Next time you're at Michaels, make sure to grab these crates. Here are 11 reasons why

Wooden crates can be upcycled into many amazing DIY projects. From shelves to creative storage solutions, craft crates can be used to save time and money, and they're readily available at stores such as Michaels.
Without too many supplies or trouble, crates can transform into everything from extra storage to seating to beds for pets. Check out these wooden crate projects to see which might work in your space.
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1. Build a custom bookshelf
It couldn't be any easier to craft this creative bookshelf by Arts Be Crafty. A couple coats of paint, four wooden craft crates and a handful of screws are all you need. You can easily match the paint to fit the decor of any room.
2. Make wooden crate shelves
This creative storage solution is functional art and very versatile. This floating shelf can sit in a living room, hallway, bedroom, or above a desk. For a list of supplies and step-by-step instructions, visit this tutorial.
3. Bring the beach to a bathroom
The simple lines of wooden crates combine with monogrammed letters for a rustic, beachy finish in this project. All you need to do is add paint and attach it to the wall. Crate shelves make perfect storage for towels, extra toiletries and small decorative items. Get the full tutorial here.
4. Put your feet up
This creative wooden crate ottoman has a rustic, vintage look. Although Jennifer Decorates used a crate she already had, you can definitely use one from a craft store. Pair it with a scrap of fabric, a piece of foam, a rectangle of plywood and a few staples for a budget-friendly new piece of furniture.
5. Stain a coffee table
The soft wood of most craft store wooden crates simply soaks up stain or paint. This gives the wood a farmhouse-style appeal. This coffee table uses four wooden crates. Securing them to a large piece of plywood outfitted with wheels makes this piece of furniture mobile. Get the full tutorial here.
6. Park your cars
Frugal Fun 4 Boys has a practical storage solution for Hot Wheels and other very small vehicles. This parking garage started with just a crate and PVC. The tubes are glued in and create parking for 35 cars. See how to make this whimsical parking garage with this easy tutorial.
7. Pick up the toys
These adorable wooden toy crates are just right for holding stuffed animals and other loved toys. The wheels allow children to easily push them around. Laurel at A Bubbly Life recommends a sealant coat to protect the paint and make the toy crates easy to clean.
8. Have a seat
An efficient bench for an entrance way combines both seating and storage. Operation Home Blog created this bright red wooden crate bench as part of a challenge. But the step-by-step tutorial is so simple, it doesn't seem like a challenge at all.
9. Keep your pet comfy
All you have to do is remove one side of a crate to create an adorable wooden crate pet bed. Give your dog its own piece of custom furniture with this tutorial from Beagles and Bargains. Using a separate pillow or pre-made pet bed in the bottom allows for easy cleaning.
10. Build a tower of drawers
Wooden crates make excellent drawers. Build a tower of them with these step-by-step crate cabinet instructions for an experienced crafter. Sliding drawer hardware makes it easy to move drawers in and out without damaging the crates. Wouldn't this be an excellent storage solution for potatoes and other produce?
11. Design a wooden crate desk
Urban Village Design showcases this simple desk in its Crouch End project. Although it doesn't include a tutorial, you can easily copy the desk. Simply screw together several crates and attach a wooden top. The best part is that you can customize it to perfectly fit your space.
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