Making Bookcases Out of Crates

Finding Crates

• Flea markets and thrift shops are likely sources of vintage fruit and wine crates. Look for sturdy crates with no odor as a musty smell might be difficult to eliminate. Writing on the sides adds to the vintage crates' charm. Alternately, shop major craft store chains for new crates made of unfinished wood. These crates may be lighter-weight than vintage ones, but they're relatively inexpensive and often can be purchased at a substantial discount with the weekly coupons many craft stores offer.

Finish

• Part of the appeal of vintage crates is their patina. Reconditioning the wood leaves the finish intact and may be preferable to refinishing. The University of Utah Cooperative Extension recommends washing old wood with a solution made from 2 tablespoons of gum turpentine, 4 tablespoons of boiled linseed oil and 1 gallon of hot water. You can stain or paint new crates to match your decor.

Bookcase Design

• Crates can be stacked evenly for a neat, symmetrical look or staggered in a more free-form design. Staggered crates provide more storage space for books or collectibles because parts of the crate tops are exposed, which creates additional surface area. Add interest to your bookcase by arranging some crates horizontally and some vertically. Of course, there's no rule requiring that you stack your crates on the floor. You can hang them on the wall instead, either grouped together or spaced apart.

Fastening the Crates

• If the crates have flat, even sides and are stable after they've been stacked and filled with books, you may not need to fasten the crates together. However, if there's any chance that children or pets could knock them down, it's best to connect the crates with brackets and small finishing nails then bolt the bookcase to the floor and walls. Use drywall anchors to secure the bolts into the wall.