This project was built and designed by Josh Wright. It’s a creative and hands-on project that shows how to make a wooden bucket using simple materials and limited tools—perfect for woodworkers who enjoy problem-solving and experimenting with joinery.
Rather than aiming for perfection, Josh takes an exploratory approach, showing what can be accomplished with patience, a miter saw, and a flexible mindset. The result is a rustic, functional bucket that highlights both craftsmanship and ingenuity.
Watch the full video and subscribe to Josh’s channel:
Choosing the Wood
Josh starts by selecting a pine panel for the project. While pine isn’t the best choice for a watertight container, it’s affordable and easy to work with—ideal for a project that’s more focused on technique than long-term use.
Using pine also gives Josh the freedom to test cuts and try out new joinery methods without worrying about wasting expensive hardwood. This mindset keeps the project approachable and adaptable.
Cutting and Preparing the Staves
The bucket is built from sixteen individual staves that taper slightly toward the bottom. These staves are cut from the pine panel, and the grain direction is intentionally flipped to run vertically—important for both appearance and structural integrity.
Each piece is nested and cut on a miter saw at a precise angle that aligns with the number of staves. For this build, Josh uses simple math to calculate the correct bevel, making sure all pieces will form a smooth circle when glued up.
Adding Grooves for the Base
Before assembly, grooves are added to the inside of each stave to hold the bottom panel of the bucket. This step helps lock the bottom in place and adds strength to the overall design.
Using the miter saw again, Josh adjusts the blade to create shallow slots that align across all the pieces. This method keeps the build consistent and prevents misalignment during glue-up.
Gluing the Staves Together
Instead of using clamps—which can be awkward with circular builds—Josh secures the staves with staples along the top and bottom edges. While unconventional, this method holds the pieces tightly enough for the glue to dry without gaps.
Once the staves are joined, the bottom panel is cut and fitted into the grooves. Minor sanding helps create a snug fit without forcing the piece into place.
Shaping and Carving Details
To give the bucket a more aged, handmade look, Josh carves slight grooves between each stave with a hand tool. This detail helps emphasize the individual pieces and adds visual texture to the outside of the bucket.
He follows up with a dark wood stain to complete the rustic effect. While the stain dried darker than expected, it gives the bucket a strong vintage feel that suits the style of the project.
Attaching the Rope Accents
For a final decorative element, Josh adds rope rings near the top and bottom of the bucket. These are secured with hot glue rather than staples, keeping the look clean and avoiding exposed fasteners.
Grooves carved into the exterior earlier in the process help guide the rope into place, making it easy to get an even, consistent wrap.
Building the Handle from Cherry
The handle is made from cherry wood, chosen for its rich color and contrasting tone. Using a hole saw, Josh cuts circular pieces and drills halfway through before flipping the workpiece to complete the cut—a trick that helps avoid jamming the plug inside the bit.
The handle is built by stacking these discs onto a dowel, alternating the grain direction for strength. This approach adds an interesting layered pattern and makes the handle durable enough for regular use.
Customizing the Handle Shape
Josh experiments with different miter angles to create various cove profiles on the circular handle pieces. These subtle changes result in two distinct handle designs, each with its own personality.
After comparing the options, he selects one style for the final bucket and attaches the handle securely. A small wire is then threaded through the rope grip to make it stand upright—a clever visual trick that adds character without affecting function.
Creative, Imperfect, and Inspiring
This project is a great example of what can be accomplished with limited tools and a willingness to try something new. Josh’s creative use of angles, simplified joinery, and problem-solving approach makes the project fun to follow and easy to adapt.
Whether you’re building a display piece, a decorative prop, or just exploring woodworking beyond flat panels, this wooden bucket offers techniques and ideas you can bring into other builds.
Support Josh by visiting his Etsy Store.