Wood Crates

Wood crates play an important role in shipping, storage, and transportation across various industries. Their popularity is attributed to their customizable features, durability, and flexibility in meeting unique packaging requirements. Whether transporting machinery, delicate electronics, or perishable goods, wooden crates provide reliable solutions designed for efficiency and safety.

DGM specializes in creating high-quality wooden crates tailored specifically to client needs, ensuring the safe transportation and secure storage of goods. With extensive industry experience, DGM combines expert knowledge with exceptional craftsmanship, delivering durable and dependable crates suitable for domestic and international shipping standards.

Below, we address some commonly asked questions about wooden crates, their uses, construction materials, and practical considerations for storage and dismantling.

What is the difference between a wood box and a wood crate?

A wood box and a wood crate differ primarily in construction and design.  A wood box typically has solid walls on all sides, often enclosed fully by wood panels, providing complete protection. A wood crate, by contrast, has a skeletal structure made of wooden slats or planks, leaving open spaces that allow for visibility, airflow, and lighter weight. Wood crates are used for larger, bulkier items such as air conditioner units, whereas wood boxes secure items requiring complete enclosure and protection.

It should be noted that many people use the terms crates and wood boxes interchangeably. 

Are wooden crates still used?

Wooden crates continue to be widely utilized for shipping, storage, and transportation across various industries. They remain popular because of their durability, ease of customization, and ability to secure and protect heavy or fragile goods. Industries such as manufacturing, automotive, logistics, and agricultural sectors regularly use wood crates due to their practicality and reliability.

What do you store in a wooden crate?

Wooden crates are ideal for storing large, heavy, or fragile items. Common examples include machinery parts, engines, electronics, furniture, artwork, produce, and fragile equipment such as glass panels or laboratory apparatus. With the inclusion of desiccant bags, vapor barriers, and other types of preservation methods products can be stored in such a way that they will not be exposed to moisture or other contaminants.

Why is plywood used for crates?

Plywood is frequently chosen for crate construction because it offers a balance of strength, flexibility, and lightness. Plywood is manufactured by bonding thin layers of wood veneer together, with grains rotated at right angles. This layered construction increases strength and stability, reducing warping and cracking under stress. It also provides excellent resistance to impact and moisture, making plywood crates reliable for international shipping and handling.

How strong are wooden crates?

The strength of wooden crates depends on the wood type, design, and construction techniques. Generally, crates made from hardwood or structural-grade plywood can support heavy loads exceeding thousands of pounds. Properly engineered wooden crates can withstand rough handling, stacking pressures, and prolonged transportation stresses without compromising their structural integrity. Factors like thickness, reinforcement, and joinery methods determine the final strength and load capacity of the crate.

How do you break up a wooden crate?

Breaking up a wooden crate involves using basic tools like a crowbar, hammer, or pry bar. Start by carefully removing any nails or screws, focusing first on corners or structural joints. Insert a crowbar or pry bar between the wooden slats or panels and gently leverage apart the sections. Work methodically around the crate, disassembling individual panels to minimize damage and ensure safe, manageable pieces for disposal or recycling.

Ideally instead of disposal DGM always recommends repurposing or reusing our crates as a more environmentally friendly option.   

Contact DGM today for professional assistance with your wood crating needs, from customized crate design to expert construction and reliable shipping solutions.