Home-improvement expert Chris DeJulio recycles a wooden crate into rustic shelves. The crate is disassembled, side slats are used to form the bottom and back of the shelf, and end pieces are cut for side supports. A piece of twine forms the front rail of the shelf. The shelf may be painted, stained or left natural. Materials: Wooden crate
Flat-head screwdriver
Saw
Wood glue
Clamps
Drill
Wood screws
Twine
Wall anchors, if necessary
- Use a flat-head screwdriver to take the crate apart.
- Determine the length of your shelf, and cut side slats from the crate accordingly to form the shelf's bottom and back.
- Use wood glue to attach the back piece to the bottom. Clamp until the glue dries, approximately 30 minutes.
- Measure for side-support pieces and cut them to length. Glue and screw them in place so they form an L support (figure A). Clamp and let dry.
- Drill a hole on each end of the shelf (figure B), and run a piece of twine between the holes to form a front rail for the shelf (figure C). Knot the twine.
- Determine the wall placement. Drill holes in the back of the shelf and screw it to the wall, using wall anchors if not screwing into studs.
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