Do you have any old oak barrels sitting around and taking up space that could be put to better use? Well, if you do any sort of gardening you should know that your old wine barrels made from oak make fantastic garden barrel planters. Winemakers know that the use of Oak in storing wine has a fantastic effect on the taste of the wine. Winemakers have long understood the value of these wood containers.
Oak affects the color, flavor and texture of the wine it ages and stores. If you’ve not had any use for oak barrels in the past, maybe now you do! Although creating a wood barrel is not the simplest task in the world, the effort of the coopers is evident when looking at a stunning, durable oak wine barrel.
The traditional method used by European citizens was to split the oak gathered to create the barrels into strips and then leave out to dry for a period of up to three years before being thrown into a hot oven, known as a kiln, that will solidify the oak and create the wonderful containers we refer to as “wine barrels” today. Due to how labor intensive it is to build one of these, the cost of one can be quite expensive. A 60 gallon oak barrel can range from $499.99 to $700.00!
But, if you are looking for a container to plant herbs, flowers or small vegetables, a used barrel is an excellent option. Used wine barrels make great garden barrel planters and lovely furniture. They are decorative, functional art. In addition to being an elegant, durable and decorative addition to any homestead, the general atmosphere that is generated by an oak barrel in a home is unbeatable. The smell of oak also conjures up the wonderful aroma of both the barrel and the plants you choose to grow in it.
Whether you want to get serious about making wine on your own or creating your own garden, a wine barrel is an absolutely invaluable purchase that should be sure to strike up a conversation with any of your friends and family. If your interest has been piqued by the wonderful utility of wine barrels as I have described here, don’t hesitate in purchasing one for a garden planter or furniture decor as it will meet your decorative needs very well. Do not underestimate the usefulness of these truly amazing green decorative art pieces!