How to Make a Better Crate

This is faster and better way to build the humble crate. You will find these much more sturdy and much faster to build.

Check out the video if you get lost along the way:

Supplies

Each Crate:
1/2” plywood 2x2 sheet 1pc
2x6 at 8ft 1pc (makes about 8 crates)
1x8” at 3ft 1pc

Cut Three 1x8s to 11.5”

Two of these will make up the sides, then we will do something really cool with the other one.

Rip One of Those Pieces Into Four 3/4” Inch Strips

Make sure you are ripping them lengthways.

If you are making multiple crates, you can use this board for two crates.

Mark 3.5” From Each Side of Those

We are going to glue up to that line one these boards.

Attach 2 Pieces to the Top of Each 1x8

Use finishing nails or a brad nailer to attach these.
Do not nail between the marks we made earlier. You will see why in a minute.

Mark 3 7/8” From Each Side on the Middle Board

Then use a 3/4” Wood drill bit to drill a whole through the board on the center of those two marks

The Handle Should Snap Out Easily

Repeat for Both Sides of the Crate

Sand the Boards and Router the Edges

Cut the 2x6 Into 1/4” Strips

You need at least two 8ft strips for each crate

Cut Those Strips Into Ten 18” Pieces

Cut One Piece of 1/2” Plywood at 11.5 X 16.5”

Sand All Your Pieces

Attach the Front and Back to the Narrow Part of the Plywood

I used wood glue and finishing nails to attach these to the front and back

Attach the Sides of the Crates

I use wood glue and a brad nailer to attach these.
Make sure your crate is square when you do this.
Place the top and bottom board, then evenly space the rest on each side.
You need 5 on each side and there is no reason to measure. You should be able to eyeball it

Sand and Finish

They Are Ready to Use!

I made a dresser using mine. I plan on making an instructable on the build. Be sure to subscribe so you know when it’s done!