Plywood Gift Crate (man crate)

Difficulty

Starter Projects

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?

Unlike girly frilly gift baskets, this is a “Manly” gift crate that you have to open with a crowbar. How fun is that? Build a plywood gift crate from some scrap plywood and craft boards. This is my interpretation of the popular “mancrate”. Inspiration : mancrates.com

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?

This can be made from scrap wood or you can make the whole crate from one 2’ x 2’ plywood piece and 16 feet of ¼” x 1 ½” craft board (about $15 for wood). This plan shows measurements using both ¾” plywood and ½” plywood. Prototypes made from both sizes are shown. Instead of craft board, you can substitute lattice or you could cut 1 ½” wide strips of ¼” plywood. I’m showing pictures of it done with craft board and with 1/4" plywood strips. Nail it shut with something like these:

http://www.lowes.com/pd_58185-37672-532407_0__?productId=3036018&Ntt=wi…¤tURL=%3FNtt%3Dwire%2Bnails&facetInfo=

And when you present the gift, give a crowbar also for prying it open:

http://www.lowes.com/pd_117699-16878-62897_0__?productId=4777013&Ntt=pr…¤tURL=%3FNtt%3Dpry%2Bbar&facetInfo=

I’m hoping my hubby and son like these crates! I’m planning an entertainment theme with some of their faves – mugs or things from their favorite sports teams, DVDs, popcorn, favorite homemade candy, that kind of thing. I’m thinking of making myself one too -- a “ma’am” crate ;) (heeeheee) A .pdf copy of the plan is attached just below the General Instructions section. I hope you build this, and post a brag picture! This was a fun project!

NOTE: Project calculator: I’ve created an Excel file to calculate the cut list based on desired crate size, thickness of wood and trim, and width of trim. To use it, just fill in the #s in the yellow highlighted fields, and the spreadsheet will do the rest! I wasn't able to attach the Excel file to the plan (screenshot of it is attached), but if you send me (JoanneS) a note through the Contacts -- I’ll reply and email it to you.

Happy Building!

12" L, 12" W, 7 1/4" H (3/4" plywood), 12" L, 12" W, 6 3/4" H (1/2" plywood)

Preparation

Shopping List

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

Cut List

Crate dimensions: 12” L x 12” W x 6 ¾” H

½” plywood:
2 pc @ 5 ½” x 10 ½” (sides)
2 pc @ 5 ½” x 11 ½” (front/back)
1 pc @ 11 ½” x 11 ½” (bottom)
1 pc @ 12” x 12” (top)

¼” x 1 ½” craft board/trim:
Crate:
4 pc @ 12” (front/back upper & lower trims)
4 pc @ 11 ½” (side upper & lower trims)
8 pc @ 3” (side upright trims) (measure and cut to fit)
Top:
2 pc @ 12” (front/back trims)
2 pc @ 9” (side trims)

Cut list for ¾” plywood:

Crate dimensions: 12” L x 12” W x 7 ¼” H

½” plywood:
2 pc @ 5 ½” x 10 ” (sides)
2 pc @ 5 ½” x 11 ½” (front/back)
1 pc @ 11 ½” x 11 ½” (bottom)
1 pc @ 12” x 12” (top)

¼” x 1 ½” craft board/trim:
Crate:
4 pc @ 12” (front/back upper & lower trims)
4 pc @ 11 ½” (side upper & lower trims)
8 pc @ 3 ¼” (side upright trims) (measure and cut to fit)
Top:
2 pc @ 12” (front/back trims)
2 pc @ 9” (side trims)

Cutting Instructions

Cut lists for 3/4" and 1/2" plywood are included.

Tools

General Instructions

Please read through the entire plan and all comments before beginning this project. It is also advisable to review the Getting Started Section. Take all necessary precautions to build safely and smartly. Work on a clean level surface, free of imperfections or debris. Always use straight boards. Check for square after each step. Always predrill holes before attaching with screws. Use glue with finish nails for a stronger hold. Wipe excess glue off bare wood for stained projects, as dried glue will not take stain. Be safe, have fun, and ask for help if you need it. Good luck!

Instructions

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: http://www.lowes.com/pd_58185-37672-532407_0__?productId=3036018&Ntt=wi…¤tURL=%3FNtt%3Dwire%2Bnails&facetInfo=

Step 11

Use a crowbar to open the top of the box. You can also use it to remove the nails. This would work: http://www.lowes.com/pd_117699-16878-62897_0__?productId=4777013&Ntt=pr…¤tURL=%3FNtt%3Dpry%2Bbar&facetInfo=

PDF

PDF Version

Finishing Instructions

Preparation Instructions

Fill all holes with wood filler and let dry. Apply additional coats of wood filler as needed. When wood filler is completely dry, sand the project in the direction of the wood grain with 120 grit sandpaper. Vacuum sanded project to remove sanding residue. Remove all sanding residue on work surfaces as well. Wipe project clean with damp cloth.

It is always recommended to apply a test coat on a hidden area or scrap piece to ensure color evenness and adhesion. Use primer or wood conditioner as needed.

Finish Used

These "Man crates" are unfinished, just sanded smooth. You could stencil the outside if desired, or add paint or stain.

Project Type

Crate Plans and Projects Made with Crates

Room

Storage Solutions

Style

Farmhouse Furniture

Comments

yurra-bazain

Tue, 11/12/2013 - 20:26

This is getting me excited!

I am now feeling excited for Christmas if only to make a Man Crate to give my husband, crowbar and all! Best of all, if he doesn't want to open it, I can! Haha. =D Love your version of this neat idea! Putting this one of my "To Build" list.

JoanneS

Wed, 11/13/2013 - 18:03

Thanks Yvonne!

Thanks Yvonne! Building these got me into the holiday spirit too! I started shopping for the gifts to fill these over the weekend. Can't wait to see what you build! These were really fun - now I'm thinking of ways I could use this type of crates for decorative storage too. I might make some and stain them gray, to hold stuff for my new work table (BTW- it's already broken in - there are some paint splotches on it ;)

Val Manchuk

Sat, 11/16/2013 - 23:09

Great Idea!

This will make Christmas so much fun! My husband and two boys will be the lucky recipients of some Man Crates this year! Thanks for a cool idea!

Val
artsybuildinglady.blogspot.ca

JoanneS

Sun, 11/17/2013 - 05:32

Thanks Val!

Thank you for the nice comment, Val! I've had a ball making these. Yesterday I built one with hardwood plywood for someone at work who is retiring next week. The team will be giving him his gifts in his very own man crate, and he'll have to use a crowbar at his retirement party (roast!) :) I think the folks are also going to sign the top. That will be fun!

ManCrates

Fri, 11/29/2013 - 09:33

We're so flattered!

Great minds must think alike. We're all about guys getting better gifts- thanks for putting together this DIY on how to build a Man Crate (TM). If we could add our expert advice- we'd advise sealing the crate with Gorilla wood glue (allow overnight to dry) or industrial hot glue instead of nails.
Nails pry off more easily, and exposed nail heads in the lid are hazardous once the guy gets into the awesome contents of your crate.
Craft hot glue can also work, just make sure you apply some pressure to the lid while it dries.

If you don't want to DIY check out the awesome options at www.mancrates.com

Azule74

Tue, 03/10/2015 - 13:21

Excel sheet

Does anyone know where I can get the excel sheet? I am being lazy and not wanting to figure out the measurements today. I tried to email Ana White's crew and they said that it was not from Ana White and someone here might know who the original creator is.

JoanneS

Tue, 03/10/2015 - 17:32