7 DIY Ice Chest Cooler Plans For Outdoor Summer Parties
A chest cooler is the right storage device for cold drinks and other juices during an outdoor gathering. This back porch essential saves electricity while keeping these refreshing treats cool and always near you. Luckily, it is not difficult and time-consuming to build your own. So, check out this list of DIY ice chest cooler plans whether you are a beginner or an expert woodworker.
You will explore various styles that differ in features they have. i.e., chest cooler and water cooler in one or Grill, rustic to plain wood, etc. So, let’s dive into these tutorials!
Basic Features the Ice Cooler Should Have
A basic ice chest cooler has several essential features designed to keep its contents cool and preserved. Here are some basic features you can make in an ice chest cooler:
Insulation: It helps to help maintain the internal temperature and keep items cool. Common insulation materials include foam or other insulating materials in the walls and lid.
Lid or Top Cover: A hinged or removable lid helps trap cold air inside and prevent warm air from entering.
Handles: Sturdy handles facilitate easy transportation.
Drainage Plug: A drainage plug or spout easily empties melted ice or water from the cooler.
Portability: Coolers are designed for portability, with features like lightweight construction, handles, and sometimes wheels for easier transport.
How To Build A Rustic Cooler Box
Uses: This not-so-ordinary cooler keeps your drinks chilled while its rustic appearance enhances your outdoor decor. It rescues the environment from another plastic cooler, replacing it with an attractive, homemade design.
Materials:
2×3 framing
Pallets (broken down into individual planks, ideally 2 x 4 in size)
An old cooler, about 48 x 45
Pipes, Screws
Exterior clear coat
Saw
Making:
Start by removing handles and hinges from your old cooler and build a base frame to house it. Next, trace the cooler’s outline and cut a hole in the top of the frame to fit it. It’s time to work on the base and lid, attaching pallet boards to bring that rustic vibe. A cooler box wouldn’t be complete without a shelf for your beer cases, right? Construct a shelf using pipes and create a design of your choice with cut pallet pieces. Once complete, spruce up the Cooler Box with a clear exterior coat on the wood and fixtures like bottle openers for added functionality. With your Rustic Cooler Box ready, get set to chill out in style.
Cedar DIY Wooden Ice Chest Cooler Plan
Uses: Whether you’re entertaining family and friends on your patio, hosting a summer shindig, or celebrating under the radiant sun, this Ice Chest Cooler is right at home. The Cedar Cooler serves chilled beverages, keeps your drinks within easy reach, and adds a touch of rustic elegance to your outdoor decor.
Materials:
Cedar fence pickets and cedar boards
An old cooler, such as the 52 Quart Igloo Contour Cooler
2 Hinges, 3 Handles, and a Bottle Opener
2 1/2-inch or 2-inch locking caster wheels
Wood glue, Teflon Tape, and Sandpaper in 120/220/400 grit
Minwax Helmsman Spar Urethane
Making:
Making your own Cedar DIY Wooden Ice Chest Cooler is undeniably satisfying. Start off by creating the basic structure, the frame that houses the cooler, using the cedar boards and fixing it together with the Kreg screws. Create the perfect snug fit for the cooler, then fashion the legs and attach them to the frame. The walls of the cooler chest come to life by nailing the cedar pickets around the frame. Don’t forget to make a hole for the cooler’s drainage and attach the drainage pipe system. Sand the wooden parts for a smooth finish and slap on the Minwax Helmsman Spar Urethane for extra dazzle. Attach the hinges, handles, and the vital bottle opener. Attach the wheels, and voila! Your Cedar DIY Wooden Ice Chest Cooler is ready to rock and roll.
Grill Cart DIY Wooden Ice Chest Cooler Plan
Uses: It keeps your food and drinks cold while providing a special spot for your grilling tools. This double marvel simplifies outdoor cookouts; no more running back and forth! It’s the new favorite corner for anyone who enjoys cooking and chilling outside. Plus, it looks good – a mix of natural cedar wood gives your patio a nice, classy vibe.
Materials:
Cedar boards (13 of them, 12 feet long each)
Exterior screws (1-1/4″ size)
A 48-quart cooler
Utility hinges (3-inch size)
A handle for the front
A bottle opener
Single hooks
A hose bib (to drain the cooler)
PVC pipe fittings
Making:
The Grill Cart is built for easy use and a neat look. First, the cedar creates a sturdy frame and cool, clean lines for the base. Living up to its dual function, a space to keep all your grill gear is smartly included. A lid is designed for easy access, with no visible hinges or handles to keep things sleek. The finishing touch is fitting the cooler inside this wooden cocoon. Attach the PVC pipes for drainage, apply a protective coat to stand up to the weather, and affix the hardware – hooks for tools, a handy bottle opener, and a welcoming handle. This wooden ice chest cooler is set to elevate your outdoor culinary and chilling sessions.
Country DIY Wooden Ice Chest Cooler Plan
Uses: This cooler adds an air of country charm to your outdoor gathering, making it a simple cooler and a centerpiece for your outdoor setup. With this on hand, you can effortlessly serve guests cold beverages while elevating your outdoor decor.
Materials:
Cedar boards of different sizes (1×4, 1×2, 1×3, and 2×3)
2 1/2″ Zinc narrow hinges
Rubber stopper with a chain
6 1/2″ Zinc utility handle
Silicone sealant
Sink flange
1/2″ U Bolt
Ice scoop
Zinc bottle opener
Hooks
Making:
Start by constructing the cooler’s surround, ensuring a snug fit. For the legs, carefully measure the parts and drill pocket holes before attaching everything with a line of wood glue. Next, drop the styrofoam cooler inside this wooden frame. Following this, you’ll add a brace at the bottom with cut 2×3 boards fixed via pocket hole screws and wood glue. To add a dash of elegance to your cooler, use 1×2 boards to trim the top, applying wood glue for better adhesion. Last but not least, it’s time to create a drain using a sink flange, silicone sealant and rubber stopper. Secure the cooler to the wooden lid with more silicone sealant and finish your project by giving your wooden cooler a brushed on coat of walnut stain and a few coats of varnish for extra protection from the elements.
Picnic Table DIY Wooden Ice Chest Cooler
Uses: Summer days call for the perfect Picnic Table DIY Wooden Ice Chest Cooler. This cooler turns any meal outdoors into a cool, refreshing experience. Picture sunny days, tasty snacks, and a cold drink always at arm’s reach.
Materials:
Quality wood to build a sturdy frame
Outdoor-friendly screws for secure assembly
Insulated cooler box to keep the contents ice-cold
Tools like a saw, drill, and sandpaper for crafting and smoothing
Making:
Creating your own ice chest begins with shaping the wood into a classic picnic table outline. Next, carve out a space in the middle to nestle the insulated box. Assemble the pieces, fixing them together with screws for a stronghold. Sand the wood for a smooth, splinter-free finish. Once the chest is crafted, place the cooler inside and seal any gaps to keep the cold in. The final touch is treating the wood to withstand all weather, ensuring a long life for many summers to come.
Pallet DIY Wooden Ice Chest Cooler Plan
Uses: Everyone loves a good backyard gathering, and the “Pallet DIY Wooden Ice Chest Cooler” is your trusty sidekick for those. This cool creation, lovingly named Phil, brings a homemade charm to your deck that is perfect for keeping drinks chilled while you entertain
Materials:
Free pallets for upcycling
A durable Coleman cooler
Protective stain and tasteful paint
Helpful painting brushes
Quality 3M™ Sanding Blocks
Two lid hinges and a hinge arm
A handy drill
A hose bib and flexible tube for draining
Making:
Begin with the legs, attaching two 2x4s together for each. Flip your cooler so you start building from the ground up, affixing the pallet wood around the cooler to create a snug frame. Add shelf supports and cross pieces highlighted in your guide to ensure everything stays in place. Fit your cooler snugly inside the frame, then wrap and secure more wood around for insulation and aesthetics. Finish by adding the top trim and a lid that allows you to fill and access the drinks easily. Once built, smooth the wood with a sanding block and give it a coat of paint and stain for that perfect rustic look.
Coffee Table DIY Wooden Ice Chest Cooler Plan
Uses: Transform your patio or deck with the versatile “Coffee Table DIY Wooden Ice Chest Cooler Plan.” Doubling as a functional center point for refreshments and relaxation, this outdoor coffee table offers a hidden surprise – it houses a removable insert for ice. This design detail grants you easy access to cold beverages right at your fingertips, making it the hotspot for social gatherings.
Materials:
Cedar wood for the tabletop and legs
Lattice strips for the base
Steel cooler insert for holding ice or plants
Screws for securing all the parts
Stain or paint for the finishing touch
Making:
Begin your project by cutting the cedar for the tabletop, legs, and lower shelf to the desired dimensions. For the table and shelf, interconnect the boards using screws for stability and add edges and lattice strips at the base to create a grid. Remember to leave a space in the table for your steel cooler insert. Attach the legs, making sure they are square and sturdy. Now, slip the cooler into the table. It should fit perfectly. The final step involves staining or painting the table to match your style or to complement your outdoor furnishings.
