An old fridge is not always a piece of junk, as it is a great base for a set of DIY projects. So to turn your new fridge into a new item, you can try this really cool project which is a rustic outdoor cooler. To make the rustic look, you can use pallets which are very cheap and can also be recycled if you know where to find them. So this practically is the most inexpensive outdoor cooler project ever. You don’t even need special skills or tools to build the pallet case and you can use this cooler to chill your food at summer barbecues. The list of materials and tools to make the upcycled cooler, can be found on the link below and you can also learn more about how to keep the cooler clean and spotless.

Step 1: Tools and Materials

-Old Refrigerator

– Make sure the Freon has been properly removed, more info on this in step 4.

-Pallets – You’ll need about 4 pallets to get enough wood for this project.

-Screws

– 1 1/4″ wood screws work well for this project -Caulking

-Liquid Nails

-Casters – To make it move.

-2″ X 4″s – For framing in the bottom of the fridge and to build the base the cooler sits on.

-Misc PVC/Brass Fittings – Used to construct a drain at the bottom of the cooler for easy draining after use.

-Rope and Eye Bolts – To keep the cooler lids from opening too far.

-Black Spray Paint

Tools:

Drill/Driver

Chop Saw

Circular Saw

Sander

Caulking Gun – For plugging holes in the refrigerator to make it waterproof and for applying liquid nails.

Pry-Bars and Hammers

Outdoor rustic coolers are kind of a must if you live in the South where the weather is hot. You can purchase them from different stores, but they are a bit pricy, starting around $100. If you have a small budget and can’t afford such a cooler, but would really like one, just build your own. You can make a rustic cooler for less than $50, using all sorts of supplies that you already have in your home or your basement. The 2 main things you will need are barn wood and a cooler. Besides these, you will also need nails, screws and other tools (you can find the whole list in the link below). Start by disassembling the cooler and then building a new wooden structure for it, just like a box. Don’t forget to make some legs too for your rustic cooler. Make a lid and add a trim, this way you can cover your cooler any time you want. Once you are done with the structure, you can concentrate on the details and the finishing of the cooler. For a rustic effect leave it all natural, just add a coat of protective varnish to the outside and that will be all.

DIY Rustic Cooler: instructions by Killer B. designs