A while back we at WoodyThings received a custom order for a wooden crate mini-fridge. We converted a 
brand new mini fridge into a rustic shipping crate, and hand painted the logo of the recipient’s favorite Hockey team.
Since Father’s day is only a few days away, and Angel loves these types of ‘manly’ gifts, we decided to create a similar project (a shipping crate) and provide you some ideas so you can make it your own. This Do-It-Yourself project is so versatile, you can complete it in one day, and fill it with many different themes. Some examples include:
- Craft Beers (fill with different beers, beer nuts, reversible boasters and bottle openers)
- Meats and Cheese (beef jerky, smoked meats, and a variety of cheeses)
- Muscle Mania (fill with Nutritional protein bars, protein shakes, workout gear)
- Clean Grooming Kit (fill with a vintage razor, shaving bag, pre-shave oil, after shave cream, shaving towel)
Now that you have a few ideas for making this kit your own, lets get right to it! Rather than creating a 
brand new set of plans, we found and recommend you follow the steps listed in this great Plywood Gift Crate (man crate) plan from Ana-White. Visit her page and check out some of her other work. Ana’s plans include step-by -step instructions, material lists, and pictures to walk you through the steps.
Material list
- Wood Glue
- 1 ¼” finish nails
- 5/8” brad nails
- Finishing materials as desired (i.e. stain or paint)
Tools
- Circular Saw
- Miter Saw
- Table Saw
- Sander
- Measuring tape
- Square
- Pencil
- Hammer (can be substituted for brad nailer with a nail punch)
- Safety glasses
- Hearing protection
Cut List
* Crate dimensions 12” L x 12” W x 6 ¾” H
½” plywood:
- 2 pc @ 5 ½” x 10 ½” (sides)
- 2 pc @ 5 ½” x 11 ½” (front/back)
- 1 pc @ 11 ½” x 11 ½” (bottom)
- 1 pc @ 12” x 12” (top)
¼” x 1 ½” craft board/trim
Crate
- 4 pc @ 12” (front/back upper & lower trims)
- 4 pc @ 11 ½” (side upper & lower trims)
- 8 pc @ 3” (side upright trims) (measure and cut to fit)
Top
- 2 pc @ 12” (front/back trims)
- 2 pc @ 9” (side trims)
Cut list for ¾” plywood:
Crate dimensions 12” L x 12” W x 7 ¼” H
½” plywood:
- 2 pc @ 5 ½” x 10 ” (sides)
- 2 pc @ 5 ½” x 11 ½” (front/back)
- 1 pc @ 11 ½” x 11 ½” (bottom)
- 1 pc @ 12” x 12” (top)
¼” x 1 ½” craft board/trim:
Crate:
- 4 pc @ 12” (front/back upper & lower trims)
- 4 pc @ 11 ½” (side upper & lower trims)
- 8 pc @ 3 ¼” (side upright trims) (measure and cut to fit)
Top:
- 2 pc @ 12” (front/back trims)
- 2 pc @ 9” (side trims)
This is a summary of the step-by-step instructions provided at the link above.
Step 1
Attach sides between front and back. Use glue and 1 ¼” finish nails.
Step 2
Attach bottom to box, keeping outside edges flush. Use glue and 1¼” finish nails.
Step 3
Attach upper and lower trim to sides of box, keeping top and outside edges flush. Use glue and 5/8” brad nails.
Step 4
Attach upright trims to sides of box, keeping outside edges flush. You should measure and cut these to fit. Use glue and 5/8” brad nails.
Step 5
Attach upper and lower trim to front and back of box, keeping outside edges flush. Use glue and 5/8” brad nails.
Step 6
Attach upright trim to front and back of box, keeping outside edges flush. You should measure and cut these to fit. Use glue and 5/8” brad nails.
Step 7
Attach front and back trim to box top, keeping outside edges flush. Use glue and 5/8” brad nails.
Step 8
Attach side trim to box top, keeping outside edges flush. Use glue and 5/8” brad nails.
Step 9
Sand piece to smooth cut edges and any rough spots. Finish as desired. You could leave it unfinished, or stain the boards the color of your choice. Another recommendation is to stencil “Survivor Kit” or “Jon’s Supplies”, etc.
Step 10
To use this as a “Manly crate”, filling the box with your theme and gifts, attach the top using wire nails and a hammer. No glue is required here so that you can re-use it and open it without ripping it apart.
*Optional: You may decide to add hinges and a lock/latch
Step 11
Give this gift, along with the small crowbar to open the top of the box. You can also use it to remove the nails.
We recommend including a pry-bar or crowbar, and perhaps attaching a locking option and hinges. The crate can be repurposed as:
- Smartphone and Tablet Charging Station (see how we converted a toolbox unto one by clicking here)
- Decor and Storage on your coffee table to store those pesky ever-disappearing cable or video game remotes
- Spice storage for your backyard BBQ grill
Once you finish the crate, fill it with your theme items and share with us! We’d love to see how yours turns out.
Until next time,
#HappyCrafting!