Cost: $35
Skill Level: Moderate
Tools Used: Circular Saw, Jigsaw, Small Crowbar or Hammer with Claw, Heavy Duty Staple Gun (we used Ryobi 18-Volt ONE+ AirStrike 18-Gauge Cordless Narrow Crown Stapler), Level, Clamps, Carpenter's Square, Measuring Tape, Pencil
Time to Complete: 45 Minutes
Materials:
(1) 1” x 2” x 8’ Common Board (sku 914584; $2.48)
(1) 5.0mm 2’ x 4’ Project Panel Underlayment Board (sku 445789; $5.97)
(1) 18” x 12.5” x 9.5” Large Wood Crate (sku 1000051893; $11.97)
(1pk) 1/4 in. x 5/8 in. x 18-Gauge Crown Staples (sku 1001188154; $8.77)
(optional) Paint or Stain and accessories for application
(optional) Chalkboard paint and chalk for the optional signs
Cut List:
(4) 19”L pieces from the 1”x 2”x 8’ board (side board legs)
(1) 18" x 11-7/8” rectangle piece from the 5.0mm 2’ x 4’ Project Panel Underlayment Board (crate bottom) (optional) (2) 4.75”H x 6”W rectangle pieces from the 5.0mm 2’ x 4’ Project Panel Underlayment Board (chalkboard signs)
Measure and Make Cuts on Cut List:
Measure, mark and cut the 1”x 2”x 8’ board into (4) 19”L sections for the side legs and the 2’ x 4’ Project Panel into (1) 18” x 11-7/8” section to be used as a crate bottom with the circular saw and according to the cut diagram. If you want the optional chalkboard signs for each crate section, cut (2) 4.75”H x 6”W sections from the 2” x 4” Project Panel as well.
Paint or Stain (optional): Paint or stain all wood pieces and wood crate prior to assembly. If using the optional signs, paint those with chalkboard paint.
Remove Bottom Crate Slats and Cut Crate in Half:
Using a small crowbar or the claw side of a hammer, carefully pry the (5) stapled slats from the bottom of the Large Wood Crate being careful not to damage them as they will be reattached. Set the (5) slats aside. Using a jigsaw, cut the large crate horizontally in half in between the two middle slats being careful not to cut any of the slats. The cut should be approximately 4.75” up from the bottom of the crate. You should now have two bottomless half crates, one with handles and one without. Continuing with the jigsaw, cut any overhang from the solid end pieces so that the end pieces are flush with the slats.
Attach the Crate Bottoms and Side Board Legs:
Reattach the (5) slats that were previously removed to the bottom of the half of the crate with handles using the heavy duty stapler. This will be the upper crate of the produce holder. Take the half of the crate without handles and attach the 18" x 11-7/8” rectangle piece cut from the 2’ x 4’ project panel board using the heavy-duty stapler. This will be the lower crate of the produce holder. Continuing with the heavy-duty stapler, first attach the (4) 19” side board legs to the outside of the two solid ends of the upper crate, using two legs on each solid end. Be sure the legs are flush with the top and sides of the crate. Next, measure 3” up from the bottom of the (4) side board legs and make a mark. Align the bottom of the lower crate with the 3” marks on the legs and attach the legs to the outside of the two solid ends of the lower crate, making sure to keep the legs flush with the sides of the lower crate. TIP: Use clamps and a level to help keep the crates level while stapling the legs. Attach the optional chalkboard painted 4.75”H x 6”W signs centered horizontally on the slatted sides of each crate with the stapler.