How to build a wooden crate

This step by step diy woodworking project is about how to build a wooden crate. If you want to learn more about building a crate, we recommend you to pay attention to the instructions described in the article. There are so many crate plans and designs to choose from, so make sure you take a close look over the rest of the related woodworking projects that are featured on our website.

Before starting the actual construction project, we recommend you to plan everything, as to save money and to keep the costs under control. Adjust the size and the design of the crate to suit your needs. In addition, we recommend you to invest in high-quality materials, such as pine, redwood or cedar, as they have a nice finish and are highly durable, especially in a humid environment.

If you don’t have a rich expertise in woodworking field, you should ask a friend to give you a hand with the project. There are many things that you could go wrong, so make sure you plan everything and invest in quality materials. Select the lumber with attention, making sure the components are perfectly straight and in a very good condition. Use a carpentry square to check if the corners are right-angled. See all my Premium Plans in the Shop.

Made from this plan

Building a wooden crate

Materials

A – 2 pieces of 1×3 lumber – 14″ long, 2 pieces – 19″ long 2xSIDES
B – 2 pieces of 1×3 lumber – 14″ long, 2 pieces of 1×2 lumber – 10 1/2″ long 2xENDS
C – 28 pieces of 1×2 lumber – 9″ long SLATS
D – 1 piece of 3/4″ plywood – 13 1/2″x22 1/2″ long BOTTOM

3 pieces of 1×2 lumber – 10 ft
1 piece of 3/4″ plywood – 2’x2′
2 pieces of 1×3 lumber – 8 ft
2 1/2″ screws
1 1/4″ screws
glue, stain
wood filler

Tools

Safety gloves, glasses
Miter saw, jigsaw
Chalk line, tape measure, spirit level, carpentry pencil
Drill machinery and drill bits

Tips

Apply several coats of wood stain to the wooden components
Fill the holes with wood filler and smooth the surface

Time

One Day

Wooden crate plans

Building a wooden crate

Building the end of the crate

The first step of the project is to build the ends of the wooden crate. Therefore, we recommend you to build the bottom components out of 1×3 lumber and the rest of the parts out of 1×2 lumber. Take accurate measurements and drill pocket holes at both ends of the vertical slats. Place the slats equally-spaced and secure them to the frame using 1 1/4″ screws. Add waterproof glue to the joints and remove the excess using a damp cloth.

Building the sides of the crate

The next step of the project is to build the sides of the wooden crate. In order to get the job done in a professional manner, we recommend you to build the frame of the sides using 1×3 lumber. Afterwards, drill pocket holes at both ends of the slats and secure them to the frame by inserting 1 1/4″ screws. Leave 1/2″ between the vertical slats.

Building the frame of the crate

The next step of the woodworking project is to assemble the frame of the crate. Drill pocket holes along the sides of the end frame and insert 1 1/4″ screws into the perpendicular frames. Make sure the corners are right-angled and leave and gaps between frames. Add glue to enhance the rigidity of the bond.

Attaching the bottom

Build the bottom of the crate out of 3/4″ plywood and drill pocket holes along the edges. Fit the bottom to the crate and secure it to the side components with 1 1/4″ screws. Leave no gaps between the components and make sure the structure is rigid.

How to build a wooden crate

Last but not least, we recommend you to take care of the finishing touches. Fill the holes with wood filler and let it to dry out for several hours. Afterwards, smooth the wooden surface with fine-grit sandpaper and vacuum the residues.

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