If you’ve been with me for Part 1 and Part 2 of “The Whiskey Barrel Project,” Thanks for sticking around. If you are new to this project, I encourage you to go back and see how things got started. You’ll soon find that the plan in my head doesn’t always pan out when translated into reality.
Things got bumpy for this DIY when I realized, as I do with most things, I designed this DIY backward. I started the project first with the visual components.
I did this before building out the framework which made the final design much more complex than it needed to be. “The Whiskey Barrel Project” quickly became the “I Wish I Didn’t Project” before I could even get down a Whiskey Neat.
The Mistake
However, I do not believe in mistakes, I only believe in learning lessons. Choosing to apply that lesson or not is where I often find my problems. But I wasn’t making whiskey out of corn here. This DIY isn’t rocky science. Some things just take a little longer to DIY than anticipated.
Palmer’s Properly Lessons:
(get it?)
DIY 101: The Framework
“To build upon anything, the foundation must be built first.”
If I had built the foundation first, I would have made a frame by first using two, 5 foot 2 x 4s for the top and middle section of the headboard. I would have then used two, 4 foot 2 x 4s as the side ends that hold the framework together. It makes perfect sense to do this first because you would then have something to build out the whisky barrel section.
As I typically do, I missed the most simplified solution and did the reverse.
The Solution
I knew a solution to my mistake wasn’t too far from my mind. Working backward a bit, knowing that I did, royalty f*CK it up, I managed to redesign a framework that fits onto the backend of the visual component (the Whiskey Barrel section) of the headboard previously built.
I did this by using the backside of the piece’s, top and bottom sections as the existing framework. I then added 3 additional 2x4s measuring 4 feet each. One in the middle, and 1 on each end.
Using 2 ½ inch screws, the 2x4s were drilled into place using 2 screws at each intersection where the newly built framework and previously built top and bottom sections meet.
So far that’s two trips to Home Depot, 5 pieces of 2×4, and a lot more headache than anticipated. I soon found it wouldn’t be my last tally of trips to the hardware store, not a headache.
Another Road Block
Letting the piece rest for the night I woke to find I still wasn’t back on course with the anticipated concept design. (Let’s be real though, there wasn’t one). I’m not sure if it’s the shape of the barrel or misguided alignment of my end but the structure seemed wonky after its rest overnight. Who am I kidding? I work in data, it couldn’t have been my numbers. The screws used to attach the 3, 2x4s seemed to have pulled away from the section mounting the barrel; the first component of this project. So it problem must exist within the design of the screws. Obviously.
Knowing this mishap wasn’t me, of course, I pulled together an idea to counteract the wonkiness. This final piece of 2×4 was added as a brace to the back section in hopes of better stabilizing the structure, I think.
So far this still seems to be working. If things change you’ll be the first to know.
Despite the few misguided detours along the way, the piece still looked incredible from the backside. The anticipation of seeing the final design was tugging at my curiosity so I gave in and flipped the day’s work over to gaze upon my creation.
It’s Looking Great!
From the front-facing side, I was overwhelmingly pleased with the result. The piece was starting to come together. A few more minor touches were needed before attaching it to the bed because even the smallest detail should never be overlooked. Those finishing touches are what make pieces like this go from ok, to OMG.
Using wood putty to fill in the drill holes of the barrel staves, the top and bottom sections were covered to blend seamlessly. The whole component was then sanded down and stained with a dark walnut wood stain I had previously used on a desk and shelving.
In my personal opinion, this project was turning out way better than anticipated. A few setbacks along the way could have been a lot worse than they were. We managed to find our way this far but I am not out of the woods on this DIY. Stick around here long enough and you’ll find drama around every corner.
Stay Tuned, There’s More!
Join me next Tuesday, Sep 21, 2021 and see what happens in Part 4 of “The Whiskey Barrel Project.” The final project gets revealed in all of its glory. Be sure to subscribe below to be the first to know with email notification for Part 4 of “The Whiskey Barrel Project.” You’ll start receiving notifications as soon as they post for Design DIY. I’ll also be releasing a step-by-step Headboard DIY based on this project. Be sure to join the newsletter subscription to get this delivered to your inbox.
If you have any questions about this DIY or want to give feedback, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below. You can also contact me directly via the form on the right. Finally, please share and pin this post. It helps me keep creative juices flowing so I can share them with you! Until next time, go create something great!
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