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Trunks & Chests

Trunks and chests come in all shapes, sizes, and styles. Hope chests; blanket chests, bench seats with storage; steamer trunks; and let's not forget...treasure chests. I can build many of these traditional designs, but one of my specialties is repurposing vintage copper boilers, stock tanks, or other similar vessels into trunks by adding structure and a hardwood lid that can be used to store any number of things while doubling as seating. If you like the copper boiler trunks you see below and want to pre-order one, I will acquire one and customize the the lid to suit your tastes. Likewise, if you own one of these boilers already and want to give it new life and purpose, I would be glad to build and install a custom lid for you; contact me for a quote.​ ​The stock tank blanket chests can be made from old tanks as they are found and in good enough condition, but they can be made using new tanks that are readily available. These are made to order. If you are interested in having a more traditional wooden chest made, feel free to contact me to discuss design and get a quote.

I invite you to check out the gallery below. "Buy Now" items are in stock and available for immediate purchase and ship within two weeks. The others can be made to order.  If you don't see something of interest below, I would be glad to design and customize something to suit your tastes or needs.  Keep watch for more designs and/or variations of those below or feel free to contact me if you would like to be notified when I have some available.

Stock Tank Blanket Chest This stock watering tank was repurposed into a blanket chest. It measures 48" long, 24" wide, and 24" tall. With some clever structural engineering, I was able to securely attach a hinged red oak lid to it. The oak top is extra thick and enhanced with sturdy bracing from the underside so it can used for seating. It'll easily bear the weight of two full grown adults. The grain was worked to raise it for a textured weathered feel and look. When it gets cold you’ll know right where to look for a blanket. Of course you could always pile them on top like I do; opening and closing the lid takes a lot of effort.

$545.00

Copper Boiler Storage Trunk - Red Elm This old copper boiler was used to heat water back in the day for canning, cleaning, or that Saturday night bath. I've given it new life and repurposed it into a small trunk/seat, by adding some structure and a lid. It is perfect for storing kids toys, taming that pile of gloves and hats by the door, serve as a seat to put your shoes on, for stashing kindling wood for the fire place, or stow away your pirate booty….all kinds of storage possibilities in a decorative vintage piece. It measures about 16” high by 24” long by 12” wide. The lid is made from red elm, which is a fairly rare species. The internal structure is designed to support the metal wall of the boiler so it can handle the stress and flex from the lid. The back of the lid/hinge joint is supported by this structure and it will easily support the weight of a fully grown adult. What do you have that needs to be stashed away? Base price may vary depending on lid species and changes in market value of the boilers. [Note: I have had inquiries about using these as a cooler with ice and drinks. I thought that was a good idea, but it should be cautiously used in this manner. I do not know how the wood lid will react to being cold on one side and warm on another. I cannot guarantee that it will not warp with a traditional wood finish. However, if you would like to custom order one for this purpose, it could be finished with a marine grade finish which offers a greater level of protection from moisture.]

$345.00

Copper Boiler Storage Trunk - White Ash This old copper boiler was used to heat water back in the day for canning, cleaning, or that Saturday night bath. I've given it new life and repurposed it into a small trunk/seat, by adding some structure and a lid. It is perfect for storing kids toys, taming that pile of gloves and hats by the door, serve as a seat to put your shoes on, for stashing kindling wood for the fire place, or stow away your pirate booty….all kinds of storage possibilities in a decorative vintage piece. It measures about 16” high by 24” long by 12” wide. The lid is made from white ash, which is soon to be a rare near extinct species because of the invasive emerald ash borer infestation. The internal structure is designed to support the metal wall of the boiler so it can handle the stress and flex from the lid. The back of the lid/hinge joint is supported by this structure and it will easily support the weight of a fully grown adult. What do you have that needs to be stashed away? Base price may vary depending on lid species and changes in market value of the boilers. [Note: I have had inquiries about using these as a cooler with ice and drinks. I thought that was a good idea, but it should be cautiously used in this manner. I do not know how the wood lid will react to being cold on one side and warm on another. I cannot guarantee that it will not warp with a traditional wood finish. However, if you would like to custom order one for this purpose, it could be finished with a marine grade finish which offers a greater level of protection from moisture.]

$325.00

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