Short answer: Wine Barrels are good for furniture if you want toasted oak with wine stain in the wood and a slightly bigger barrel. Whiskey and Bourbon Barrels are good for a charred black interior in a smaller size, about 53 gallons against 59 for a standard Wine Barrel. Oak Wood Wine Barrels makes its furniture from Bordeaux-type oak Wine Barrels and leaves the wine stain on display, as on the Barrel Stool ($337.50).
Prices as of October 7, 2026; each link shows live stock.
One of the most significant advantages of using wine barrels to make furniture is the wide range of colors and finishes available. Wine barrels are made of oak, and the wine they held leaves its stain in the wood, giving them a wide range of colors and textures. As a result, wine barrels are a versatile option for creating furniture that will complement any home decor style.
Another benefit of using wine barrels for furniture is the distinct character and patina that develops over time. Wine barrels are frequently used for several years before being retired, during which time they develop a rich patina from the wine stored inside. This patina can give furniture a beautiful aged look and make it a one-of-a-kind piece.
Wine barrels can also be used to make furniture that is environmentally friendly. Retired wine barrels would otherwise end up in a landfill if not repurposed. Using wine barrels to make furniture not only reduces waste but also helps to preserve natural resources that would otherwise be used to make new furniture.
Whiskey barrels, on the other hand, are a popular choice for furniture-making, but they do not provide the same benefits as wine barrels. Whiskey barrels are typically made from a single type of wood, limiting the color and finish options. Furthermore, whiskey barrels are frequently heavily charred on the inside, giving them a dark and uniform color that may not be as visually appealing as a wine barrel's patina. Another disadvantage of using whiskey barrels for furniture is that they are frequently used for less time than wine barrels. This means they may not have developed the same level of patina and character as wine barrels.
Finally, when it comes to making barrel furniture for the home, wine barrels provide numerous benefits. They come in a variety of colors and finishes, have a distinct personality and patina, and are a sustainable option. While whiskey barrels have their own distinct appeal, wine barrels offer more variety and character, making them a preferred choice for those seeking an authentic and one-of-a-kind piece of furniture.
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Wine Barrel or Whiskey Barrel: what changes in the furniture?
| Wine Barrel | Whiskey or Bourbon Barrel | |
|---|---|---|
| Standard size | 225 liters, about 59 gallons (Bordeaux barrique) | About 53 gallons |
| Wood | Oak, most often French or American | Usually American white oak |
| Inside the staves | Toasted, with wine stain in the wood | Charred black |
| Look in furniture | Wine-stained oak | Dark char unless it is sanded away |
| Oak Wood Wine Barrels foot rail size | 37 in across | 34.5 in across |
All from our shop, made from Bordeaux-type oak Wine Barrels and finished with spar varnish (the foot rail is steel):
- Barrel Stool ($337.50): constructed from Wine Barrel staves and metal hoops, with the wine stain retained.
- Multi-Use Barrel Bar ($1,237.50): created to lay aging wine, hang stemware and store spirits.
- Barrel Foot Rail ($236.50): one size fits 59-gallon Wine Barrels, and one fits Whiskey and Bourbon Barrels.
Learn the facts about our materials or see our Barrel Bars.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a Whiskey Barrel and a Bourbon Barrel?
Bourbon is a type of American whiskey, so all Bourbon Barrels are Whiskey Barrels, but not all Whiskey Barrels held bourbon. Under U.S. regulations, bourbon must be aged in new, charred oak barrels, which means a barrel can only hold bourbon once and is then often sold for aging other spirits, like Scotch whisky.
Is Oak Wood Wine Barrels furniture made from Wine Barrels or Whiskey Barrels?
Our furniture is handmade from Bordeaux-type oak Wine Barrels, finished with spar varnish so the wine stain remains visible; each product page lists the build. Our round tops and foot rails are made to fit 53–59 gallon barrels, so they will also fit a Whiskey or Bourbon Barrel you already own.
Which is better for furniture, a Wine Barrel or a Whiskey Barrel?
Pick according to the look you want. A Wine Barrel is wine-stained oak and slightly bigger. A Whiskey Barrel is charred on the inside and is 53 gallons.
Why are Whiskey Barrels charred and Wine Barrels toasted?
Distillers char the inside to a black layer that gives whiskey much of its flavor and color. Winemakers want a softer oak, so Wine Barrels are toasted over a fire instead.