DIY Wood Crate Bookshelf
So, I kind of have a thing with bookshelves. Not really a love-hate thing, more of a hate-hate thing. I hate that every bookshelf is almost the same, and feel like they’re often just an eyesore in a room. Until now! When I came across the idea to use wood crates to create your own bookshelf a while ago, I knew it was exactly what I wanted to store my kids’ books. I love that you can make them whatever size and shape you’d like, and options for color and finish are endless!
Today I’m sharing how you can make your own wood crate bookshelf!
I purchased four wood crates from my local Jo-Ann. They are regularily around $11 or $12, and with a 40% or 50% off coupon (we were able to use a different coupon for each crate), they’re pretty inexpensive. The crates are unfinished, so make sure to check them over for any flaws you may not like.
First, we sanded any rough edges around the crates using our electric sander. We arranged the crates how we wanted, and switched them around until they fit together the best. They may not be completely square, so play around until you find the best fitting order.
Then we used wood glue and screws to attach the solid sides together, forming a top and bottom row. Since I wanted a industrial look, I wasn’t worried about the screw holes showing (if you are, you may want to fill the holes with wood filler afterwards).
To join the top and bottom rows, we used wood glue and a nail gun on the slats.
To help keep the bookshelf sturdy and give it a solid base for the wheels, we added a mitered corner frame onto the bottom. I wasn’t a fan of this idea at first, but once it was done I loved it and thought it gave it a nice finished look. Joel always knows best ;).
To finish the bookshelf, we used Minwax Walnut Stain, which is my favorite stain for everything! We also used it on our DIY Farmhouse Table, and I always love how it looks. I topped the stain with a couple of coats of Polyacrylic. 
Very last, we added the casters to the bottom frame (about $5 each from Home Depot). 
This is the perfect bookshelf for my kids’ books, and it sits perfectly under our DIY Deer Wall Art. Yay for DIY! 
Hey!!! This is super cute. Scott and I have been designing a wood crate bookshelf for a while now… You beat us to it!
Very neat idea! This is something that I feel comfortable enough to try and succeed at…thanks for sharing, I was looking for a great bookshelf idea!
You are so amazingly creative! Please, pretty please, come help me at my house! lol You really do a fabulous job and thought I’d make sure you know I love to stop by. Shared universally and featured on my fb page. Carrie, A Mother’s Shadow
Love the look of this!!
What length screws did you use to attach the solid sides together? Thanks!
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I’d love to know what length of screws you used, as well. I’ve been trying to think of inexpensive craft show displays and this would be PERFECT. Thanks!
Thanks , I’ve just been searching for information about this
subject for a long time and yours is the greatest I’ve found
out till now. However, what concerning the bottom line? Are you sure about the supply?
I love it, and I love the wheels, that way you can move it any were with out a mess. thank you and GOD bless
How did you attach the mitered bottom?
We used wood glue and screws (into the thicker parts of the crates).
What size lumber did you use for the mitered bottom? 2 X 6?
Thanks! Looks great!
Hi! We used 1x4s for the border :).
Hi! I love this idea so much! I was hoping to find out what size nails and screws you used. TIA!
What size nails did you use for the slats
That’s a good question ;). They were definitely small though, because we used a nail gun for it!
I am not sure why the bottom had to be mitered. Can you elaborate?
That was personal preference, but you don’t need to miter it if you prefer not to.
love how you pepper the boxes with screws…total overkill, but it won’t move (hint, I’m a cabinet installer)
great idea.
Haha, that’s our style!!