How to Build a Simple Antique Wood Crate for Under $10

Hello!  It is Mindi from MyLove2Create, and I am happy to be back!  A few months ago I shared my reclaimed wood stool and antique cutting boards, today I am sharing a super easy build.   It is cute, useful, and just brings a smile to my face, meet my Antique Wood Crate!

 

See, soooo fun!!

How to Build an Antique Wood Crate

Click here to see the building plan at Mylove2create

Supplies:

• 1- 5/8” x 5 1/2” x 6′ cedar fence picket
• 1- 5/8″ x 3 1/2” x 6′ cedar fence picket
• 1- 1” round wood dowel
• 1 1/2” finish nails
• Nail gun
• jigsaw
• miter saw or circular saw
• wood glue
• stain/paint for desired finish

Note: The two fence pickets and one 48″ dowel will build one crate with a lot leftover, so if you pick up a second 5 1/2″ cedar fence picket, you can build two of these wood crates for around $12 (with some scrap leftover) depending on lumber prices in your area. One to keep, one to give away! 

Cut List:

• 2- 5/8” x 5 1/2” x 13” Tall Sides (see below for jigsaw cuts)
• 1- 5/8” x 5 1/2” x 15” Bottom
• 2- 5/8” x 3 1/2” x 16” Long Sides
• 1- 1” dowel cut to 15” Handle

Step 1: Gather and cut wood

Here are my boards, ready for cutting, I used this old curtain rod I had gotten somewhere for free for the handle.  I love to repurpose!  You could used old fence boards too instead of buying them new.

When you cut your bottom piece use it as a guide of how long to cut the handle or dowel.  They need to be the same length.

Once all your boards are cut you are ready to give this crate it's unique look, by using a jigsaw to cut the tall side shape.

Step 2:  Mark your tall side pieces for cutting.

Use one of the 3 1/2” wide long side boards to mark the bottom part of a tall side piece (top left) which makes the mark at 3 1/2” up from the bottom.  Then mark center on the top of your board and draw the shape of your dowel (top right), draw 2 straight lines down from the dowel marks to your first line.  This should be 1” wide or the width or your dowel.  Using a plate or bowl as a guide, trace a semi circle from the bottom line to connect to the straight lines you drew (bottom photos).  You only need to draw this pattern onto one of the tall side boards.

Step 3:  Cut tall sides with a jigsaw.

Using a jigsaw cut out the tall side board you marked.  Once it is cut trace it's shape onto your other tall side board, then cut it out with your jigsaw.

Step 4: Sand your pieces.

After getting all the pieces cut sand them smooth and remove any sharp edges.

Step 5:  Attach tall sides to bottom piece and add handle.

Using wood glue and 1 1/2” finish nails attach the two tall sides to the bottom piece with your nail gun.  Then nail the handle in place at the top of your sides.

Step 6: Add long sides.

Finish off your build by adding the long sides of the crate with wood glue and 1 1/2” finish nails.  Be sure to nail through the long sides into the bottom and tall sides of the crate.

 

Step 7: Finish as desired.

I decided to stain my antique crate with Minwax special walnut stain.  I did use a Minwax pre-wood conditioner before staining.  To give it a little more antique look, added some white paint by dry brushing it on.  I show how I do the dry brush technique on my Decorative Triangle Tray.  I love it because it is easy to do plus it adds age to the wood and some texture.

Isn't it so pretty!?

I have an obsession with crates, I don't think I can ever build enough!!  They are so fun because you can make so many different kinds, plus use them for so many different things, like fresh flowers!

Crates and flowers are always a classic combo.

They also are fun to add into your decor, I love how it looks in front of my Restoration Hardware inspired Rivet Chalkboard!  (And do you spy those antique cutting boards, too?)

This antique wood crate would make a perfect gift for a friend or loved one filled with goodies or flowers…

Or add some mason jars and use it to hold your silverware and napkins for your next party!

The possibilities are endless!  I think it would be adorable in a kids room painted a bright fun color and filled with books or small toys, or even craft supplies!  For now, it is sitting pretty on my Modern Rustic Buffet and I am loving having it!  

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial and I would love for you to visit me at my blog for more great DIY project tutorials and building plans!

 

Hugs,

Mindi

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More easy builds for home decor and gifts: 

all-occasion divided caddy

decorative window frame

easy storage crate with cutout handles

easy and inexpensive IKEA bucket caddy 

The post How to Build a Simple Antique Wood Crate for Under $10 appeared first on Remodelaholic.

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Much of the country will experience the last frost of the season during May, bringing us to the heady days of spring gardening. So whether you’re just getting your hands dirty for the first time, or already have calluses from digging, here are some tips and chores for the May lawn and garden.

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Fun Bagel Buffet for an Easy Brunch Party

This month for my Better Homes & Gardens at Walmart partner post I am excited to share a SUPER cute, really fun, bagel buffet.  Truly, this can be a great way to feed just about anybody, but in particular it might be fun for Mother's Day!!?!  A late morning brunch with some of my favorite women and some delicious bagels sounds like an amazing and easy girls' party in my book, great for any old reason or for a baby shower or bridal shower.  

I am not sure if you've stopped by Walmart recently, but the Better Homes & Gardens line at Walmart has some of the cutest galvanized party serving dishes around, and the prices are PHENOMENAL!  I am not even kidding, When I was checking out, I was even surprised by how inexpensive it was.  And ladies or gentlemen, if you are planning a farmhouse wedding this summer… you must go check out the line of products!

When setting up your bagel buffet here are some of the things you will need.  (This post contains affiliate links; learn more here.)

Brunch Bagel Buffet Needs:

• Various Bagels (I had Plain, Cinnamon Raisin, Onion and Parmesan- you can pre-slice them OR have a cutting board and knife out in the display)
• Various Cream Cheese (I had Plain, Honey Nut and Chive & Onion)
• Veggies Sliced thin (Cucumbers, Radishes, Tomatoes – I used Grape tomatoes)
• Fresh Berries (Raspberries, Strawberries
• Salt / Pepper
• Honey
• Lemon Slices (and or zest!)
• Herbs (Chives, Dill, Basil whatever you love)
• Capers – if you like them!
• Meat optional – (Salmon, Ham, Turkey, Real Bacon Bits)
• Small Serving cheese or Slices
• Candied Nuts (You don't have to make them, if you don't have time, grab the salad topping bags)
• Grapes, and various fruit
• Fruit Juices

 

I have a thing for blue and white dishes!  Is there anything more beautiful?   I've been collecting them since my sister bought me some for my wedding 16 years ago.  They are just timeless, so when I saw this amazing set of dishes, I knew I had to get them!  And PS please go check out my friend Beth's Modern Farmhouse tablescape tips, this is where my dish inspiration came from for sure! 

 

I used my cute serve caddy by separating the little buckets to hold the utensils, napkins and straws and the little tray to hold the cream cheese bowls!  EEK!  I love the gold accents.

HANDS DOWN, my my very favorite piece is the rectangular 2 tiered serving stand.  OH MY GOODNESS!  It is under $20 buckaroos… guys, where can you find a cuter tiered serving tray for under $20 bucks.  It doesn't exist, it really is the cutest thing ever!  Can you imaging cupcakes on this baby… I can!

Here are some of the great pieces I used (and or bought to use, and will definitely use another time because I only had enough room for so much on my counter!!)

Click on the image to see the price of the product!  

Affiliate Links included.

 

 

I am a part of the Better Homes & Gardens Live Better network.  Which means I get to to share a few of my favorite things, projects, opinions, and my own original ideas with you. Thank you to Better Homes & Gardens at Walmart for sponsoring this post. Follow BHG Live Better on  Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram.

 

The post Fun Bagel Buffet for an Easy Brunch Party appeared first on Remodelaholic.

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