DIY Outdoor Crate Coffee Table

Add storage and design to your outdoor space with an easy to build DIY Outdoor Crate Coffee Table.

We live in a very warm climate so we’re fortunate to spend most of the year outdoors. Our back patio has become an extension of our home where we like to gather as a family. The kids read, do homework, or listen to music when they come home from school. We often eat dinner or dessert on the patio, and some evenings we just like to gather and talk as a family.

I pulled together a comfortable area with a bench, chairs, a rug, pillows, and a small table using things we already had. The only thing that’s missing is a coffee table. I decided I wanted to make a Outdoor Crate Coffee Table to add surface space and storage. It’s been on my to-do list for several months so it was about time I finally made it.

Supplies needed for Crate Coffee Table:
4 Unfinished Wood Crates (almost any craft store)
Plywood
4 Caster Wheels
Wood Screws for wheels
Exterior Paint and Primer
Wood Glue
Paint Brushes (1″ and 1 1/2″)
Sanding Block
Cordless Drill/Screwdriver
Saw (or have the plywood cut at the hardware store)

Choosing a paint color was the hardest part of the whole process. The paint I chose has an outstanding color selection with so many beautiful options. I already had a lot of summery blues and greens so I decided to stick within that color scheme. I chose Ocean Storm by BEHR Marquee because it’s a pretty medium blue and would still look good if I decided to change things up a bit. The sitting area is under a covered patio but since it is still exposed to some outdoor elements I used an exterior paint and primer.

Fit the wood crates together and mark the edges on the plywood then cut it to size. Lightly sand the wood crates and plywood to knock off any splinters and smooth the edges. Then use a damp cloth to wipe any dust off the wood pieces. Since these pieces are new and unfinished there is no need for further cleaning.

I recommend painting each piece individually before assembling. It is much easier to get the brush in all the tight spaces before it’s assembled. I am pretty picky when it comes to painting so I make sure to take my time and apply the paint with steady, even strokes. Painting between all the slats was definitely the hardest and most time consuming part. The coverage and application of this paint is so good. I was fully prepared to add a second coat but was pleasantly surprised that I didn’t have too.

Once the paint dries (I would wait 24 hours) screw the caster wheels into the bottom of the plywood. I marked the holes for the screws first, then drilled pilot holes to help the screws go in easier and not split the wood. Make sure the screws are the right length and don’t go through the top of the plywood.

Flip the base over on the wheels and place the crates on top of the plywood how you would like them. I placed the crates in the design I wanted before I had the plywood cut so I would have a good measurement.

Apply a generous amount of wood glue to the bottom slats of each crate then use a foam brush to smooth the glue. Continue the process on all the crates. Place a few heavy items on top of the crates until the glue is dry. I didn’t initially screw the crates into the plywood base but since it was going to be outside I decided it would hold up better in the weather. I also screwed the crates together for added strength.

That’s it! You now have an awesome outdoor coffee table with plenty of surface area and storage space. The center area is great for a large plant or place a serving tray over it for more flat surface space.

I feel confident leaving the table outdoors knowing the paint will hold up well. I can’t wait for even more great memories on our back patio and I’m pretty stoked that I built this table by myself.

Pin it for later: Crate Coffee Table

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