Turn a Wooden Stool Into a Party Beverage Station

This easy, DIY beverage station is not only cute and functional, it's upcycling genius.

DIY Stool Beverage Station
Loading Video...

Materials Needed

  • wooden barstool
  • 11-gallon galvanized bucket
  • sandpaper
  • 1-quart exterior semi-gloss paint
  • 1 can flat white spray paint
  • paintbrush
  • dropcloth
  • drill
  • 1/2-inch drill bit
  • 3/16-inch drill bit
  • 1-inch wood screws
  • spigot with gaskets
  • clear waterproof silicone sealant
  • rags

Prep Surfaces

In order for the paint to stick and hold up over time, give the stool and the bucket a thorough but light sanding with a fine-grit sandpaper, then wipe off any excess dust.

DIY Upcycled Stool Beverage Station

Step 1- Prep Surfaces

In order for the paint to stick and hold up over time, give the stool and the bucket a thorough but light sanding with a fine grit sandpaper, then wipe off any excess dust.

Photo by: Flynnside Out Productions

Flynnside Out Productions

Spray-Paint Bucket + Stool Seat

Spray-paint the exterior of the bucket and the very top of the stool seat white (if it will be exposed). Set aside and allow to dry.

DIY Upcycled Stool Beverage Station

Step 2- Spray Paint

Using light sweeping motions, spray paint the exterior of the bucket and the very top of the stool seat white, too (if it will be exposed). Set aside and allow to dry.

Photo by: Flynnside Out Productions

Flynnside Out Productions

Paint Stool Legs

Next, paint the stool's legs using an exterior paint.

DIY Upcycled Stool Beverage Station

Step 3- Paint Stool

Next, paint the stool’s legs using an exterior paint. We went with a bold cobalt blue that looks great with the home’s gray and black exterior.

Photo by: Flynnside Out Productions

Flynnside Out Productions

Secure Bucket

Once the paint is dry, place the bucket in position on the stool. Drill four pilot holes using a 3/16-inch drill bit (Image A), then add a generous bead of silicone sealant to each hole before securing bucket in place with wood screws (Image B). The silicone will help keep the bucket water tight as the ice begins to melt inside. Seal any interior seams of the bucket, as well, just to be safe.

Prep Bucket for Spigot

On the outside of the bucket, lightly mark where you want the spigot to be located. Then, using a 1/2-inch drill bit, bore the hole. Keep in mind, you may need to use a larger drill bit, depending on the dimensions of your particular spigot. We repurposed a spigot off an old canister, but you can buy them online or at hardware stores.

DIY Upcycled Stool Beverage Station

Step 5- Prepare for Spigot

On the outside of the bucket, lightly mark where you’d like the spigot to be located. Then, using a ½ inch drill bit, bore the hole. Keep in mind you may need to use a larger drill bit, depending on the dimensions of your particular spigot. We repurposed a spigot off an old canister but you can buy them online or at hardware stores.

Photo by: Flynnside Out Productions

Flynnside Out Productions

Install Spigot

Thread the spigot through the opening, making sure there’s a rubber gasket on either side of the opening. This will ensure a watertight seal around the spigot.

DIY Upcycled Stool Beverage Station

Step 6- Install Spigot

Thread the spigot through the opening- making sure there’s a rubber gasket on either side of the opening. This will ensure a watertight seal around the spigot.

Photo by: Flynnside Out Productions

Flynnside Out Productions

Time to Party

Fill up the bucket with ice, then top with your favorite beverages. Cheers!

DIY Upcycled Stool Beverage Station

DIY Upcycled Stool Beverage Station

This easy DIY beverage station is not only cute and functional, it’s an upcycling dynamo.

Photo by: Flynnside Out Productions

Flynnside Out Productions

Next Up

Turn a Bounty of Apples Into a Glowing Centerpiece

Short on funds and looking for a clever centerpiece idea? Head for the produce aisle! These tea light candles tucked inside apples create a pretty glow that looks gorgeous with most any decor.

How to Make an Easy DIY Outdoor Movie Screen

Transform your backyard into an open-air movie theater with this easy DIY screen made from PVC pipes and a white sheet.

Turn Old Windows Into a Gorgeous Garden Greenhouse

Not sure what to do with those salvaged windows? Try this charming DIY.

Halloween Decor: How to Make Creepy Apothecary Jars

Take your Halloween decor to the next level with these easy-to-make apothecary jars made from recycled medicine bottles.

Upcycled Flannel Holiday Gift Wrap

Start saving those empty dry-good containers now to upcycle into festive fabric-clad packages that can be used again and again.

Meet the Austin-Based Clothier Who Upcycles Vintage Quilts and Fabrics Into Custom Clothing

Nothing goes to waste at Psychic Outlaw. Rebecca Wright has turned quilts and other abandoned fabrics destined for the landfill into jackets, pants, overalls, hoodies, two-piece short-and-halter sets and more. Explore her studio, plus learn how to turn a thrifted, baggy shirt into a crop top.

Easy-to-Make Easter Bunny Place Cards

Hosting Easter brunch or dinner? Easily (and quickly) dress up your holiday table with these adorable Easter bunny place cards.

Two Ways to DIY a Giant Spider for Halloween

Creepy, crawly and oh-so-scary — these giant house spiders are the perfect way to haunt your house for Halloween.

How to Play Bocce Ball

Become a bocce ball master and learn the history of the sport with this simple guide.

Create Upcycled Halloween Planters Using Leftover Creepy-Crawly Toys

Toy worms, bats and spiders are put to good use in this arguably super-cute, Halloween embossed planter.

What's New in Handmade

On TV

Follow Us Everywhere

Join the party! Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds.