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Wood Cooler by Birds and Soap

You all remember Jenny from Birds and Soap... creator of the Sweet Pea Bunk Beds?

Wood Cooler by Birds and Soap

Specifications

Project typeOutdoor Projects
RoomOutdoor
StyleModern Style Furniture Plans
DifficultyIntermediate
Estimated cost$50 - $100

Dimensions

Use the size-specific shopping and cut lists below.

Wood Cooler by Birds and Soap dimension diagram 1

Shopping List

Cooler ( designed to fit this one ) 4 - 2x2 @ 8 feet long

3 - 1x3 @ 8 feet long

2 - 1x6 @ 8 feet long

2 - 2x4 @ 8 feet long

1 - 1x2 @ 8 feet long

Hinges, caster wheels if desired

Cut List

MAIN COOLER

4 - 2x2 @ 35" (legs)

6 - 2x2 @ 24" (frame for front/back)

5 - 1x3 @ 10 3/4" (back panel boards)

4 - 1x6 @ 10 3/4" (front and back panel boards)

2 - 2x2 @ 10 3/4" (front panel boards)

Scrap plywood 10 3/4" x 10"

14 - 2x4 @ 13 1/2" (sides and shelf slats)

4 - 1x6 @ 8 3/4" (Side panels)

2 - 1x3 @ 8 3/4" (side panels)

2 - 1x3 @ 28" - both ends mitered at 45 degrees NOT parallel, long point measurement (top frame)

2 - 1x3 @ 17 1/2" - both ends mitered at 45 degrees NOT parallel, long point measurement (top frame)

LID

2 - 1x3 @ 27" - both ends beveled at 45 degrees NOT parallel, long point measurement (top frame)

2 - 1x3 @ 16" - both ends beveled at 45 degrees NOT parallel, long point measurement (top frame)

4 - 1x6 @ 14 1/2" (top panel)

1 - 1x3 @ 14 1/2" (top panel)

2 - 1x2 @ 13" (inner frame)

2 - 1x2 @ 25 1/2" (inner frame)

SHELF

2 - 1x6 @ 5 1/2" - cut out arch shape (supports)

1 - 1x6 @ 15" (shelf)

Tools

  • measuring tape
  • square
  • pencil
  • safety glasses
  • hearing protection
  • kreg-jig
  • drill
  • compound miter saw
  • sander
  • level
  • countersink drill bit

Step-by-step Instructions

1

Step 1

Build your two main frames as shown above.

Wood Cooler by Birds and Soap — step 1
2

Step 2

For the back frame, add paneling boards - there can be a gap in between these depending on your 1x board widths.

Wood Cooler by Birds and Soap — step 2
3

Then add the 1x6s to the front frame.

TIP: You can also drill 3/4" PHs facing the 2x2s for step 4 now to attach in next step.

Wood Cooler by Birds and Soap — step 3
4

Step 4

And then the 2x2s.

Wood Cooler by Birds and Soap — step 4
5

Step 5

Wood Cooler by Birds and Soap — step 5
6

Step 6

Connect the two frames with the 2x4s - spacing for the shelf slats is approximately 1 1/4".

Wood Cooler by Birds and Soap — step 6
7

Step 7

Then fill in your side panels.

Wood Cooler by Birds and Soap — step 7
8

Step 8

And build the top frame separately with 3/4" PHs/1 1/4" PH screws and attach to top. You can attach to top with countersunk screws or nails. This completes the main wood cooler part.

Wood Cooler by Birds and Soap — step 8
9

Step 9

Moving on to the lid.... build your frame and add the panel boards.

Wood Cooler by Birds and Soap — step 9
10

And then add the inner frame to keep the lid in place.

Jenny shares tips for attaching the lid here.

Wood Cooler by Birds and Soap — step 10
11

Step 11

For the shelf, attach the brackets to the 2x2s - you can use PH screws or countersunk screws.

Wood Cooler by Birds and Soap — step 11
12

Step 12

And the shelf on top. I simplified in the plans with the 1x6 shelf - I love how Jenny made her shelf here.

Wood Cooler by Birds and Soap — step 12
13

Step 13

For more details on attaching the drain to the cooler - please read through Jenny's post as well.

Wood Cooler by Birds and Soap — step 13
14

Finishing

Sand all surfaces, starting with a medium grit and finishing with fine. Wipe off the dust, fill any holes or gaps with wood filler, and sand smooth once dry. Apply primer if you're painting, then finish with your choice of paint or stain and seal with a durable clear topcoat. For outdoor projects, use exterior-rated primer, paint or stain, and sealer so the piece stands up to the weather.

Source (temporary): https://www.ana-white.com/woodworking-projects/wood-cooler-birds-and-soap