Making Furniture Out Of Old Racing Fuel Drums

Chances are, if you’re reading this, you’re into cars and car-related stuff. That’s kind of what we do around here, and you are who we want watching the videos that we share. Chances are also pretty good that if you’re a car guy or gal, you’re pretty crafty, or at least appreciate the art and craftsmanship that goes into fabricating, well, anything. Chancers are really good that regardless of the first to points, you like furniture. This video is for you!

Fifty-five gallon drums are used to store and transport all types of fluids, from race gas to oil to lacquer thinner to basically any liquid you can think of that isn’t used for drinking. When the drums are empty, many people just cut the top off and use them to burn stuff in, or recycle them as garbage cans or for storing other stuff in. However, seeing as how they’re made from a nice, sturdy steel and usually chemically treated to prevent rust and corrosion, they just happen to make a great platform for building furniture from. As you will see in the video below, with a little careful cutting, some strategic bracing, and a touch of creativity, you too can build your own drum furniture with some pretty basic tools and a few other pieces that you should be able to pick up at your local hardware store.

With two drums, this guy was able to create two chairs and a small sofa. The chairs are each made from a half of a drum, while the sofa requires a single drum. After measuring and cutting, the edges are sanded, the bracing added for structural support, and then the bases are made out of wood. Everything is bolted together to check for fitment, then pulled apart to be painted, which gives all 3 pieces a nice matching feel. Top it off with some plastic edging to cover the sharp edges and prevent cuts and snags and there you have it.

Since they’re made from steel, the barrel furniture should stand up well to the elements, making it excellent for patio and outdoor use, though it certainly looks cool enough to be used in any man cave!