Wooden Crate Shelf DIY

This is a super easy shelf for kids! Total cost was about $50! Crates can be purchased at Home Depot for just under $8/each. 

What you'll need:

• 4 wooden crates
• 2 cans of spray paint, your choice of color(s) (optional)
• 2 cans stain color (optional, if not painting or if natural wood isn't desired)
• 2 can polyurethane
• 1 sponge brush
• 1 steel wool pad
• 1 roll painters tape
• 1 pkg particle board nails 
• Hammer 

*Not all items pictured

Step 1: Using the painters tape, tape the open slots of the crates and edges of the areas you do not wish to have painted. Don't for get the handle slots! 

Step 2: Spray paint! Some colors may need two coats.

Step 3: Once dry, remove tape. position crates in desired pattern. Recommended: two horizontal crates in the middle and one vertical on each end.  Starting with the center crates, nail together. Use three or four nails in each wooden panel. 

Step 4: Nail end crates to center crates. Again, three or four nails in each wooden panel. 

Step 5: Polyurethane entire shelf. If you wish to use stain to darken the wood color, stain first. Dry. Then polyurethane. 

Step 6: Use steel wool and gently rub over the unpainted areas of the shelf that have been polyurethaned. Coat crates with another layer of polyurethane. Repeat until desired shine is reached. 

That's it! Enjoy your shelf! This is a great shelf for kids toys (pictured above). It the perfect size for children, toddlers can easily reach the top! Later, more crates can be added to extend the shelf upwards or outwards!