How to Build a Crate

This step by step diy woodworking project is about how to build a crate. If you want to learn more about building a basic storage crate, we recommend you to take a look over the instructions described in the article. Work with good judgement and don’t forget to take a look over the rest of the related plans, as there are many designs and woodworking projects to select from.

Work with attention and don’t forget that a good planning will save you from many issues and it will keep the costs within the total budget. Invest in high quality materials, such as pine, redwood or cedar. Drill pocket holes before inserting the galvanized screws, to prevent the wood from splitting. Add waterproof glue t the joints, in order to enhance the rigidity of the structure. See all my Premium Plans HERE.

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How to build a crate

Building a crate

Cut & Shopping Lists

• A – 1 piece of 1×16 lumber – 20 1/2″ long BOTTOM
• B – 2 pieces of 3/4″ plywood – 12 3/4″ x 21 3/4″ long SIDES
• C – 2 pieces of 1×16 lumber – 12″ long ENDS
• D – 2 piece of 1×3 lumber – 16 3/4″ long SUPPORTS

• 1 piece of 1×16 lumber – 4 ft
• 1 piece of 1×3 lumber – 4 ft
• 1 piece of 3/4″ plywood – 4’x4′
• 2 1/2″ screws
• 1 1/4″ screws
• wood putty, wood stain

Tools

 Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square, Level

 Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander

 Safety Gloves, Safety Glasses

Time

 One day

Related

• Wood Crate Plans

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Wood Crate Plans

Building the bottom

The first step of the woodworking project is to build the bottom for the crate. As you can easily notice in the diagram, we recommend you to build the component out of 1×16 lumber. Cut the slat at the right size.

Use a circular saw to make 3 degree cuts to both sides of the slat. Smooth the edges with fine-grit sandpaper and remove the residues.

Building the sides

Next, you have to build the sides out of 3/4″ plywood. Mark the cut lines on the sides and get the job done with a circular saw, As you can easily notice in the diagram, we recommend you to cut the sides at 3 degrees. Smooth the cut edges with fine-grit sandpaper. Use 1″ brad nails to secure the sides to the bottom component.

Building the end components

Continue the project by building the ends of the crate. Build the components out of 1×16 lumber and cut them at the right size. Cut the top and the bottom edges at 87 degrees, by using a circular saw.

Cut out the handles in the components and smooth the edges using fine-grit sandpaper. Use 1″ brad nails to secure the components to the structure. Add glue to the joints and remove the excess using a damp cloth. Align the edges with great care.

Fitting the bottom supports

In order to get a professional result, we recommend you to attach 1×3 slats to the bottom of the crate. Align the components with great care and secure them into place using finishing nails and glue.

How to build a crate

One of the last steps of the woodworking project is to take care of the finishing touches. Therefore, fill the pilot holes with wood putty and smooth the surface with 120-grit sandpaper.

Top Tip: If you want to enhance the look of the project and to protect the crate from decay, we recommend you to cover the components with paint or stain. Place the wood crate in a proper location and move it whenever necessary.

This woodworking project was about how to build a crate. If you want to see more outdoor plans, we recommend you to check out the rest of our step by step projects. LIKE us on Facebook and Google + to be the first that gets out latest projects and to hep us keep adding free woodworking plans for you.

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