This project was built and designed by Mike from Oregon Makers.
Mike picked up an old wooden wine crate from Bordeaux at a garage sale and decided it deserved a second life beyond holding bottles. Rather than let it sit as a shelf decoration, he set out to turn it into a functional cargo box for his bike. The build focuses on repurposing existing hardware joints and adding the right mounting hardware, rather than building something from scratch.
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Discovering the Crate’s Craftsmanship
Before diving into the build, Mike took a closer look at the crate itself and found some details he had not noticed before. The lid and base of the box featured a tongue and groove style joint that allowed the two halves to fit snugly together, forming a seal. It is a small but telling sign of the quality construction that went into everyday shipping crates decades ago.
The crate was originally sized for a specific style of wine bottle, and Mike pointed out that other bottle shapes did not fit the internal grid as well. Since the plan was to convert the box into open cargo storage rather than a bottle holder, the internal divider grid was left out entirely. This simplified the interior and opened up more usable space for hauling gear on the bike.
Selecting the Hardware
To turn the crate into a secure, functional box, Mike sourced hardware designed to hold up outdoors. He specifically chose stainless steel latches to resist corrosion from weather and moisture, sourcing them from an industrial supplier rather than a standard hardware store. Using latches rated for exterior use is a smart move for anyone building outdoor storage, since it prevents rust streaks and hardware failure down the road.
One detail worth noting for anyone attempting a similar project is the importance of getting matched left and right hardware, particularly for hinges and latches that need to align properly on opposite sides of a box. Mismatched hardware can throw off the fit and function of the lid, so double-checking orientation before installing is a simple step that saves rework later.
Mounting and Assembly
With the crate prepped and the hardware selected, Mike moved on to mounting everything and attaching the box to the bike itself. The build required figuring out how to securely fasten the wooden crate to the bike’s frame or cargo platform, ensuring it could handle the bumps and vibration of regular riding without loosening over time.
This kind of repurposing project is a great example of how a piece of old packaging can be given a new functional purpose with just a bit of hardware and thoughtful mounting. Instead of buying a purpose-built cargo box, riders can adapt found materials like vintage crates into custom storage that has more character and history than something off the shelf.
Adding a Tail Light
As a final touch, Mike added a tail light to the completed box, giving the setup a practical safety upgrade for riding in low light. The light was set up to blink during daytime hours for visibility and to turn off automatically when it is not needed, helping extend battery life while still keeping the rider visible to traffic.
This small addition rounds out the project, turning a simple wooden box into a fully functional, road ready accessory for the cargo bike.
A Practical Upcycle for Cargo Bike Owners
Mike’s project shows how a bit of vintage packaging, combined with the right hardware, can become a durable and stylish storage solution for a cargo bike. The build leans on the crate’s original joinery and adds just enough new hardware to make it secure and weatherproof, without overcomplicating things with unnecessary fabrication.
For woodworkers looking for a quick weekend project with a practical outcome, converting a found wooden box into cargo storage is an approachable way to blend upcycling with function.
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Matt’s Take
These are my personal thoughts and tips based on my own experience in the shop. This section is not written, reviewed, or endorsed by the original creator of this project.
Old wine crates are great candidates for projects like this because of how they’re built. That tongue and groove joint Mike found isn’t just a nice detail — it’s part of what’s kept these boxes from racking apart after decades of handling. If you come across a similar crate at a garage sale or estate sale, it’s worth checking the joinery before you do anything else, since the condition of those joints will tell you how much reinforcement you’ll need before adding hardware.
On the hardware side, stainless is the right call for anything living outdoors, but I’d also throw a coat of exterior-rated finish on the wood itself if it hasn’t already been sealed. Wine crates are usually pine or a similar softwood, and pine soaks up moisture fast. A couple coats of spar urethane or an exterior oil will help the box handle rain and road grime without swelling or graying out over time.
Mounting a wooden box to a moving bike is the part I’d spend the most time thinking through. Vibration loosens fasteners over time, so using lock washers or threadlocker on anything bolted through the frame is cheap insurance. Backing plates or fender washers on the inside of the crate walls also help spread the load so the mounting points don’t eventually pull through the wood.
The tail light is a nice touch, and honestly a good reminder that safety additions like that are worth building into any bike accessory project, not just an afterthought at the end.