Plywood Gift Crate (man crate)

Build this crate and fill it with gifts, nail the top on, and present it along with a crowbar to open it! Who wouldn't have fun opening a gift with a crowbar?

What you need

1 pc ½” or ¾” plywood @ 2’ x 2’
4 pc ¼” x 1 ½” x 4’ poplar craft board

OR two 8’ sticks of ¼” x 1 ½” pine lattice

OR 1 pc ¼’ plywood @ 2’ x 2’, cut 8 strips, 1 ½” wide, (this will use half of the piece)

1 ¼” wire nails (for attaching the top -- you want these nails to be removable)
1 – 7” pry bar ( for opening up the sealed crate)
Finishing materials for desired finish

Supplies list:

Miter saw
Circular saw or table saw
Nailgun and hammer
Sander or sandpaper
Measuring tape
Wood Glue
1 ¼” finish nails
5/8” brad nails
Finishing materials as desired

Step by step

Step 1

Attach sides between front and back as shown. Use glue and 1 ¼” finish nails.

Step 2

Attach bottom to box, keeping outside edges flush. Use glue and 1¼” finish nails.

Step 3

Attach upper and lower trim to sides of box, keeping top and outside edges flush. Use glue and 5/8” brad nails.

Step 4

Attach upright trims to sides of box, keeping outside edges flush. You should measure and cut these to fit. Use glue and 5/8” brad nails.

Step 5

Step 6

Attach upright trim to front and back of box, keeping outside edges flush. You should measure and cut these to fit. Use glue and 5/8” brad nails.

Step 7

Attach front and back trim to box top, keeping outside edges flush. Use glue and 5/8” brad nails.

Step 8

Attach side trim to box top, keeping outside edges flush. Use glue and 5/8” brad nails.

Step 9

Sand piece to smooth cut edges and any rough spots. Finish as desired. You could leave unfinished if using as a “man crate”. If desired, you could stencil “Man Crate” or a fun caption on the side after sanding.

Step 10

To use this as a “Man crate”, after filling the box, attach the top using wire nails and a hammer. No glue is required here. These would work:

Step 11

Use a crowbar to open the top of the box. You can also use it to remove the nails. This would work:

Finishing

Sand all surfaces, starting with a medium grit and finishing with fine. Wipe off the dust, fill any holes or gaps with wood filler, and sand smooth once dry. Apply primer if you're painting, then finish with your choice of paint or stain and seal with a durable clear topcoat. For outdoor projects, use exterior-rated primer, paint or stain, and sealer so the piece stands up to the weather.