GRAINBENCH ORIGINALS

The Gather Round Storage Crate

An open, slatted crate for light household storage, with square corner posts and a separate plywood floor.

18 in W × 12 in D × 10-1/2 in H

Confident beginnerAlways free

Download the free PDF ↓

Printable drawings, a labelled cut list and nine assembly stages. No account or email required.

Common materials. Clear details.

Two 1x3 boards, 2x2 posts, 1x2 floor cleats and plywood.

Use straight, dry stock and check its actual thickness. The PDF lists quantities, hardware sizes, part labels and the cutting layout.

Shopping list

1x3 x 8 ft: 2 boards; each supplies three L and three E.
2x2 x 4 ft: 1 board. *P length = 10-1/2 in minus actual B thickness; 10 in if B is true 1/2 in.
1x2 x 4 ft: 1 board for C.
1/2 in plywood: At least 16-1/2 x 10-1/2 in usable.
Hardware: 48 x #8 x 1-1/2 in slat screws; fourteen #6 x 1-1/4 in screws: eight cleat and six floor.
Supplies: Glue, sandpaper and finish. No carrying handles are specified.

Before the first cut

Tape, square, pencil, supported saw, drill/driver, clamps and sanding tools. Use eye, hearing and dust protection. Clamp small parts and keep hands clear of cutting and screw paths. Countersink, stopped pilots and a guided saw for B.

Digitally checked; not physically built or load-tested. Follow the PDF’s fixing, stability and inspection instructions.

Your parts at a glance

Dimensions in inches. Stock names are nominal; finished dimensions are actual.

ID	Part	Qty	Stock	Length	Width	Thickness
L	Long side slats	6	1x3	18	2-1/2	3/4
E	End slats	6	1x3	10-1/2	2-1/2	3/4
P	Corner posts	4	2x2	10*	1-1/2	1-1/2
C	Floor cleats	2	1x2	13-1/2	1-1/2	3/4
B	Floor panel	1	1/2 ply	16-1/2	10-1/2	1/2 nom.

A clear way through

Keep the PDF beside you for the dimensioned drawings and drilling layouts.

01 Cut L/E slats, posts (P) and cleats (C)

Measure B thickness first and cut P to 10-1/2 in minus that thickness. Keep matching pieces equal. Reserve B slightly oversize until the frame is dry-fitted.

02 Mark slat heights on posts (P)

Use spacers equal to B thickness beneath P. From the overall floor reference, mark slat bottoms at 0, 4 and 8 in. P and top slats finish level at 10-1/2 in.

03 Dry-fit four walls and floor (B)

L runs full width; E fits between L, giving 12 in depth. P sits inside every corner. Verify the 16-1/2 x 10-1/2 in opening before cutting B snugly inside.

04 Drill slat holes and post pilots

Use two screws per slat/post contact, centred across P faces. L rows are 1 and 1-3/4 in above each slat bottom; E rows are 1-1/4 and 2 in. The offset separates intersecting screw paths.

05 Build end walls from E and P

Support P on floor-thickness spacers and use 1-1/2 in gap spacers. Glue contacts lightly, then fasten E with 24 #8 x 1-1/2 in screws. Match end-panel diagonals.

06 Connect end walls with long slats (L)

Align L ends with the end-wall outside faces. Glue contacts and add 24 matching screws. Keep bottoms flat and diagonals equal. Do not move the offset hole rows into the other screw paths.

07 Fit cleats (C) and floor (B)

C stands vertically between posts along both long walls, bottom at B top. Drive four #6 x 1-1/4 in screws per C through lower L, centred on C height. Fit B beneath C and add three screws upward into each C.

08 Finish slats, posts and floor

Ease exposed edges while leaving joining faces square. Sand 120 then 180 grit as appropriate, remove dust and test finish on an offcut. Follow finish ventilation and full cure directions. Inspect every gap for splinters. Do not add improvised handles or treat upper slats as rated carrying grips.

09 Inspect the completed crate

Check corners, cleats and floor screws including the underside. Use on a flat shelf or floor. Unload before moving; do not stack loaded crates or lift heavy contents by the top slats.