How to Tighten the Bands on an Oak Barrel

Metal hoops on oak wine barrels can be tightened by hydration.

Iron or steel bands known as hoops are driven down over the staves by a hydraulic press to draw the staves tightly together. Barrel hoops are riveted and not adjustable. The compression tension of the hoops relies on the moisture level in the staves. Hoops will loosen if the barrel is left empty and staves are allowed to dry out and shrink. Barrel hoops may be re-tightened by restoring hydration to the staves.

1. Store empty, unused oak barrels in a cool, damp environment and spray the interiors of the barrels with water regularly to soak the staves and tighten the hoops.

2. Place soil and plants into a new oak barrel planter and water as soon as possible to expand the staves and tighten the hoops. Maintain the moistness of the soil to keep the staves swelled.

3. Fill barrels with liquid is they must be perfectly watertight and never allow them to dry out. If the barrel must be emptied, refill it with water or other liquid as soon as possible to saturate the staves and restore tightness of the hoops.