DIY: Rolling Wooden Crate

This Post May Contain Affiliate Links

So, as we build the house, I keep coming across all of these cute, DIY projects.  Always thinking to myself, I could do that!  And lo and behold, one day while looking at Pinterest at this very project, a friend posted she had a couple wooden crates for sale.  I took that as a sign and snatched them up from her for $4 a pop.  Other items I used in this project were: sanding block, wood putty, wood stain, polyurethane, foam brushes, and castors.  I had everything on hand except the sanding block and polyurethane (I wanted a satin finish and all I had was glossy, so I bought a small can).  I purchased the castors from our local big box home supply store.

First, I used the wood putty to fix any holes, in this case the staple holes where it was put together.

Then it's time for stain...

I used a foam brush to apply the stain, then let it sit for about 5 minutes and used a clean cloth to rub the excess off.  Rub in circular motions to allow stain to penetrate the wood and remove excess.  You can let the stain sit a shorter or longer amount of time depending on how dark you wan the wood.  This was a dark walnut stain and I wanted it pretty dark.

After the stain dries (follow directions on can), you can apply a sealer.  I chose to use Polyurethane in a satin finish.  A lot of folks say it's hard to apply because of air bubbles.  The trick is to not shake the can, stir it slowly.  Then I used a foam brush and applied it very slowly.  This also has to dry (according to directions on can).  You can apply more than one coat if desired.  Since I knew my crate would (should) not be around water or damp areas, I felt one coat was enough.

I purchased the smallest metal frame castors I could find at our local home supply store and used the enclosed hardware to attach them to each of the four bottom corners of this crate.

Finished Product

When I originally saw this on Pinterest, the post had it as a storage for throws or pillows next to a couch.  I think I'll use mine either as that, or maybe storage in the closet for linens or winter items.  I can then roll it under my hanging clothes or shelving for easy access, but it'll be prettier than a plastic bin.