How to Build a Wood Crate

Make your own crate.

People often use cardboard boxes for shipping. While cardboard may protect your goods, it is by no means the only option for transport. If you want to add a personal touch to your packaging, consider sending it in your very own wooden crate. These crates will ship in the mail like a normal package and your recipient may enjoy getting a uniquely packaged item.

Things You'll Need

• 8 pieces 2-by-2, 2 feet long
• 24 pieces 1-by-4, 2 feet long
• 12 pieces 1-by-4, 26 inches long
• Drill with screwdriver bit
• 2-inch wood screws
• Measuring tape
• Pencil

Instructions

1. Place six pieces of 1-by-4 on a flat surface so that the boards are resting on the 4-inch sides. Arrange the boards side by side so they are all touching together and in a straight line, making a 2-foot by 2-foot square.

2. Place a piece of the 2 foot 2-by-2 on each end of the 1-by-4 boards so one of the 2-inch sides of the 2-by-2 are touching the boards. Push the 2-by-2 so there is one at each end lined up with the edges of the 1-by-4. Screw these pieces to the 1-by-4 by driving two screws in a vertical line through each end of all the 1-by-4 boards into the 2-by-2. This is one side of the crate. Repeat Steps 1 and 2 to build a second side.

3. Stand up one of the sides you just built so it is vertical. Place a piece of the 26-inch 1-by-4 at a right angle to the side so that the 1-inch side of the board is on the building surface. Screw this piece to the side by driving two screws through the 1-by-4 and into the 2-by-2. Place the other side piece at the other end of the 1-by-4 board and screw the board to the other side piece in the same manner. You now have the two sides connected by a piece of 1-by-4 at the bottom of the sides.

4. Attach another piece of the 26-inch 1-by-4 to the third side by placing it on top of the first piece and screwing it into the 2-by-2 on both ends. Repeat this four more times with additional pieces of 1-by-4 to complete the third side. Follow this process to attach the 26-inch pieces of 1-by-4 on the opposite side to create the fourth side of the box. You should now have four attached sides, each side made up of six pieces of 1-by-4 screwed into 2-by-2.

5. Place six more pieces of 2-foot long 1-by-4 on the building surface like you did in Step 1. Measure 2 inches toward the center from both ends and make a mark with the pencil. Place the two pieces of 2-foot 2-by-2 on top of these boards (laying flat) at these marks. This is the bottom of the crate. Screw the beams of wood to the 2-by-2 boards by placing two screws in a vertical line and driving them through the 1-by-4 into the 2-by-2. Place this on top of the crate frame you have and attach it to the frame by driving screws around the perimeter of the bottom into the edges of the sides at 6-inch intervals.

6. Repeat Step 5 to attach six more pieces of 2-foot 1-by-4 to two more pieces of 2-foot 2-by-2 (making sure to measure 2 inches toward the center from each end and making a mark). This is the crate lid. Turn the crate over so the bottom piece is resting on the building surface and place the lid over the open space in the crate frame.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are sending a gift, consider painting or decorating the crate to match the theme of the gift inside. Be sure to send directions on how to open it.

• If you are going to ship this crate, you will likely pay more because of the weight of the wood.

References

• Ontario Airsoft WWII Reenactors: Wooden Crate