Transform a Wine Crate Into a Decorative Storage Box

Transform a used wine crate into a vintage-looking storage box with handles for easy transporting.

By Kim Wilson, Sand & Sisal
Filed under: Christmas, Crafts, How To, Handmade

Materials Needed:

wine crate
stain
gloves
foam brush
wood glue

4 paint sticks
box cutter
sandpaper
rag
2 cabinet handles

Find a Wine Crate

Despite their beauty, wine crates are typically headed for the dumpster after transporting their contents safely, so if you ask the manager of a liquor, grocery or wine store nicely, you'll likely leave with at least one, for free.

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Smooth Out Edges

Working outside is recommended since you'll be sanding and staining. The edges of your crate are most likely quite sharp and rough. Take sandpaper (this project used 100 grit) and sand every edge, inside and out, until they are slightly rounded and smooth.

Enlarge Photo+Shrink Photo-

Apply Stain

Next, apply the stain. Choose any color of stain, just be sure to stir your stain well first. Mine was a new stain by Minwax called Weathered Oak. It has a nice gray tone and makes the crate look very aged. Apply the stain with a disposable foam brush.