How to Build a Wooden Crate
Wooden crates have a number of uses and can be expensive to purchase. A good sturdy wooden crate is an asset to have when shipping or storing fragile or delicate items. They can also be used as storage containers much in the same as chests and trunks.
Things You'll Need
- ½-inch plywood Circular saw 1-by-4 inch pine boards Six penny nails Hammer
Instructions
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Building a Crate
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1
Decide on the size of your crate. Add an extra 1 or 2 inches to your measurements to allow for shrinking and seam allowances. As an example we will build a crate that is 24 inches by 24 inches by 32 inches.
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2
Cut the plywood to the sizes that you decided on. For our crate we will have two pieces that are 24 by 32 inches, two that are about 25 ½ by 33 ½ inches, and the end two pieces will be 24 by 24 inches.
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3
Measure the length of your end pieces. Use this measurement to cut some of your pine boards for added strength and support. The pieces shold be flush with the edges. Attach these boards to the end pieces of plywood by nailing through the pine into the plywood about every four or five inches on center.
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4
Measure the space between the pine boards to get your measurement for the side pieces. Cut four pieces of board to length. These should fit snugly. Attach to the plywood the same way as the longer pieces.
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5
Attach the bottom of the crate to the end pieces. You will probably need somebody to help you hold the two pieces up, pine board side out, as you nail the bottom to them. Nail through the plywood and into the pine boards.
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6
Attach the front and back.
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7
Flip the crate over and secure the corners. Begin at the bottom of the crate and place a nail about every three or four inches.
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8
Use as a mailing crate---nail the top to the vertical boards, after being packed, in the same manner as securing the corners. Place a nail about every three or four inches.
Use as a storage crate---attach hinges to the back of the crate and the top. You can also add a lock hasp.
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Tips & Warnings
High quality plywood can be stained and painted to add a decorative touch to a storage container.
