How to Easily Turn a Plastic Milk Crate Into a Table or Seat

Julien K., Hometalk Team
by Julien K., Hometalk Team
7 Materials
$8
1 Hour
Easy

Summer is made for backyard BBQs, picnics, and camping. But sometimes it isn't very comfortable to sit ground-level while enjoying an outdoor meal.


Carry items in the plastic milk crate, then flip it over and you've got yourself a comfortable seat to enjoy this Summer, thanks to this clever idea.


Measuring the milk crate with a tape measure

1. Measure

First, measure your crate so you know how large to make the seat.

Cutting the wood pieces with a saw

2. Cut

Cut pieces of wood to the same width and height of your crate. Be sure to cut enough to cover the entire bottom of the crate.

Drilling holes in the wood pieces

3. Drill

Measure how far in the holes are the side of the crate. If you don’t do this part correctly, you can run into some issues, so make sure to follow along with the video.


Mark the measurement on two of your wood slats on either side. This is where your bolts will be inserted. Drill a hole at this mark, large enough for your bolt to fit through.


You will have four cut boards (or more depending on the length of your scrapwood). The two on either end should have a hole on the top and bottom. The middle pieces do not need holes drilled.

Applying wood glue to the sides

4. Glue

Glue your wood pieces together with wood glue. Press them together and use a clamp to bond them overnight if necessary.

Screwing the bolts into the crate

5. Bolt

Flip your crate over so that the bottom is right side up. Place the wood piece on top of the bottom. Insert one bolt into each of the holes.


On the inside of the crate, thread a washer onto the bolt and secure with a nut.

Securing the bolts in place

6. Secure

Make sure that all four corners are secure. It should look like the crate in the video—even, pretty, and ready to make your outdoor activities 10 times easier! 

Plastic milk crate table and seat

Plastic crate DIY

What do you think of this plastic crate DIY project? You can use these as little tables or even as stools to sit on. They're perfect for a picnic.


Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

Suggested materials:
  • Plastic milk crates
  • Measuring tape
  • Saw
See all materials
Frequently asked questions
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5 of 9 comments
  • Em Em on Jun 22, 2020

    So many negative comments for a cute seat. No matter what...

    DON'T use milk crates, they are considered stolen property.

    USE a sturdy crate for a seat.

    If you want YOURS for storage turn it over and do so, the author did NOT.

    If YOU want a cushion put one on YOURS.

    If YOU want the look of plywood then put it on YOURS.

    Geez people. It is cute, it is functional. Alter your own to suit YOU.

    I especially think it is great for kids.

  • BonDiva BonDiva on Oct 14, 2021

    You can buy used commercial milk crates that are from businesses that are no longer functioning. I wish that I had never sold all of the ones that I owned when I moved about ten years ago.

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