How to Build a Rustic Nautical Bar

Locate two empty whiskey barrels of the same size from a distillery.

Purchase a piece of decorative plywood in a color that suits your style. Cut the plywood so that it is 4- to 6-feet long and 3-feet wide.

Fill the barrels with warm, soapy water and let them sit for about 12 hours. Empty out the soapy water and spray down the inside of the barrels. Allow the barrels to dry for 48 to 72 hours.

Place the barrels upside down, so that their openings are facing the ground. Set the piece of decorative plywood on top of the barrels. Pull the barrels apart until they are sitting under the ends of the plywood; the outer edges of the barrels should be underneath the edges of the plywood.

Hammer three 3-inch wood nails in a triangle in the plywood over the center of each of the barrels.

Sand the surface of the plywood with medium-grit sandpaper. Follow the grain of the wood while you sand. Wipe down the surface of the wood with a clean, damp cloth.

Use a paintbrush to apply stain to the plywood. Work in smooth, even lines. Allow the stain to dry for 24 hours.

Apply waterproof wood sealant to the plywood with a paintbrush. Allow the sealant to dry for 72 hours.

Attach nautical elements to the front of each of the whiskey barrels with hot glue. Elements to consider include shells, starfish, nautical knots and pieces of drift wood.