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Diva of DIY

How to Make a Unique DIY Cooler: Pallet Outdoor Drinking Station

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This DIY cooler was born at The ReStore Habitat for Humanity when I kept seeing stainless steel sinks and thought, what can I do with these…

Rustic outdoor drinking stations are the perfect detail, from formal weddings to informal backyard get together! This rustic pallet diy cooler is perfect!

With our lake house fixer upper in full swing, I can’t help but get excited at the thought of backyard barbecues. Wouldn’t this DIY cooler be amazing sitting out by the dock? And… bonus, I didn’t even have to get this sink at Restore because we took one out of the lake house so I used that one. That is a true upcycler/repurposers dream! I was able to use something from the old house, that would normally just be discarded, and repurpose it into something useful for the new one!

Rustic outdoor drinking stations are the perfect detail, from formal weddings to informal backyard get together! This rustic pallet diy cooler is perfect!

DIY Cooler Supplies:

  • 2 pallets*
  • Stainless Steel Sink
  • 2″ screws
  • Reciprocating Saw with Metal Blade
  • Mitre Saw
  • Jigsaw
  • Angle Brackets
  • Sharpie

*Diva tip- when making a pallet project and it’s been raining for a month, bring them in to dry, taking apart a wet pallet is no fun because the wood has swelled. Ugh!

This post contains affiliate links. If you buy something from clicking one of my links, I will get a commission from the sale. You can see my full disclosure here. Thank you for supporting my blog!

DIY Cooler Instructions:

Rustic outdoor drinking stations are the perfect detail, from formal weddings to informal backyard get together! This rustic pallet diy cooler is perfect!

Step 1)  Using your  reciprocating saw, remove all of the boards from one pallet. I personally like to cut right through the nails because I like the look of the nails left in the boards.

Rustic outdoor drinking stations are the perfect detail, from formal weddings to informal backyard get together! This rustic pallet diy cooler is perfect!

Step 2)  Remove the top 1/2 of the pallet boards from the second pallet.  Save them because you will re-attach them later.

Step 3)  Using your reciprocating saw or a jigsaw, cut the center braces out so that you can fit your other pallet into it. Read all of the instructions because this will make much more sense.

Rustic outdoor drinking stations are the perfect detail, from formal weddings to informal backyard get together! This rustic pallet diy cooler is perfect!

Here is a picture of how it will look from the side.

Rustic outdoor drinking stations are the perfect detail, from formal weddings to informal backyard get together! This rustic pallet diy cooler is perfect!

Step 4)  You should have all of the wood you need to finish your DIY Cooler.

Rustic outdoor drinking stations are the perfect detail, from formal weddings to informal backyard get together! This rustic pallet diy cooler is perfect!

Step 5)  Using your mitre saw, cut boards to make frame of the sink.

Rustic outdoor drinking stations are the perfect detail, from formal weddings to informal backyard get together! This rustic pallet diy cooler is perfect!

Step 6)  Secure the new pallet braces with 2″ wood screws

Rustic outdoor drinking stations are the perfect detail, from formal weddings to informal backyard get together! This rustic pallet diy cooler is perfect!

Step 7)  Repeat on the other side.

Rustic outdoor drinking stations are the perfect detail, from formal weddings to informal backyard get together! This rustic pallet diy cooler is perfect!

Step 8)  Reattach Pallet boards to the new frame. 

Rustic outdoor drinking stations are the perfect detail, from formal weddings to informal backyard get together! This rustic pallet diy cooler is perfect!

Step 9)  Set sink on top of the full pallet boards.

Rustic outdoor drinking stations are the perfect detail, from formal weddings to informal backyard get together! This rustic pallet diy cooler is perfect!

Step 10)  Using a sharpie, outline the inside liner of the sink.

Rustic outdoor drinking stations are the perfect detail, from formal weddings to informal backyard get together! This rustic pallet diy cooler is perfect!

Step 11)  Using the jigsaw, cut out the center of the pallet top.

Rustic outdoor drinking stations are the perfect detail, from formal weddings to informal backyard get together! This rustic pallet diy cooler is perfect!

Rustic outdoor drinking stations are the perfect detail, from formal weddings to informal backyard get together! This rustic pallet diy cooler is perfect!

Step 12)  Place sink back in the hole.  If it doesn’t fit flush, adjust accordingly.

Rustic outdoor drinking stations are the perfect detail, from formal weddings to informal backyard get together! This rustic pallet diy cooler is perfect!

This is what it will look like from straight on.

Rustic outdoor drinking stations are the perfect detail, from formal weddings to informal backyard get together! This rustic pallet diy cooler is perfect!

Step 13)  Measure for the bottom legs/braces.  

Rustic outdoor drinking stations are the perfect detail, from formal weddings to informal backyard get together! This rustic pallet diy cooler is perfect!

Step 14)  Attach the legs in an L-shape.  Attach to the pallet with angle brackets.

Rustic outdoor drinking stations are the perfect detail, from formal weddings to informal backyard get together! This rustic pallet diy cooler is perfect!

Step 15)  Re-attach pallet boards across the back of the upright pallet to hide the sink holes.

Rustic outdoor drinking stations are the perfect detail, from formal weddings to informal backyard get together! This rustic pallet diy cooler is perfect!

Optional Step 16) Using scraps of the pallet wood, make a box to hold bottle tops or tabs.  You also hang a bottle opener from a screw or nail.

Rustic outdoor drinking stations are the perfect detail, from formal weddings to informal backyard get together! This rustic pallet diy cooler is perfect!

Step 17)  Add some screen or sink stoppers to plug sink holes.  Fill with your favorite drinks!

Rustic outdoor drinking stations are the perfect detail, from formal weddings to informal backyard get together! This rustic pallet diy cooler is perfect!

I can’t wait to fill this up on the dock at the lake this summer!

Rustic outdoor drinking stations are the perfect detail, from formal weddings to informal backyard get together! This rustic pallet wood station is perfect!

Make a quick pallet flag to hang on your station to celebrate Memorial Day and Fourth of July! Now how cute is that!!

Each and everyone of you inspire me and I LOVE to see the work that you’ve created. Feel free to share with me on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook. And as always, be sure to follow Diva Of DIY on Pinterest and sign up for our FREE Newsletter to receive the latest projects delivered straight to your inbox!

If you like this project, check out these:

Easy Outdoor Decor: How to Make Lanterns from Scrap Wood

Easy Outdoor Decor: How to Make Lanterns from Scrap Wood

Wanting big planters that make a statement but do not want to pay up to $100 a piece for them? Then I have the perfect DIY planter boxes for you!

Discover How to Make the Best DIY Outdoor Planter

Personalize your walls with this pallet word wall project. Pallet projects are a great beginner DIY. Use free pallet wood for this rustic word decor sign.

Pallet Words: How to Easily Personalize Your Decor

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4th of July// Blog// DIY | Projects// Holidays// New on the blog24 Comments

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Comments

  1. Debrashoppeno5 says

    06/08/2016 at 8:57 pm

    This is so cool. What a fun project and now you will keep the drinks cold in style.
    Reply
  2. [email protected] says

    06/09/2016 at 7:07 pm

    This is such a clever idea...very nicely done!!
    Reply
    • divaofdiy says

      06/12/2016 at 8:54 pm

      Thank you Christy! I love pallet projects!
      Reply
  3. alina says

    06/16/2016 at 2:49 pm

    I would love to do something like that for my toddler for our garden to keep him busy, like a mini kitchen or a little space to play with ducks in the water. It's a really lovely project
    Reply
    • divaofdiy says

      06/16/2016 at 5:21 pm

      Thank you Alina! Yes, I have seen little water stations made with these sinks as well! Just shorten the legs. Make sure it is strong and steady for your little guy!
      Reply
  4. Melony says

    06/16/2016 at 8:33 pm

    I love your project. The thing that makes this so cute are the decorations you put on the back. I also love the re-store and we are lucky enough in Pittsburgh to have a store called Construction Junction, which is a treasure trove of wonderful items to repurpose.
    Reply
    • divaofdiy says

      06/20/2016 at 4:22 pm

      Thanks Melony! It will be nice to be able to switch out the decorations on the back of the drinking station. We do not have a Construction Junction, that sounds awesome!
      Reply
  5. debbie says

    06/18/2016 at 5:36 am

    I don't know how you think these great ideas up~ Really an amazing way to create something needed with repurposing. I can also envision a fish cleaning station since you're talking dock...but I wouldn't know how to make that happen either :)
    Reply
    • divaofdiy says

      06/20/2016 at 4:11 pm

      It would work perfect for that as well! My boys are catch and throw back, they don't clean fish and Mom doesn't either. Lol! Glad you like it! Thanks for the encouragement!
      Reply
  6. [email protected] of a Serial Do-it-Yourselfer says

    06/19/2016 at 4:27 pm

    Thrilled to pick this fun outdoor project as one of our features today at this month's Get Your DIY On party! Thanks for joining in on the fun! XO
    Reply
    • divaofdiy says

      06/20/2016 at 4:26 pm

      Thank you Christy! I am so glad you liked it and the feature is a great bonus! I enjoyed the party!
      Reply
  7. Pamela List says

    06/20/2016 at 6:52 pm

    This is seriously so cool. Those sinks end up in dumpsters all over the place. Finding a way to use them in such a cute way is just amazing. I need some skills. Going to send it to my daddy, he has the skills. Pam
    Reply
    • divaofdiy says

      06/20/2016 at 8:13 pm

      That's great Pam! I hope your Dad pulls out his mad skills!
      Reply
  8. Elizabeth Phillips says

    06/27/2016 at 11:05 am

    This is such a fun summer project! I can't believe that you made something this cool from two pallets and a sink. Thanks for the tutorial, I want to give it a try!
    Reply
    • divaofdiy says

      06/27/2016 at 3:59 pm

      Send me a pick if you do! I hope you enjoy it, I love mine!
      Reply
  9. Jessica says

    06/27/2016 at 8:20 pm

    This is so fun!!!! I have that exact sink sitting by my trash cans! Fantastic idea!!!
    Reply
    • divaofdiy says

      07/05/2016 at 9:35 am

      Go grab that sink and share a picture with us! This project is calling your name! Thank you for stopping by and checking it out!
      Reply
  10. Roman Neel says

    09/23/2016 at 11:33 am

    Awesome project and thanks for sharing :) Really a fun project!!
    Reply
    • Terri says

      09/25/2016 at 1:58 pm

      Thank you! It was fun to make as well!
      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. 20 Creative Outdoor Projects {GYDO Features} | Confessions of a Serial Do-it-Yourselfer says:
    06/19/2016 at 2:56 am
    […] Pallet Outdoor Drinking Station from Diva of DIY {Christy’s Pick} […]
    Reply
  2. 20 Creative Outdoor DIY Projects - The Happy Housie says:
    06/19/2016 at 4:01 am
    […] Pallet Outdoor Drinking Station from Diva of DIY {Christy’s Pick} […]
    Reply
  3. Get Your DIY On- Outdoor Projects Features - The Hankful House says:
    06/19/2016 at 5:00 am
    […] Pallet Outdoor Drinking Station from Diva of DIY {Christy’s Pick} […]
    Reply
  4. Talk of the Town #25 - Refreshment from the Heat Wave - Knick of Time says:
    06/21/2016 at 6:56 pm
    […] How To Make A Unique DIY Cooler:Pallet Outdoor Drinking Station-Diva of DIY […]
    Reply
  5. Talk of the Town #25 - Sadie Seasongoods says:
    02/10/2017 at 7:46 am
    […] How To Make A Unique DIY Cooler:Pallet Outdoor Drinking Station-Diva of DIY […]
    Reply

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