DIY wine crate shelves are a practical and budget-friendly way to organize your kitchen, display keepsakes, or decorate your home office. Their sturdy construction and uniform size make them ideal for creating modular, scalable storage systems, while the natural wood grain and vintage markings add character to your walls, creating a focal point that tells a story.
Below, learn how to source, prepare, and install wine crates, plus our favorite ways to tailor them to your style.
Find Wine Crates at Local Wine Shops
One of the most accessible and affordable sources for wine crates is your local wine shop. Many stores receive their wine shipments in wooden crates and are often willing to give them away or sell them at a minimal cost.
When visiting wine shops, be prepared to ask about their wine crate disposal schedule, see if they have a waiting list for crate pickup, and offer to pick your crates up on delivery days.
Search for Wine Crates on Online Marketplaces
If your local options are limited, online marketplaces can be a treasure trove. Websites like eBay, Etsy, and Facebook Marketplace often have listings for both new and used wine crates. While this isn’t free, it provides access to a broader variety of crates—including those from renowned vineyards or with unique designs.
When shopping online, factor in shipping weight and costs, the condition of the crates (ask for detailed photos), and the crates’ dimensions to make sure they’ll fit your space.
Preparing Wine Crates for Wall Mounting
Before transforming your crates into shelves, you have to prep them.
Removing Staples and Sanding
Start by carefully removing any staples or nails left from their original use. Use pliers or a staple remover to extract them without damaging the wood.
Once you’ve removed all the non-structural metal bits, it’s time to sand out those rough edges and splinters. For the best result, sand down the rough spots with coarse-grit sandpaper (60–80 grit) and progress to medium-grit (120–150 grit) to get a uniformly smooth surface. Finally, polish the crate with fine-grit sandpaper (220 grit). Make sure to smooth all corners and edges for safety.
Staining and Finishing
After sanding, you’ll decide whether to stain or leave your crates natural. Staining can enhance the wood grain and provide a more uniform appearance. If you’d like to preserve the vintner’s imprint, we recommend using a light-to-medium wood stain.
First, apply a pre-stain wood conditioner. Then use a cloth or brush to apply the stain evenly. Wait a few minutes for the stain to soak in before wiping any excess off. Finally, allow the stain to dry completely and apply two or three thin coats of a clear polyurethane finish to protect and seal the wood.
Choosing the Right Location for Your Wine Crate Shelves
Select an organic, functional spot for your wine crate shelves. To help you figure out where to install yours, factor in the following:
- Accessibility: Place shelves at a comfortable height for easy reach.
- Purpose: Kitchen shelves might hold spices and cookbooks, while living room shelves might display your decor.
- Visibility: Choose a location that showcases the crates’ unique features.
- Wall strength: The wall needs to support the weight of the crates themselves and their contents.
- Crate depth: Wine crates typically protrude further from the wall than standard shelves, so consider traffic flow in the room.
Required Materials and Tools for a Wine Crate Shelf
Gather the right tools and materials before you begin for a smooth installation. Here’s what you’ll need:
Materials
- Screws appropriate for your wall type (drywall, plaster, or masonry)
- Wall anchors (if not screwing into studs)
- Wall brackets
- Wine crates (sanded and finished)
Tools
- Drill with appropriate bits
- Level
- Pencil
- Safety glasses
- Screwdriver
- Stud finder
- Tape measure
- Work gloves
Tip: To give the crate and its contents adequate support, make sure your brackets are at least two-thirds as long as the crate’s depth. For example, if the crate is 3 feet deep, use brackets that are 2 feet in length.
Step 1: Measuring and Marking
First, you’ll need to plan the layout of your wine crate shelves. Here’s how we like to approach it:
- Use a stud finder to locate and mark wall studs.
- Decide on the arrangement of your crates, considering spacing and alignment.
- Hold a crate against the wall at your desired height and use a level to keep it straight.
- Mark the top corners of the crate on the wall.
- Measure and mark the positions for your brackets. Try to align them with studs where possible.
Step 2: Attaching Brackets
With your measurements in place, follow these steps to secure the brackets to the wall:
- Position the first bracket on your marks and use it as a template to mark screw holes.
- If you’re not hitting a stud, drill pilot holes and insert wall anchors.
- Screw the bracket into place, checking that it’s level.
- Repeat the process for the second bracket, double-checking that they’re aligned.
Step 3: Securing the Crates to the Wall
Once your brackets are firmly attached, you can mount the wine crates. Here’s how:
- Carefully place the crate onto the brackets.
- Check that the crate is level and adjust as needed.
- Secure the crate to the brackets using short screws or L-brackets for added stability.
- Repeat the process for any additional crates you’re installing.
Customizing Your Wine Crate Shelves
While natural wood is beautiful, painting can add a personal touch. Here are a few ways to get creative with the finish:
- Create patterns with stencils or tape.
- Experiment with distressing techniques for an aged appearance.
- Try color blocking for a modern aesthetic.
- Use chalk paint for a shabby chic look.
You can also upgrade your shelves with any of the following hardware additions:
- Add drawer pulls to the front for a decorative touch.
- Attach small casters to the bottom for mobility.
- Include dividers inside the crate for better organization.
- Install hooks underneath for hanging mugs or utensils.
