How to Build Your Own Apple Crate

Here I go again making boxes and crates.
An Easy Build that can be used for a beautiful decorative crate. Homeroad.net

For this project began with shims from the hardware store.
You can also use the FREE paint sticks from the hardware store but today, I'm using the shims. 

An Easy Build that can be used for a beautiful decorative crate. Homeroad.net

I glued 2 shims together (thin end to fat end) to make a stronger slat. 

 I used a piece of distressed wood on each side of the crate and glued 2 slats to the bottom, and 2 slats to each side.

An Easy Build that can be used for a beautiful decorative crate. Homeroad.net

On the bottom I stapled square wire which I aged to look old.

An Easy Build that can be used for a beautiful decorative crate. Homeroad.net

For a handle I used a piece of the metal strap from around an old barrel and nailed it to each end of the crate.

An Easy Build that can be used for a beautiful decorative crate. Homeroad.net

It makes the perfect crate for apples and fall decorating.

An Easy Build that can be used for a beautiful decorative crate. Homeroad.net
I hope you enjoyed this project and you'll take a look at my Amazon Shop for craft supplies I recommend. Also while you're here please sign up for the Homeroad emails on my sidebar so I can send my latest DIY post straight to you. 
Homeroad
Homeroad

I am Susan, the author and creator at Homeroad. I am a wife, mother of 4 daughters, and a grandmother of 5 and counting. I am a retired teacher, a DIY blogger and an artist at heart. .

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Comments

  1. UnknownSeptember 19, 2011 at 7:20 AM

    Real cute...how did you distress the wire? Love the leather strap. In a pinch, one could use an old belt.

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  2. ChristieSeptember 19, 2011 at 7:56 AM

    This is great! What a great idea! It turned out wonderful..Christie at Three Pixie Lane

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  3. Kathy @ Creative Home ExpressionsSeptember 19, 2011 at 8:19 AM

    It does, Susan! It looks like an old crate! You are so creative and I'm sure you'll be able to use it in the coming holiday months, too.

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  4. Lori @ Katies Rose Cottage DesignsSeptember 19, 2011 at 8:20 AM

    I just love that!! Thank you for sharing it with us!

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  5. NanSeptember 19, 2011 at 8:52 AM

    I love the crate, Susan! What a great use for shims! I'm heading to Home Depot today! This would be an inexpensive and fun project to do with a group of friends! You always have such great ideas!

    I've been thinking of you and your recent injury - how is your ankle? The only good thing about this is it's extending your summer and project time! Hope you're healing up well!

    Nan

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  6. Korrie@RedHenHomeSeptember 19, 2011 at 10:17 AM

    Very cute! Hope you are feeling better.

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  7. JaneSeptember 19, 2011 at 10:44 AM

    Oh you clever, clever girl!! I love this idea! You are the queen of crates!! I'm going to try this one, thx for sharing.
    Jane

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  8. ANNESeptember 19, 2011 at 11:10 AM

    I am so stealing this idea!!! How clever are you?! Are these standard sized shims? The box looks larger in the photos. And I have a bundle of shims waiting in my studio just for this project :)

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  9. Sandi @ The Primitive SkateSeptember 19, 2011 at 11:43 AM

    How Creative! I Love it! It does look like an old crate! Thanks for sharing!

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  10. AnonymousSeptember 19, 2011 at 12:46 PM

    Susan, what an awesome project. I love the wire in the bottom of it. I think even I could make this. Super job!

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  11. Elder EsplinSeptember 19, 2011 at 3:25 PM

    OH MAN!!! I am SO in LOVE. I need to make one. SO CUTE, MUST BE PINNED!

    Jennie {Cinnaberry Suite}

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  12. KeiSeptember 19, 2011 at 3:26 PM

    I absolutely love how that looks!

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  13. GenevaSeptember 19, 2011 at 5:29 PM

    Just found you on Amaze Me Link Party... Like your blog, and really enjoyed this post. The apple crate looks great...especially the wire on the bottom. Great Photographs as well!

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  14. Just JaimeSeptember 19, 2011 at 7:36 PM

    Looks so great!

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  15. LindsaySeptember 20, 2011 at 9:27 AM

    This is really cute thanks for sharing. I will be making these and soon:)
    Lindsay @ countrygirlhome

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  16. DIYbyDesignSeptember 20, 2011 at 8:08 PM

    Now that's really clever. So glad you linked up this project.

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  17. a quiet lifeSeptember 20, 2011 at 8:43 PM

    love that look!

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  18. TammySeptember 20, 2011 at 8:43 PM

    I am always attracted to your projects on these linky parties! Good job, again!

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  19. Shell BelleSeptember 20, 2011 at 11:14 PM

    Wow!! This is amazing! Great job!! I really hope I can make one some day :)

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  20. JennSeptember 21, 2011 at 12:46 AM

    So fabulous!! The kids and I are hoping to go apple picking on the weekend. I would love to have one of these!! THat handle totally makes it. Thanks so much for linking up to The Creative Spark. Have a great week!
    Jenn :)

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  21. Teresa@1800 Farmhouse RdSeptember 21, 2011 at 7:48 PM

    Love it!!! I am looking for your follow button so I can follow.

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  22. Honey at 2805September 21, 2011 at 8:22 PM

    How creative! The leather strap really lends to it's vintage look!

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  23. Honey at 2805September 21, 2011 at 10:03 PM

    My eyes deceive me, the metal strap sure looks like leather! It's terrific!

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  24. Bernadette @ b3hdSeptember 22, 2011 at 2:15 AM

    What a creative, unique idea. Would be perfect in my apple country, wa home. Thanks for the inspiro!

    Bernadette @b3hd

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  25. MarilynSeptember 22, 2011 at 12:43 PM

    Awesome idea..Great creativity...I found ya per blog hop and had to stop in and say hello..Officially following ya via http://theartsygirlconnection.blogspot.com ..Hope you can stop by too :)) .Ty..

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  26. Janel from NellieBellieSeptember 23, 2011 at 8:51 AM

    thanks for stopping by my blog...I had to sneak over. Glad I did! Love this crate...simple and cute!

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  27. Becky@Beyond The Picket FenceSeptember 23, 2011 at 12:32 PM

    I love it--that handle is divine. Thanks for sharing at Beyond the Picket Fence!

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  28. BabsSeptember 23, 2011 at 3:46 PM

    Great looking apple crate! You're so creative to think of using the slats in this way. Very rustic and Fall-ish.

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  29. paigeSeptember 24, 2011 at 8:36 AM

    Love this...so cute! I would love for you to link up to my new linky party -

    Creative Genius @ http://www.thecreativepaige.com

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  30. KatherineSeptember 24, 2011 at 7:03 PM

    I hope you don't mind, but I pinned your fabulous crate in Pinterest. It looks amazing.

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  31. LeanneSeptember 24, 2011 at 11:08 PM

    Awesome! Thanks for linking to the party this week. I'll be featuring this Sunday!

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  32. JennSeptember 25, 2011 at 1:42 AM

    Just popping back to let you know that I will be featuring this tomorrow at Clean and Scentsible. Just went apple picking today - I would SO love to have one of these!!
    Jenn :)

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  33. JacquelineSeptember 25, 2011 at 4:59 PM

    I so need to make some of these! Especially that you made them out of shims! Thank you for sharing at Simply Creations Link Party!

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  34. Sherry @ No Minimalist HereSeptember 27, 2011 at 10:24 PM

    Susan, How very creative and I love the crate. Thank you for linking to the Open House party.
    Hugs,
    Sherry

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  35. Julia @ 551EastdesignSeptember 28, 2011 at 1:17 AM

    I see so many old crates that I love put the usually carry a large price tag so this is such a great tutorial. :) Thank you!

    P.S. I'm having a $50 cash giveaway on my blog this week. Come by when you have a chance! :)

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  36. Courtney ~ French Country CottageSeptember 29, 2011 at 12:25 AM

    I love old crates too- and with the apples- so charming! Thanks for sharing at Feathered Nest Friday!

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  37. http://decoratedchaos.blogspot.comOctober 12, 2014 at 9:24 PM

    very pretty!

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  38. AdinaSeptember 12, 2015 at 8:43 PM

    Super cute Susan! Love it

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  39. Amy EllisJune 18, 2016 at 10:06 AM

    I want to make like 100 of these!!! So cute

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Have a nice day.
Susan