Thanks to Thompson’s Waterseal Waterproofing Stain for sponsoring this post by providing the waterproof stain used on my new bench and crate table. All opinions expressed in this post are 100% my own.

Easy DIY projects with wood crates -- wood crates are inexpensive and very versatile in the home

I’ve been obsessed with wood crates recently. They are sturdy, inexpensive, and can serve multiple purposes in the home. I started out by using wood crates to create much needed shelving in a coat-closet-turned pantry. I’ve discovered that by simply screwing a few crates together with some wood screws and a screwdriver, I could put together functional and really sturdy shelving in a matter of minutes!

DIY Pantry

I really love my new pantry! My pantry is now one of the most practical and organized closets in my house! The closet that is now my pantry was once a coat closet with little shelving. By screwing some wood crates together, I was able to create a beautifully functional pantry! My daughters and I like the look of the unstained wood, so I didn’t paint or stain the crates. 

DIY pantry reveal

Quick Closet Shelving

I wanted to install shelving in my master bedroom’s second, smaller closet, but I’ve never installed shelving in a closet before. I wasn’t really ready to try installing store-bought wire shelving on the wall. (I am not sure they wouldn’t stay up!) So, instead, I screwed a few crates together to create much-needed storage and organization in the closet. Since I built my crate shelves, I’ve been using the closet for most of my summer clothing. (I’ve since moved the winter coats out of the closet.)

My newly organized closet with its DIY crate shelving
My newly organized closet with its DIY crate shelving

Simple Crate Bookshelf

My two teen daughters are big readers and wanted a place to store their books. So I made each of them a simple crate bookshelf. My daughters like the natural, wood look, but if you wanted to make a crate bookshelf for your kid’s room, you could always stain or paint the bookshelf. To make my bookshelves, I only needed two wood crates for each bookshelf and a handful of wood screws!

Screw wooden crates together to create a bookshelf or shelving for a closet.

My daughters really enjoy their wooden crate bookshelves!

A few wooden crates screwed together make great bookshelves!

It’s really cute to see how my kids have organized their new bookcases.

Wood crates make for simple and inexpensive bookshelves in a kds' or teen room

DIY Garden Table

I recently created a lovely seating area in my front yard under a shade tree. The project was completely DIY, and I made my bench out of cinder blocks and wood! I wanted a side table for my new garden seating area, so I got an unfinished crate and stained it with  Thompson’s Waterseal Waterproofing Stain in Acorn Brown. The stain will help protect the crate from the elements, and I love the deep brown color! My new garden side table is a wonderful place to put a candle or two, or place a cool drink!

A DIY garden side table made from a stained unfinished wood crate
Crates are so versatile — where would you use wooden crates in your home?