Wooden Crate Delimma

Question

Everyone was really helpful with my chaise lounge color, I'm hoping to get your creative input for a wooden crate I bought just because it was cool. It appears to be a very sturdy, old military shipping piece. Medical stuff. It measures 30' x 17 x 15. I thought maybe a table, but I'm not feeling any good ideas yet. Maybe you all could let me know if you have ever done one like or have seen one finished up. Took pics.

Sia@South 47th · Answer

Hi! Crates are all the rage! You can do a TON of things with them. Add some cool industrial wheels and a top that lifts for a 'coffee' table with storage, is just ONE of a MILLION ideas! xo

Mary S · Answer

I would set in on the end and put a shelf in the middle for books or whatever. Put a nice wood piece on the top for a level table top.

Jason Destiny · Answer

Looks like the base of a coffee table to me, maybe a nice glass or mosaic top.

153091 · Answer

QUESTION: can you hang it or must it stand?

Frankie Laney · Answer

I have little to no available wall space

Denise · Answer

turn upside down, add casters for a cool table

Frankie Laney · Answer

I was just staring at the crate. Using Sia@South 47th's idea for a table, I could remove the long boards off the bottom, brace it like the sides, and use the braced bottom as a hinged top. I could replace the bottom with a plywood piece. Use copper (love it) sheets and cover the top and side braces only. Also, I would like to keep the labels attached, (decoupage maybe?) Probably need to lightly sand to smooth it up and maybe wax it? I've not used tinted wax before. Would that work? Would it be best to put a glass over the top? I think I'm treading in new water here. I promise I only had a very small glass of red wine last night!!

Sia@South 47th · Answer

@Frankie Laney I think doing it that would be a VERY cool piece. I especially LOVE the Copper idea! It will make it extremely upscale. And yes please do leave the labels, they add so much to these crates as far as history and character. You will most definitely need to sand it, then wipe with a cotton cloth. As you know I use Briwax for 90% of my projects and have for over 15 years. So I would suggest using that. As far as the glass over the top? Yep, spot on. Then you can 'stage' and 're-stage' the inside as often as you like. Comes in handy at the holidays!. Here is the link to the Briwax site and if they don't have the particular product call them or ck ebay. I was keeping it at my store for sale for years, but I've closed up until this reno is done. Briwax Official Page: http://www.briwax.com/index.html I really can't wait to see this one! I love crates, they all tell a different story! xo

Frankie Laney · Answer

Sia@South 47th can't tell you how much I appreciate your ideas on this. I don't know about Briwax so I am anxious to look over their site. I've always re-worked furniture and painted things but never any thing like this! I'll be sure to keep this post active. Thank You!!

Elaine E. R · Answer

where did you find/buy this crate?  I'd love a pair...

Frankie Laney · Answer

Elaine E.R. I found it at a little vintage second hand shop in Oceanside. It was the only one she had. I had never seen a crate like this so I grabbed it! I never know what I'm going to find there. It's fun.

Jeanette S · Answer

I love Sia@South 47th ideas...but whatever you do, do not take this apart or destroy the writing or labels/stickers on it....that is part of its charm! If you have need for storage, a copper hinged top could serve as a blanket chest, or a memory box (you know, those baby shoes and cards our kids make for us)...all sorts of storage. Sitting in the corner of a bedroom, it would be a great place to lay the bedding on every night!

LeAnn Shultz · Answer

If you want to make it a coffee table I'd buy a beveled glass for the top and you could place items inside that you want to display such as old quilts. You could create a beach inside to look at through the glass with seashells and small driftwood, etc. It can also be turned into a padded storage bench for inside or outside storage just making sure to weather/water proof the wood and use outdoor materials for the padded seat.

Polly Zieper · Answer

I saw a neat project somewhere on this site, where someone bought an old suitcase and put it on an old luggage stand ( The kind hotels have, with straps going across the top, for resting the suitcase, and the legs unfold into an X shape, and it made a great, old-looking side table/ nightstand!You could do the same with a crate-- or buy legs/dowels, screw them into the bottom and and make a table-- same idea. good luck! lucky find!

Shabby Paints · Answer

It would come down to what you need because it can be anything. Would look great with industrial metal wheels like Sia@South 47th mentioned. Make a padded lid with some of your favorite burlap would give it a triple use, table, storage, and a seat. Win win win! Great bones :)

Karen · Answer

Stain and put a glass on top for a end table or paint and put potted plants inside.

Mcgypsy9 · Answer

Have you done this project yet? If so would love to see what you did with it!

Wooden Crate Delimma

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