Chris Deffenbaugh was first inspired to repurpose old oak barrels by seeing pieces in a friend’s basement.
“Looking at the curve of the old barrel staves, the wooden lids and the rusty rings that once held it all together, I was struck by the shapes and threw it in my pickup truck to take home and see what I could do with it,”Deffenbaugh remembers.
Deffenbaugh had no barrel-making skills, but he put the barrel back together. He decided to use it as a unique table in his home. Deffenbaugh cut off one side to make a bar cabinet, which could be used for wine or liquor bottles storage on his deck.
The inspiration came when guests asked him to create something similar. He decided to leave his job in human resources and travel to Kentucky with 90 barrels and the idea for The Oak Barrel Company.
Oak Barrel Company is a company based in Berlin, Ohio. It takes recycling seriously. As per its motto, “Reclaim, Reuse, Recreate,”The company makes every effort to use the entire barrel.
Deffenbaugh received woodworking instruction from local Amish members and partnered up with other Amish craftsmen to create art and furniture out of the components of the barrels. To create stunning tables, the company decided to use wine barrels instead of whiskey. Although whiskey barrels can be very popular, they have the potential to produce a black mold if it is not properly cleaned. Wine barrels on the other hand are clean and don’t pose any risk, making them a better product over time.
The company’s product range is constantly evolving. It includes small benches with curved seating and legs made from barrel staves, as well as stool with barrel-lid seats. You can also find bistro-style tables with wooden tops made from whole barrels and matching chairs made of barrel components. Wine lovers will love the wine barrel wine rack and the wine slate rack. They can be mounted on the wall or placed on the counter.
All Oak Barrel Company products are covered by a lifetime warranty. Many of the products can also be customized with stain colors, types of metal fixtures, and indoor and outdoor finishes. Oak Barrel can make a custom piece within four to six months.
Visit this site for more information theoakbarrelcompany.comSee some of the company’s original designs.
