You Won’t Believe What You Can Create with a Jerrican!

 

The humble jerrican has long been associated with lifesaving fuel storage and water transportation. It inspires images of exploration, desert landscapes, and warzones with its durable exterior.

Most households will have one or more jerricans hidden away in the garage, remnants of previous outdoor adventures, ready to be disposed of at the next yard sale. However, with the increasing popularity of upcycling and repurposing old items, the jerrican is being transformed from its humble origins into beautiful décor items, functional furniture, and more. Check out this list below to see what you can create with a jerrican.

Toolbox

Jerricans are known for their durability and ruggedness, but steel jerricans are being replaced with plastic jerricans, which are more lightweight and affordable. An excellent way to make use of your old steel jerrican is to transform it into a toolbox.

The strong steel makes for an excellent exterior, and most older jerricans are large enough to hold all the tools you need. For a simple version you can create yourself, simply open one side of the jerrican and add hinges and a lock. For more complex versions, with sliding draws and compartments.

Speaker System

The iconic shape of the traditional military-style jerrican is also the perfect shape for housing a speaker system. Jerrican speakers would make a fantastic conversation piece for your living room or look right at home in “man-cave” or renovated garage.

There are a few innovative design companies out there who are upcycling old jerricans into speakers, but, if you prefer to get your hands dirty, there are also some easy-to-follow tutorials available online.

Guitar Amplifiers

Using similar design principles, the shape of the jerrican can also house guitar amplifiers. A Finnish design company, Amplisonic, has given the jerrican a rock and roll makeover by creating a series of recycled jerrican amplifiers that can not only be used for delivering amazing sound from your guitar but, also, store accumulated energy which you can use to charge your mobile devices.

Flower Pots

An effortless way to recycle your old jerricans is to simply remove one side and use them as flower pots. If you can get your hands on a few jerricans of different colors, you can brighten up your patio by stacking them to create a makeshift vertical garden. To improve drainage, just loosen the cap on the side.

Bathroom Cabinets

Danish Fuel has made a name for themselves by repurposing old jerricans into new and exciting home décor. One of their most popular items is the jerrican bathroom cabinet. The interior has been fitted with mirror backing as well as shelving to keep all your bathroom items. Each jerrican is heat treated and sandblasted to remove any rust and residue, and then powder finished with amazing results.

Mini Bar

Another incredible use for an old jerrican is as a mini bar. The jerrican is the perfect shape and size for creating a fun and portable mini bar to take the party with you. There are numerous online tutorials, but this one includes a dispenser for your liquor and a handy lock to keep out little hands.

Trash Can

Rather than throw your jerrican in the trash, why not create a trash can instead? This simple DIY tutorial shows you how to create an interesting addition to your camper or kitchen. Be aware, if your jerrican has been used to store fuel, you will need to thoroughly clean and vent the can, as the power tools may spark and ignite any residue.

BBQ Grill

Durable metal jerricans are ideally suited for grilling: the metal is perfect for holding onto heat and the interior is big enough to put charcoal and small logs. By opening one side of a large jerrican, you can lay a small grill over the top for a quick and easy DIY camping solution, or you can add legs and a stand for a great addition to your patio.

Bench Seat

The jerrican is not the first material you think of when it comes to high-end furniture. It is plain yet functional. But you can combine a few jerricans and give them a coat of paint to create designer-inspired furniture. Check out this fantastic jerrican bench seat for inspiration on how you can create and incorporate upcycled industrial style furniture into your home’s décor.

Final Thoughts

Though not typically associated with the DIY movement, the jerrican provides a versatile material for creating some fabulous items. So, whether you are looking for your next DIY project or want to update your décor, try upcycled jerricans for an environmentally friendly way to repurpose this durable and reliable storage container.

Just remember, if your old jerrican was used to keep fuel, make sure you clean and vent it properly.