Weekend Project: Reinvent a Wine Crate
Discover 8 DIY possibilities for these inexpensive but beautiful boxes, then see one handywoman's reinvention
Susan Stieglitz
March 21, 2013
Sometimes a large DIY project just isn't what the day calls for. If you need a quick DIY fix, look no further than an inexpensive wine crate. Imagine what you can do with a neat little box that may have traveled from overseas and still smells of lovely pine. Here are the steps that led me to a perfect weekend project, which you'll see at the end.
The trepidation. I've been kicking around ideas of what to do with wine crates for some time now, but honestly, they just look good on their own. Knotty pine, smooth finish, attractive wood-burned brand, the notion that they once contained wine crafted by a European winery older than the United States ... how can it get any better than that?
The inspiration. The final call to action came when I found a front-yard lending library a few blocks from my house. The concept: Take a book and leave a book of your own. Just perusing the titles makes our evening walk that much more enjoyable. The fact that this honor-system library is housed in a tiny wine crate in a neighbor's front yard makes me smile. So I drove to my local wine store wondering if they had crates and what I could make with them.
More about the Little Free Library movement
More about the Little Free Library movement
The find. Barely did I step in the door when I saw fantastic crates of various shapes and sizes ... and one box even had dovetail joinery. I was smitten. Why didn't I go there before?
Was that price tag right? I can't even buy a latte for $2.50. I might have to build my next house with these, but would they have enough?
I guess the answer is yes. Mike Janeway, a wine buyer at Beltramo's Wines and Spirits, led me to this display and said there were many more empties in the back — how many did I need? I didn't even know what I was going to make yet, but it could be big. I bought two for a fiver, just so I could play with some ideas.
The possibilities. I began my search for the perfect project by browsing through Houzz. Here are the top eight ideas I found:
1. Wall covering. Covering an entire wall would be clever, and this was lovely, but the three-dimensional aspect of the box itself really appealed to me. I kept looking.
1. Wall covering. Covering an entire wall would be clever, and this was lovely, but the three-dimensional aspect of the box itself really appealed to me. I kept looking.
2. Bookcase. Making a bookcase would be great. Contemporary splashes of color are fun, and the nice thing about this bookcase is that when redecorating, I could just paint them another color. I do seem to change colors quite often.
3. Diorama. Or I could try a modern, minimalist approach. In this case, if the crate was going to match my wall, I probably had enough paint already.
4. Display case. If just painting wasn't enough of a challenge, then maybe adding a little eclectic wallpaper or fabric would stretch out the fun.
5. Wine storage. At this point I wondered why people with wine cellars store bottles in these boxes — it seems like such a waste of a good crate!
6. Rustic seating. I could at least use my crates as a makeshift chair — they are strong enough. All I'd have do to is flip them over and stack. Voilà, as the French say while holding a glass of wine.
7. Planter box. This is a brilliant use of these crates. I could add some casters and move them around to keep them in the sun. I could turn one over and make a bench-seat planter. The pine has no harsh chemical treatment, which is important when growing edible plants. I'm sure a liner is required.
8. Herb garden. I really liked how this looked. But honestly, I'm a horrible gardener. Even an indoor herb garden would push the limits of my sickly green thumb.
I put the crates in the sunroom to think about them for a while, just setting them next to my bike ...
Crate Scott, I've got it! For one of my crates, at least. Two drilled holes, stainless steel bolts, nuts and washers, and a couple coats of varnish. Now I have a bike box that can hold my laptop and groceries, maybe even a small dog.
To attach a crate to a bike, you'll need:
Now tell me: What should I make with the other crate?
More:
Call for DIY Projects: Show Us What You've Got!
Get inspired by the latest DIYs at Houzz
To attach a crate to a bike, you'll need:
- Measuring tape
- Pencil
- Drill with drill bit
- Stainless steel nuts, bolts and washers (rustproof)
- Polyurethane wood finish
- Standard bike rack
Now tell me: What should I make with the other crate?
More:
Call for DIY Projects: Show Us What You've Got!
Get inspired by the latest DIYs at Houzz
What are you working on?
Related Products
We care about your home construction project needs as much as you do. We believe in conducting business with... Read More
Related Stories
Fall and Thanksgiving
DIY: Make a Fresh Magnolia Wreath
Learn how to add a statement piece to your front door with these easy-to-find evergreens
Full Story
Bathtubs
10 Times When Painting a Claw-Foot Tub Refreshed a Bathroom
See how designers and homeowners use colorful paint to give tubs and bathrooms a fresh look
Full Story
Decorating Projects
6 Fun Ways to Decorate With ... Tape?
By Janet Paik
Add a new accent wall, a midcentury closet detail and more with this budget-friendly, multipurpose wonder
Full Story
Decorating Guides
How to Hang a Heavy Mirror
By Erin Carlyle
Here’s what to know about your mirror, wall and hanging hardware to do it right
Full Story
Mother’s Day
Surprise Mom With an Elegant DIY Bouquet
For Mother’s Day, use flowers and branches from your local market or backyard to create this pastel beauty
Full Story
Decorating Projects
12 Projects to Indulge Your Spring Fever
Get busy beautifying your home with one of these budget-friendly DIY decorating projects
Full Story
Entryways
DIY: Corral Your Boots With This Handy Entryway Tray
By Faith Towers
Follow along to make this easy and chic tray to protect your floors when it’s soggy outside
Full Story
Valentine’s Day
Put Together a Romantic and Whimsical Valentine’s Day Bouquet
By Becky Harris
Use American-grown branches and blooms for a truly individual way to show your love
Full Story
Crafts
Create a Festive, Colorful Mardi Gras Bead Wreath
Reuse collected beads from parades for an easy-to-make front door accent
Full Story
Organizing
DIY: Make a Wooden Wall Organizer to Curb Entryway Clutter
By Faith Towers
Create a hanging catchall for hats, coats, keys and phones
Full Story
Darn it! Just last week, I saw two lovely wine crates at my local Goodwill, but couldn't justify bringing home yet another "what can I do with this" item until I use up some of my current stash. Maybe I'll go back to Goodwill tomorrow and see if they're still there! I'd LOVE to make a little library. We live near an elementary school and have LOTS of children being walked to and from school by their parents. What a fun way to say "HI" and encourage young readers!
You can make small pet beds from wine crates.