DIY Network

Open Toy Crate This rustic crate is perfect for handmade blocks. From "B. Original" episode DBOR-511

Stow everything from toys to tools in this great crate.

If you build Michele Beschen’s heirloom block set
for a favorite child, you’ll need somewhere to keep them. And what better storage for handmade blocks than this custom toy crate? Michele Beschen started off by building the crate, then created her heirloom blocks to fit it perfectly.

B. Original and build your own crate with Michele Beschen's easy how-to: It makes great storage for blocks, toys, tools or just about anything. Scroll down to get started.

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Open Toy Crate

Materials:

Lumber: 1x8 pine lumber 2 pieces 18" long 2 pieces 12" long 1x6 pine lumber 2 pieces 18" long

Other materials: 2 pieces of heavy cotton rope, 18" long (4) 1/2" copper tubing straps (8) 1/2" wood screws air nailer and nails

Figure A

Note: If needed, the staff at the home improvement store can cut the lumber to size at the time of purchase. If you cut your own wood, remember to wear safety glasses and follow all safety rules when cutting the wood.

• Position the pieces of 1x8 lumber on edge in a rectangle to form the frame of the crate. The 12" end pieces should sit to the outside of the 18" sides (figure A).

• Apply wood glue to the corner joints and reinforce with either nails or screws (figure B). Michele Beschen used an air nailer for this part of the project.
  

  Figure B

  Figure C

  
  

  Figure D

• Slide the two pieces of 1x6 lumber into the box to form the box’s bottom (figure C). They should fit perfectly; if they’re a little large, sand them down to fit.

• Use wood glue at the joints and nail the bottom pieces into place along the bottom edge of the box.

• Tie off the ends of the cotton rope so they don’t fray.

• Position one piece of rope on one of the ends of the crate and use an air nailer to secure it with staples. Attach the other rope to the opposite end of the crate.

• Reinforce the ropes with 1/2" copper tubing straps (figure D). Install the straps over the rope with 1/2" screws.

• Decorate the crate as desired with stain, paint and/or a wood-burning tool.

Now, fill your great crate with Michele Beschen’s custom handmade blocks!