DIY Wooden Crates for My Pantry Makeover 2020

Moving into this house, I was ecstatic about the larger pantry with additional counter space to house extra kitchen equipment. But like any “Extra” space, it begins to fill up quickly. While the pantry is bigger, I quickly realized that this kitchen had less cabinet space than my previous and that I am a kitchen appliance hoarder. SAD FACTS!!!

Messy Pantry with Wooden crates — My extremely messy panty with the DIY Wooden Crates on the bottom Shelf

I wish I could tell you that these are all the appliances I own, but the three under island cabinets are also at maximum capacity. I knew I needed to begin the process of REALLY organizing this pantry to maximize my space

Why Wooden Crates?

I debated what kind of storage I wanted here on the bottom of the pantry. I knew I needed to get everything off the floor. This bottom shelf is pretty deep, so all of the things I needed kept getting lost in the back. I had purchased a single roller crate from Home Goods about 6 months ago, and I loved it but sadly they only had one with wheels. And to be 100% honest, it was not great quality. To add insult to injury, that poorly made crate was a whopping $29.99. If I could even find them, I needed four for my pantry. That’s a lot to spend on the bottom shelf alone! Most importantly, I hate overspending on something I can make myself for cheaper! (this really should be my life motto!)

Supplies Needed to Make a Wooden Crate

3 – 1″ x 3″ X 6′ boards
2 – 3/4″ x 3/4″ Dowels
Brad Nailer
Drill
4 – 1 1/2″ Rubber Swivel Caster Wheels
Wood Glue
1 1/4″ Spax Screws
4 – 2″ Corner Brackets
Clamp (Optional)

Crate Cut List

3-1″ x 4″ @ 19″ for the bottom boards
8-1″ x 3″ @ 13″ for the short side
8- 1″ x 3″ @ 19 for the long side
12- 3/4″ dowels for the corner pieces

Wooden Crate Instructions

Attaching the first side to the wooden crate

Step 1-Using one of the 3/4″ dowel, add glue then line up the 19″ board to the top of the dowel. Nail in place using the brad nailer.

Completing the long side of the wooden crate

Step 2-Repeat with the next three boards. Make 2.

Attaching the first short board to the wooden crate with the Ryobi Brad Nailer

Step 3- Next, using a 13″ board to attach to the corner of the long side, using glue then the brad nailer.

Attaching the remaining short board to the wooden crate with the Ryobi Brad Nailer

Step 4- You will repeat the glueing and nailing process with the other 3 boards.

Step 5- Continue to glue and nail the second short side.

Attaching the second long side boards to the wooden crate with glue and the Ryobi Brad Nailer

Step 6- Apply glue to the ends of the short boards.

Step 7- Align the second long side to the top of the short boards. Use the brad nailer to shoot in two nails per board.

Attaching the bottom boards to the wooden crate with glue and the Ryobi Brad Nailer

Step 8- Apply glue to the ends of the bottom boards and nail from the sides. Equally space the other two boards.

Attaching the corner brackets to the wooden crate with the Ryobi drill

Step 9- Place the corner bracket where you want it, then drill pilot holes. Use the screws included with the two screws in the four holes in each bracket.