DIY Crate & Pipe Industrial Table

Date
Aug, 27, 2014

I’m super excited to be teaming up with all these fabulous ladies on such a fun project! We all bought the same wooden crate from Michaels, and thought it would be cool to see what everyone came up with.

We didn’t really set any rules so anything is fair game! Be sure to check out the gallery at the bottom of this post to visit each blog 🙂 I came up with this DIY Crate & Pipe Industrial Table and I love it!

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DIY CRATE & PIPE INDUSTRIAL TABLE

DIY Crate & Pipe Industrial Table

Of course, naturally I wanted to turn my crate into a piece of furniture; but it took me a little while to figure out how. I wanted to just pop some hairpin legs on it and call it a day, but I was turned off by the price. 🙁  

Crate Before

I thought about how I could make my own, but without being welder, I didn’t see many options. Then I thought about putting dividers in the crate and turning it into a wine storage table. Clearly I didn’t follow through on that.

I did know that I wanted it to have that industrial look so I decided to go with piping. Off to Home Depot I went and god bless the people who work there for putting up with me. I went without having a firm idea of how I was going to structure the base so after staring at all the copper pipes for a solid half hour, I finally asked for some help.

Brainstorming Base

Luckily, Home Depot sells the same wooden crate and I was able to use one as a guinea pig. I told the kind worker my plan and he so very nicely helped me visualize my idea, “assemble” it in the aisle on the floor, and write down all the measurements. Let me just say more than one person walked by with an extremely confused look on their face. Here’s proof:

DIY Crate and Pipe Industrial TableMy original plan was having the base look like that and put the crate on top. Silly me. Terrible idea. It needed way more support. Which I didn’t realize until I got home. So I had to make another trip back to the Depot and bought some more pipes and adjusted the frame.

Measurements of Pipe

MATERIALS


:: 1/2 inch Copper Piping
:: Pipe Cutter (optional)
:: Eight 1/2 inch Copper Tube Straps
:: Two 1/2 inch T Bars (totally made that name up)
::Six 1/2 inch 90° elbows

::Two 1/2 inch 90° Street Elbows
:: Two 1/2 inch Tube Caps (not pictured, fail.)
:: Liquid Nails
:: Spray Paint

Materials for Crate Table

MEASUREMENTS

:: 2 @ 23.5″
:: 1 @ 15″
:: 2 @ 12″
:: 4 @ 8.75″
:: 2 @ 7.5″

You can have someone cut your pipe at Home Depot (which I did when I first went), but when I went back to pick up more I was impatient and didn’t feel like waiting so I bought one instead. It’s super easy to use!

Copper Pipe Cutter

So once I had my frame laid out, I took it apart and applied some Liquid Nails in all the connectors. I wasn’t super impressed with how this glue worked. I let it sit overnight and I was still able to wiggle the pipes around. Since I was securing the pipes to the table with the straps I figured I didn’t need too much extra support, which ended up being fine.

I considered keeping the copper color, but wasn’t really sold on the way it was looking. Enter spray paint.

Spray Paint for Pipe

I used the Hammered paint for the frame, which is AWESOME. If you haven’t tried this stuff, you need to. It gives it such a cool “textured” look. It amazed me. Then I coated it with the Matte Finish. I originally painted the tube straps in the Hammered too, but wanted a little more contrast so I went with the Metallic Fusion for the ones I was using on the top.

Tube Straps

I used four straps on the top and 4 straps on the bottom to secure the crate.

DIY Crate Table

Speaking of the crate…I started out by sanding the inside down. It’s really quite annoying that the outside is smooth and the inside is so rough. I should have sanded more, because rough wood like that is a pain in the buns to stain.

I followed a tutorial from Shannon over at AKA Design & Life for the look on the crate. She used it on this incredible DIY Brickmaker’s Coffee Table. Unreal right?.  I started out using Dark Walnut like she did, followed by the Classic Gray. I’ll tell you right now, adding the Gray over the Dark Walnut did absolutely nothing. I’d skip that step in the future. What really makes this an incredible finish is the white wash.

Whitewash Crate

Mix about a spoonful of white paint with half a cup of water and mix thoroughly. I applied it and then gently wiped it off with a rag. It gives the wood the perfect antiqued look! (The picture really doesn’t do it justice).

I sealed it up with some General Finishes Flat Topcoat and added some L Brackets in the corners just for an extra little touch. 🙂

Flat Topcoat

Finished Crate Table

DIY Industrial Crate and Pipe Table

Styling Crate Table

After Industrial Crate Table

Completed Industrial Crate and Pipe Table

I’m thinking I want to make another one and use them as our night stands! I really wasn’t sure what this thing was going to look like but I love it. And it will be much easier to make the second one.

I never would have made something like this if I wasn’t a part of this challenge, and I’m so glad I was. I love painting furniture, but I was getting the itch to build something. This was the perfect little project for me.

Do you like what I did with my crate? What would you have done?? Make sure to browse the gallery below and see what all my other bloggy friends made 🙂

Have a great day everyone!

 


DIY Crate Table

brepurposed

164 Comments

  1. Reply

    Chris

    January 17, 2021

    Amazing, I truly like that piece! I had never considered going with a modern pizazz for something to that effect, however, I have a few of these boxes I’ve been gathering and I’d love to take a stab at something like this. Much appreciated such a great amount for sharing!

  2. Reply

    GearsTips

    December 14, 2019

    Here are best nice way to explain the working of pro tools.

  3. Reply

    Desmond haynes

    December 14, 2019

    It is informative one.

  4. Reply

    GearsTips

    December 14, 2019

    For DIY CRATE & PIPE INDUSTRIAL TABLE we have to use some professional power tools like router table.

  5. Reply

    Lewwy

    November 10, 2019

    Nice work on this table excellent use of imagination.

  6. Reply

    Dad Life

    May 23, 2019

    This will go perfect in my wife’s reading nook. I have a new project for next week. I am going to try to surprise her with it.

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      May 24, 2019

      I hope she loves it!

  7. Reply

    Gary - chivmen.com

    March 30, 2019

    Now this is something I might try. Thanks for the diy guide.

    • Reply

      Desmond haynes

      December 14, 2019

      Mix about a spoonful of white paint with half a cup of water and mix thoroughly. I applied it and then gently wiped it off with a rag. Use router table power tools

  8. Reply

    Chris

    November 16, 2018

    I think to work with such thin products you need a special saw. To leave neat edges and do not align then 2 days with a sandpaper

  9. Reply

    Jan

    November 3, 2018

    This is really cool 🙂

  10. Reply

    Paul Langley

    April 22, 2016

    Wow, I really like that piece! I had never thought of going with an industrial flair for something like that, but I have a couple of these crates I’ve been collecting and I’d love to try something like this. You may have given me my weekend project, so thanks for that! And some of the other ones look great too, so I may have a few weekends planned out now. Thanks so much for sharing!

  11. Reply

    Megan

    December 30, 2015

    This is awesome! I was wondering how you were able to get the 7.5″ bar to attach to the 23.5″?

  12. Reply

    Megan

    December 30, 2015

    I love this! I was wonder how you were able to get the 7.5″ bar to attach to the 23.5″?

  13. Reply

    Winepine

    October 7, 2015

    Industrial style meets shabby-chic. Love it! The finish adds a nice accent for a more vintage look. Have you ever tried a decorative project with wooden wine crates? They give a warm and bright feeling to a modern décor.

    If your looking for original wine boxes or crates for future projects visit Winepine

  14. Reply

    Julie

    September 1, 2015

    Love this! How much did you cost come to? Such a cute idea, now I need to make one 🙂

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      September 4, 2015

      Thanks Julie! I already had some of the supplies but all together it was definitely under $50!

  15. Reply

    Laura

    February 9, 2015

    Hi Brie! I love this so much. What again did you use for the crate? Thanks and I can’t wait to make this!!

  16. Reply

    Sharon Hines

    September 22, 2014

    I love, love this table and am so dang impressed with everyone’s projects in this crate challenge. Thank you for sharing your creativity at the Best of DIY link party!

  17. Reply

    Shelly -minettesmaze.blogspot.com/

    September 17, 2014

    OMG you did amazing on this project!!!! Totally in love with it!!

    Shelly
    minettesmaze.blogspot.com

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      September 17, 2014

      Thank you so much, Shelly!!

  18. Reply

    Karren Haller

    September 4, 2014

    Hi Bre, I love your crate challenge and wanted to let you know that I have it featured on my Weekends Are Fun Party. I do hope that you can stop by and share other links with us. It starts at 11:00 AM PST today!!

    Have a great weekend!
    Karren

  19. Reply

    amy @ one artsy mama

    September 4, 2014

    Gorgeous!

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      September 4, 2014

      Thanks, Amy!

  20. Reply

    Leigh Anne - Houseologie.com

    September 3, 2014

    You really nailed it! I am in love with this little table. Great job!

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      September 4, 2014

      Thank you Leigh Anne!

  21. Reply

    Krista @ the happy housie

    September 2, 2014

    This is amazing! So creative – love it! We’re featuring you tomorrow morning at Work it Wednesday – thanks for sharing it!!
    ~Krista from the happy housie

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      September 2, 2014

      Thank you so much Krista!! Love linking up with you guys 🙂 Have a great night!

  22. Reply

    Rachel

    September 2, 2014

    Hi Bre,
    I just stumbled across your blog and I LOVE LOVE this crate table! Well done!
    xo, Rachel

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      September 2, 2014

      Thank you so much, Rachel!! I’m so glad you stopped by 🙂

  23. Reply

    Lisa at Mabey She Made It

    September 1, 2014

    So amazing! I can’t help but love it.

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      September 2, 2014

      Thank you Lisa!! 🙂

  24. Reply

    Natalie

    August 31, 2014

    This is amazing! I am so impressed. I love the industrial look. You did an awesome job and I think you should totally make another for your nightstand!

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      September 2, 2014

      Thank you so much, Natalie! I think I’m going to have to 🙂

  25. Reply

    Karren Haller

    August 31, 2014

    I have to show my son, he is the handyman, he loves making things and this turned out really well.

    Thanks for linking up this week, hope to see you next week,

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      September 2, 2014

      You definitely should, it would be a great project for him! Thanks Karren!

  26. Reply

    karin

    August 31, 2014

    Oh I Just love this! We will be featuring it at our Twirl and Take a Bow Link Party Monday Night! Be sure to come grab a button!
    Hugs
    Karin

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      August 31, 2014

      Yay! Thank you Karin 🙂 Can’t wait to stop by!

  27. Reply

    Alexis @ Persia Lou

    August 31, 2014

    Wow! You rocked this! It turned out so great. The brackets in the corners are the perfect touch. And what a fun challenge too. Love all the projects. 🙂

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      August 31, 2014

      Thank you, Alexis! It was so fun seeing what everyone came up with 🙂

  28. Reply

    Michelle Stam (@considergrace)

    August 30, 2014

    Just love what you did here! Great imagination, and persistence! Great job.

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      August 31, 2014

      Thanks, Michelle!

  29. Reply

    Jenny

    August 29, 2014

    Bre this is awesome! It turned out beautiful. I love how you stained the pipes!

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      August 31, 2014

      Thank you so much, Jenny!

  30. Reply

    Amy

    August 29, 2014

    This is awesome Bre! You always pick the perfect paint/stain colors for your projects! I love how the pipes wrap around the top of the table!!

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      August 29, 2014

      Aw thank you Amy!! <3

  31. Reply

    Tania

    August 28, 2014

    Wow, this is such a cool idea, I love how it turned out!

    Tania

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      August 29, 2014

      Thank you Tania!!

  32. Reply

    Megan

    August 28, 2014

    I love the versatility of these little craft crates! This is a great way to repurpose one! I really like the pipe legs and the dark stain.

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      August 29, 2014

      There are SO many possibilities with them! Thanks Megan 🙂

  33. Reply

    Pam@over50feeling40

    August 28, 2014

    This is a great idea to get ideas from so many creative people…love what you did and thanks for sharing on the Thursday Blog Hop!

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      August 29, 2014

      So many great projects from this group of girls! Thanks for hosting a great party 🙂

  34. Reply

    Kristina @ My Own Home Blog

    August 28, 2014

    Love this! I’m not sure where I’d put one, maybe waterproof it and use it in the garden to store supplies and small pots, but I must make one! 🙂 THanks for sharing this!

  35. Reply

    Carmody Tisdale

    August 28, 2014

    Really beautiful and clever use of materials Bre!

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      August 29, 2014

      Thanks Carmody!!

  36. Reply

    Sonya~At Home with The Barkers

    August 28, 2014

    This is such a creative idea! I love it Bre! ~Sonya

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      August 29, 2014

      Thank you Sonya!

  37. Reply

    karen

    August 28, 2014

    I love it! Wow, what a creative solution you came up with and I love the story about Home Depot!

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      August 29, 2014

      haha yep, they definitely think I’m crazy! Thanks Karen!

  38. Reply

    Elizabeth

    August 27, 2014

    This would make such a great nightstand!

  39. Reply

    ericasooter

    August 27, 2014

    This is so classy and totally looks like a high end piece you would buy in a shop! Love the stain, love the pipes, love the brackets. You, sister, are a professional! So totally perfect 🙂

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      August 27, 2014

      And so does yours girl! They can be friends 🙂 So glad we did this challenge!

  40. Reply

    Ashley@Biggerthanthethreeofus

    August 27, 2014

    Freakin genius! Love it. Pinning and thanks for linking up with us at the DIY’ers!

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      August 27, 2014

      THANKS! Love partying with you guys 🙂

  41. Reply

    Stefanie

    August 27, 2014

    Oh, it’s incredible! The frame you designed with the copper piping is just brilliant! What a fun challenge and I love all the projects shared….beautiful creations! 🙂

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      August 27, 2014

      Thank you so much Stefanie!!

  42. Reply

    Amy @ Homey Oh My!

    August 27, 2014

    Oh wow, that is so creative to fit the crate into the pipe frame like that. Wow. Straight up genius. The styling here is gorgeous!!

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      August 27, 2014

      I thought you might like this one 😉

  43. Reply

    Sarah

    August 27, 2014

    That stain turned out great! It looks like weathered pallet wood — only cleaner. 😉

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      August 27, 2014

      yes! great comparison:) it’s my new fav method of “distressing”

  44. Reply

    Kristine @ Big Dreams, Shallow Pockets

    August 27, 2014

    Holy cow I freakin’ love this!!!!! I am such a huge rustic/industrial fan and this just sings to my heart! I may just have to use yours as inspiration and re-do my nightstands!

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      August 27, 2014

      YES! Def redo your night stands 🙂 This is a super easy DIY, I swear!

  45. Reply

    Marisa McCroskey

    August 27, 2014

    This is absolutely amazing and creative!! I love it and I can’t wait to make one too:) Thanks for sharing this FAB DIY!

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      August 27, 2014

      Thank you Marisa!! I think it would look fab in your son’s room 😉

  46. Reply

    Sharon Hines

    August 27, 2014

    Wow! What an impressive project. Love your ingenuity. The brackets really do add the perfect finishing touch. Pinning!

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      August 27, 2014

      Right?! I just needed a little more contrast between the crate and the piping. Thanks Sharon!

  47. Reply

    Amanda @ Dwelling in Happiness

    August 27, 2014

    One word: LOVE. Actually, two more words: amaze balls!! This is fabulous, Bre!! Nice work!! 🙂 I love that industrial look!

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      August 27, 2014

      hahahah thank you Amanda! 🙂

  48. Reply

    Michelle from Weekend Craft

    August 27, 2014

    Bre this is awesome. I wish I had known about this challenge I just made a coffee table out of these crates. Love how you incorporated the pipes. I may need to think about matching end tables.

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      August 27, 2014

      Definitely need to check out your coffee table and you should definitely add some end tables!

  49. Reply

    Tara @ Anything & Everything

    August 27, 2014

    OMG Bre, you did a fantastic job! Going to have to try that hammered paint, sounds awesome! I love everything about this table! Great job!

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      August 27, 2014

      THANK YOU! Seriously, I don’t know how the Hammered paint works but it’s awesome. Def try it out!

  50. Reply

    Christina @ Operation Home

    August 27, 2014

    Honestly, Bre!!! There is no way that you CAN’T be successful in the furniture biz. You have such a knack for envisioning cool stuff!! I’m totally in love with this. The way you configured the pipes was brilliant! And the overall look is perfect! 🙂

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      August 27, 2014

      aw shucks girl. You’re the best. I hope I can open my own shop someday! And you’re not half bad yourself 😉 xo

  51. Reply

    Kathleen at Charm Bracelet Diva {at Home}

    August 27, 2014

    This table is fabulous! I might have envisioned a table like this, but I never could have made it come to fruition like you did! My dad was an engineer, but I did NOT inherit any of those genes lol. Beautiful styling, too!
    xo Kathleen

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      August 27, 2014

      I really had no plan until I got to Home Depot haha! Thanks for the kind words 🙂

  52. Reply

    Ashley @ Giddy Upcycled

    August 27, 2014

    Bre – This is genius, brilliant!! Sharing this today, hope you don’t mind! 🙂

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      August 27, 2014

      You’re too kind! Thank you 🙂 And of course I don’t mind if you share!

  53. Reply

    Bre @ Average But Inspired

    August 27, 2014

    NO WAY!! This is incredible. I am in love with it!! Thanks for the tips on the staining and whitewashing. I can’t wait to try that. I seriously want this for myself! LOVE!

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      August 27, 2014

      haha you can have one for yourself!! It’s really not hard, I swear! That method is my new fav for staining/white washing 🙂

  54. Reply

    Kendra @ www.joyinourhome.com

    August 27, 2014

    This is beautiful, Bre!! I love the industrial look the pipe legs give it!! Love the color you chose, too! This was such a fun “challenge”!!!

  55. Reply

    Kristi

    August 27, 2014

    Holy smokes Bre! You totally knocked it out of the park with this one! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the industrial look! And now I can’t wait to try that staining/ whitewashing technique AND that hammered look spray paint! Great job my friend!

  56. Reply

    Sarah @ EDEA Smith

    August 27, 2014

    This is beautiful – well done you]

    Sarah @ EDEA Smith
    http://www.edea-smith.co.uk

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      August 27, 2014

      Thank you Sarah!!

  57. Reply

    Dawn

    August 27, 2014

    I love this brilliant crate idea. It would be great for a dorm room. Pinning!

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      August 27, 2014

      Yes, it would be perfect for a dorm room! Thanks for sharing 🙂

  58. Reply

    Kat@Home. Made. Interest.

    August 27, 2014

    This turned out great. I’m so glad I’m not the only person who recruits Home Depot employees to help me with my crazy ideas 🙂

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      August 27, 2014

      haha glad to know I’m not alone!! Thanks for stopping by 🙂

  59. Reply

    Megan @ Our Pinteresting Family

    August 27, 2014

    This is so awesome. I love it!!

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      August 27, 2014

      Thank you Megan!!

  60. Reply

    Nici

    August 27, 2014

    Oh my goodness! What a great piece of furniture you fashioned out of a crate! You styled it beautifully too! I’d be thrilled if you linked this up to my Creative Ways Link Party that goes live tonight at 8pm central. Hope to see you there!
    Blessings,
    Nici

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      August 27, 2014

      Thank you so much, Nici!! I would love to link up to your party. I’ll be sure to stop by tonight 🙂

  61. Reply

    Nicole B.

    August 27, 2014

    Haha I love your Home Depot proof 😉 And I LOVE LOVE LOVE the industrial look of this!

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      August 27, 2014

      hahaha I had to include that. Pretty sure the people who work there think I’m crazy. Oh well! Thanks, Nicole 🙂

  62. Reply

    Leslie @ House on the Way

    August 27, 2014

    This is absolutely too cool for words! If you haven’t already, I’d love to have you share it at my Twirl & Take a Bow Party at houseontheway.com. We’d love to have you at the party! Have a great week.
    Leslie

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      August 27, 2014

      Thank you Leslie! I just linked up 🙂 Have a great day!

  63. Reply

    Sarah @ Little Red Brick House

    August 27, 2014

    Oh my gosh, Bre! You totally rocked it! I love all of the pipe and the stain is just so beautiful! Love it!

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      August 27, 2014

      Thanks Sarah! I’m so glad we did this challenge, it was so fun 🙂

  64. Reply

    Katie @ little house of four

    August 27, 2014

    Bre, you rock! This is so incredibly awesome and I love it! Great job!

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      August 27, 2014

      Thanks girl!!

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Hi, I’m Bre! Follow along as we renovate our current home and share modern DIY ideas.
 

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