Making a wooden crate bookshelf is a simple, do it yourself project even for those with no furniture making experience. In addition, it’s fairly inexpensive depending on the cost you pay for the wooden crates. We put together these bookshelves to use in the kid’s playroom. The wooden crates add to the farmhouse decor while providing storage. All it takes is some wooden crates, stain, screws and some finishing wax to make your own wooden crate bookshelf.
Step 1: Stain the Wooden Crates
The exterior surface and sides of the wooden crate come smooth. However, the roughness on the interior of the wooden crates gives a rustic element to the design. Therefore, we did not sand them prior to staining.
The wooden crates can be stained or painted. We chose to stain them for a natural, rustic appearance.
Setup a workspace outdoors to stain the wooden crates. Stain has a strong oder that will stick around for a long time if not used in a highly ventilated area.
First, apply the stain in the direction of the grain using a sponge brush or bristle brush. Wait 5-15 minutes and wipe away any excess stain with paper towel. The longer you wait, the darker the color.
Let the wooden crates dry for at least 4-6 hours. I recommend waiting at least 24 hours to let them air out any lingering odor.
Step 2: Decide How to Arrange the Wooden Crates
There are several designs you can arrange the wooden crate bookshelf. We decided to make two different bookshelves.
For the first bookshelf we stacked the wooden crates horizontally with three crates on top of one another.
For the second bookshelf we alternated the wooden crates horizontal and vertical so that every four crates formed a square. We used a total of eight wooden crates for this bookshelf.
Another design idea is to make two rows of vertically stacked wooden crates.
In addition, you can customize the size of the bookshelf with as many or few wooden crates as desired. The possibilities seem endless!
Step 3: Drill Pilot Holes in the Wooden Crate
Once you’ve decided on the arrangement, stack two crates on top of each other so that the edges line up. Drill pilot holes in all four corners using a small sized drill bit.
Consequently, if you try to drill in the wood screws without drilling pilot holes you will risk splitting the wood in the crate. If you happen to split the wood try covering the split with a touch of stain. Use wood glue, sand paper and stain if the split is more severe. Drilling pilot holes is an easy way to avoid this mistake.
Step 4: Secure the Wood Screws to the Wooden Crate
Next, secure the wooden crates together using wood screws. The length of the wood screws will depend on the way you arrange the crates due to the different wood thicknesses. If you’re drilling from:
- Slat to slat use a 3/4 inch screw.
- Side to slat use a 1 inch screw.
- Side to side use a 1 1/2 inch screw.
For example, we used 3/4 inch screws on the bookshelf with the horizontal stacked wooden crates. On the other hand, we used 1 inch screws for the bookshelf with the alternating horizontal and vertical wooden crates.
Tighten down the wood screws using a screwdriver until they are snug.
Step 5: Repeat the Above Process
After that, repeat the above process by adding one wooden crate at a time until all the crates are secured together.
Step 6: Complete the Bookshelf with Finishing Wax
Lastly, complete the bookshelf by applying finishing wax. Finishing wax can be used on furniture that does not require a hard coat of polyurethane. It enables the wood to maintain a raw, rustic appearance. A thin even coat can be applied with a cloth by rubbing it all over the surface of the bookshelf. Allow the finishing wax to dry thoroughly for 10-15 minutes. After it’s dry polish with a clean cloth.
Now it’s time to fill your new wooden crate bookshelf!
How to Make a Wooden Crate Bookshelf
MATERIAL
- Wooden Crates
- Stain
- Sponge Brush
- Wood Screws
- Finishing Wax
- Drill
- Screw Driver
INSTRUCTIONS
- Stain the wooden crates.
- Stack two crates together so the edges line up.
- Drill pilot holes in all four corners.
- Tighten down the wood screws using a screw driver until they are snug.
- Repeat steps 1-4 until all the crates are secured together.
- Use finishing wax
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- Foam Brushes: https://amzn.to/3foTMIh
Print the Wooden Crate Bookshelf Instructions
Wooden Crate Bookshelf
Making a wooden crate bookshelf is a simple, do it yourself project even for those with no furniture making experience. All it takes is some wooden crates, stain, screws and some finishing wax to make your own wooden crate bookshelf.
Materials
- Wooden Crates
- Stain
- Sponge Brush
- Wood Screws
- Finishing Wax
Tools
- Drill
- Screw Driver
Instructions
- Stain the wooden crates.
- Stack two crates together so the edges line up.
- Drill pilot holes in all four corners of the crate.
- Tighten down the wood screws using a screw driver until they are snug.
- Repeat steps 1-4 until all the crates are secured together.
- Apply finishing wax.