This project is by Matthew Peech. This woodworking project is not only budget-friendly but also allows you to create stylish and functional wooden crates that can be used for various purposes around your home.
Step 1: Understanding the Craze for Wooden Crates
Wooden crates have become increasingly popular for a variety of uses. From building shelves to crafting unique furniture pieces, the versatility of crates allows for endless creative possibilities. While the cheapest commercially available crates can cost around $15 each, making them at home can significantly cut costs.
Step 2: Choosing Your Crate Design
Matthew will guide you through creating two different styles of wooden crates. The first is a more traditional style, featuring solid ends and slats, which is commonly found in stores. The second style is a slatted crate that Matthew designed himself. Both designs are easy to make and can be customized to your liking.
Step 3: Gathering Materials
To start your project, you will need to gather the necessary materials. For the first crate style, Matthew recommends purchasing a 1×10 board, which is typically around $15. However, you can save money by opting for a 2×10, which is often cheaper. If you’re able to buy the wood, you can potentially create four crates from a single board.
Step 4: Cutting Your Wood
Begin by cutting your 1×10 board into 12-inch sections. Due to the width of the saw blade, you should place your cuts slightly short of the 12-inch mark. After cutting the main sections, move on to cutting strips from the 2x4s, which will serve as the slats for your crates.
Step 5: Preparing for Assembly
Before assembling the crates, it is essential to prepare your pieces properly. You will need to cut the handles for the crates. To do this, use a jigsaw to create the handle cutouts, ensuring to mark the placement accurately to achieve a uniform look across all crates.
Step 6: Assembling the Crate
Now that you have all your pieces cut, it’s time to assemble the crate. Start by laying down the bottom pieces with five strips across. Use wood glue and brad nails to secure the pieces together, ensuring a strong and stable structure. Matthew emphasizes the importance of using jigs to streamline the assembly process and minimize repetitive measurements.
Step 7: Calculating Costs
After assembling the first crate, you can assess the cost of materials. Matthew calculates that each crate costs approximately $4.32 to make, which is significantly cheaper than purchasing them from a store. However, the goal is to create a design that can be made for just $1.64 each. This opens up opportunities for profit if you decide to sell them.
Step 8: Creating the Slatted Crate
For the second style of crate, which is entirely slatted, you will only need one 2×4. Start by cutting two nine-inch pieces for the ends of the crate, then cut the remaining pieces into strips for the slats. This design is not only economical but also visually appealing.
Step 9: Final Assembly of the Slatted Crate
Assemble the slatted crate using similar methods as the first. The slats will be secured using corner brackets, making the assembly process straightforward. Matthew demonstrates how to use jigs to ensure proper spacing and alignment, which can be a time-saver when making multiple crates.
Step 10: The Finished Products
At the end of the project, you’ll have two beautiful wooden crates, one costing around $4.32 and the other just $1.64. Both are functional and stylish additions to your home. Whether you use them for storage or as decorative pieces, these crates are a great way to showcase your woodworking skills.
Conclusion: The Profit Potential
With the potential to sell these crates for a significant markup, this project not only allows you to create something useful but also opens up opportunities for making money. Matthew encourages you to experiment with different designs and uses for your crates, as the possibilities are virtually limitless.
So, grab your tools, buy some straight 2x4s, and start making your own wooden crates today!