Cheap Stackable Wooden Crates
Introduction: Cheap Stackable Wooden Crates
If you're a crafter or if you just need some solid crate storage to get organized, wooden crates are ideal. They can also double as display shelves if you sell what you make. Buying multiple wooden crates can be expensive however, so if your crates don't need to be varnish-perfect and you have access to some tools (power tools better still) then this instructable could be for you!
They are made from inexpensive fence boards available from major home improvement stores, mine cost about $6 from which I made 2 whole crates.
I use a laser-etcher to brand the crates with our logo, but you could leave them plain or use pens/paint to decorate as you see fit. Since these fence boards are treated for outdoor use, be sure to work in a well-ventilated space and wear suitable safety gear.
Supplies
6' × 5.5" x 5/8" (dog ear) pine fence board [1 is enough for 2 or 3 crates, about $2.18 at my local store]
6' x 4" x 1/2" (dog ear) pine fence boards [1 needed for each crate, about $1.74 at my local store]
Nails or brads [approx 32 per crate]
Chop saw if available, otherwise a regular saw can work
Table saw if available, otherwise a regular saw can work
A nail gun if available, otherwise a hammer can work :-)
Step 1: Cut the Crate Ends
Measure and mark the 5.5" fence board into 1 foot lengths (or to your preferred size)
Cut the board accordingly using a chop saw or regular/miter saw (using proper safety precautions and equipment)
Step 2: Cut Strips for the Bottom and Sides
Measure and mark the 4" fence board(s) into 18 inch lengths (or to your preferred size)
Cut the board accordingly using a chop saw or regular/miter saw (using proper safety precautions and equipment)
Measure and mark each 18 inch section down the center, to provide 2 strips each 2" wide.
Cut or rip the sections accordingly using suitable safety precautions and protection equipment.
Step 3: Line Up Two Outer Bottom Strips
Stand the two ends up, using something to prop the up if needed.
Place two outer strips to form the base outline of the crate.
I use the strips with dog-ear corners for these outer parts [see orange markup in the photo]
Step 4: Nail the Bottom Strips
Nail the outer bottom strips in place.
Place and nail 2 more strips to complete the bottom of the crate.
[you may want to choose the dirtiest/ugliest wood strips for the bottom of the crate, reserving the better strips for the more visible sides]
If using a nail gun, be sure to take necessary safety precautions and keep fingers clear of the target area.
Step 5: Check for Protruding Nail Heads
Check to ensure all nails or brads are fully embedded, to avoid scraping any surfaces you put the crate down onto.
Step 6: Place and Nail the Sides
Turn the crate onto its side, place and nail two strips into place.
Repeat for the other side and your crate is ready!
Step 7: Stack & Decorate!
Decorate your crates as you see fit and you should find that they stack well for efficient storage 431