Chalkboard Produce Crate

Difficulty

Intermediate

Free plans to build a chalkboard produce crate from ana-white.com

Today is crate day!

Hooray!

Thanks for requesting the plans. This was such a fun easy project to make. And did I say cheap? Try under $5 cheap!

I try to do plans here and there to help you use up scrap wood pieces. Those of you who have a few projects under your belt - uh toolbelt - probably have a pile of short board scraps needing a home. This is a perfect project for using up 1x3s and 1x2s and scrap 1/4" plywood. No scraps? Each crate just needs two 1x3s and about 2 feet of 1x2s and some 1/4" plywood.

Have a wedding this summer? These would make cute inexpensive DIY wedding centerpiece that double as table numbers! I'd go a little smaller in size as this crate is actually pretty good sized though!

And yes, of course, you can take this basic design and modify to any size you want! You are the boss of your project - why not make it your own!

PS - Loving this crate so much, I'm thinking about making a chalkboard produce crate dresser.

PSS - Love the finish? I'll be posting that tutorial as well!

Dimensions

Dimensions are shown above. Modify to fit your needs.

Preparation

Shopping List

2 - 1x3 @ 8 feet long
1 - 1x2 @ 2 feet long
1/4" plywood scraps for bottom and chalkboards
1 1/4" pocket hole screws
finish nails or more 1 1/4" pocket holes for attaching sides
wood glue
chalkboard paint

Cut List

4 - 1x3 @ 13"
4 - 1x2 @ 5"
6 - 1x3 @ 15 3/4"
1 - 1/4" plywood @ 17 1/4" x 13"
2 - 1/4" plywood 11 1/2" x 7 1/4" (paint with chalkboard paint)
3/4" drill bit

Tools

General Instructions

Please read through the entire plan and all comments before beginning this project. It is also advisable to review the Getting Started Section. Take all necessary precautions to build safely and smartly. Work on a clean level surface, free of imperfections or debris. Always use straight boards. Check for square after each step. Always predrill holes before attaching with screws. Use glue with finish nails for a stronger hold. Wipe excess glue off bare wood for stained projects, as dried glue will not take stain. Be safe, have fun, and ask for help if you need it. Good luck!

Instructions

Step 1

Start by making your two ends. Drill handles out with drill bits and then connect the two holes with a jigsaw to cut out handles. I built the ends with 3/4" pocket holes and 1 1/4" pocket hole screws - just a single screw per each end of the 1x2s and glue. Lay flat to dry.

Step 2

Then for the sides you can attach with nails or pocket holes from the insides. I used 1x3s for the sides because they are so cheap, but you could also use 1x8s or any other board width.

Step 3

Then I just attached the 1/4" plywood to the bottom with finish nails and glue.

Step 4

Then glue the chalkboard pieces into ends to secure in place.

Finishing Instructions

Preparation Instructions

Fill all holes with wood filler and let dry. Apply additional coats of wood filler as needed. When wood filler is completely dry, sand the project in the direction of the wood grain with 120 grit sandpaper. Vacuum sanded project to remove sanding residue. Remove all sanding residue on work surfaces as well. Wipe project clean with damp cloth.

It is always recommended to apply a test coat on a hidden area or scrap piece to ensure color evenness and adhesion. Use primer or wood conditioner as needed.

Help Improve This Plan

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Project Type

Crate Plans and Projects Made with Crates

Room

storage and organization

Bathroom

Bedroom

Style

Cottage Style Furniture Plans

Farmhouse Furniture

Comments

AlyssaWalters6

Thu, 01/17/2013 - 10:30

YAY! Can't wait to make

YAY! Can't wait to make these! Thanks for another great plan!

Pam the Goatherd

Thu, 01/17/2013 - 21:38

Been trying to come up with

Been trying to come up with some sort of hanging file folder box to put in the end shelves of the Mod Modular Bookcase for my husband to use as an inbox and outbox. These would be perfect when sized to hold the hanging file folders. And I've got plenty of scraps...

Arif Mardiyanto (not verified)

Fri, 01/18/2013 - 03:06