My Wood Crate Nightstand

Stacy Davis
by Stacy Davis
4 Materials
$50
4 Hours
Easy

Ever since I made my bench from stair treads and wooden crates, I have been excited to try to make a nightstand, as well. icon This is for one of my boys and his favorite color is blue. It really couldn't have been easier. Waiting for the wood glue to dry is the longest part. I am saying this project cost around $50. The crates were $10 a piece and I used a portion of a stair tread. An entire tread is $12.65 for 48 inches. I only used 20 1/4 inches, so I am calling it $6.33. I used a paint sample that was $3.50 and 4 legs from Overstock that were $20 for all four. I couldn't be more pleased with the end result. I am going to making them for all my kids in their favorite colors and various stain colors. Stayed turned, at least 3 different versions on the horizon.

First, I cut my stair tread down to 20 1/4 inches. I wanted a slight overhang on all sides. In the picture it is only cut half way across. My miter box only cuts that much and then I flip it and cut from the other side.

Here are the main pieces. My cut off stair tread, 2 crates, 4 legs and my paint sample. I did end up adding two pieces of scrap wood to the bottom of the crates. I didn't think the slats were sturdy enough and the holes didn't line up well on the slats.

Here is a picture of the holes on the legs and the rubber bottoms. These would be so good for hardwood floors.

I began by painting the crates.

See how the holes do not line up well?

So, I glued two scraps of wood onto the bottom. I clamped them and let them dry for hours.

When the bottom was dry, I glued and clamped the two crates together.

If I had one more clamp, I probably would have used it but 4 was totally enough. icon

It was super simple to attach these legs.

With legs and top, it stands almost 31 inches tall. I don't have a picture but I used a brad nailer and wood glue to attach the top to the crate.

I am so happy with how it turned out.

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  • Michele Vargo Michele Vargo on Jul 17, 2017

    Were the white boxes on the shelf made as well? If so where can I get the project at? Thanks. Very nice.

  • Arla Boss Arla Boss on Jul 17, 2017

    Where did you purchase the crates?

  • Margaret Margaret on Apr 07, 2023

    Where did you put the stair tread at?

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4 of 103 comments
  • Carol Z Carol Z on Jul 27, 2017

    You know...this is a fantastic idea! I can see changing this up for SO many areas in your house or even patio!! And also, I have read through many project ideas on this email forum, and I want to tell you that you did a wonderful job laying out your steps! Sometimes I really love the ideas, but they are hard to follow . Thank you for your attention to detail! Keep your ideas and steps coming!

    • Stacy Davis Stacy Davis on Jul 27, 2017
      Thank you so much! You are so kind to appreciate the whole process. Sometimes it seems like writing the tutorial is harder than the actual project. Have a great day!
  • Melissa Melissa on Aug 10, 2017

    Hey Stacy, nice piece...also wanted to say if you download photoscape, you won't have to go outside for pictures..it is free and very easy to do a lot of things to pics...

    • Stacy Davis Stacy Davis on Aug 10, 2017
      Thanks for the advice. I'll have to give it a try. I have never heard of that. Have a great day!
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