consider lining the inside with weather-resistant insulation such as Roxul for additional insulation that can keep beverages cold for extended periods.
Once your walls are in place, use pocket hole screws to secure two 46'' long 1"-wide shelf stretchers and eleven 16"-wide storage divider boards - spacing them 34".
Attach the lid to the cooler using a piano hinge. Having someone hold open the lid while doing this helps you see where holes should be marked for the hinge. After drilling holes for it and screwing it in place, secure it as part of its structure.
An alternative approach for creating a cooler table involves building a small tabletop around a round trash can which serves as the ice bucket. Tara and Dip from Strawberry Jam House provided free plans of this design; pre-cut lumber could easily be obtained at Home Depot making this project feasible in one weekend.
The Big Reveal: Showcasing Your DIY Cooler Table
Making a cooler table from recycled materials and with some creativity is an affordable and effective solution to keep beverages cold on any outdoor event or barbecue, picnic, or party. Plus it saves time as no guests need to come inside every time for something cold!
This DIY project is not only functional, but it looks incredible as well! Created out of an old sewing table, this upcycling effort serves to upcycle something that would otherwise end up in landfill. The plan is easy to follow and the end product is sure to impress at any outdoor gathering you attend!
This table features a herringbone pattern made of cedar-toned pine with planked design. To give this table added strength and stability, the bottom has been constructed from cedar 2x2s for support. For added flair, add a bottle opener in one corner for complete enjoyment at any backyard barbecue party!
Domesticated Engineer has designed this table with removable cooler covers to make it a versatile multi-use item. When not being used as a cooler, this versatile piece can serve as either a dining room table or display spot for potted plants.
As opposed to other tables that feature built-in coolers, this cedar one features an attractive appearance due to being sealed against moisture damage. Plans provide detailed instructions and photos to guide you in building this remarkable piece of furniture.
To create your DIY cooler table, you will require several tools and supplies: pressure-treated lumber for legs; common kiln-dried lumber (available at HD stores); angle iron brackets; as well as Kreg Jigs which can be found locally.