Don’t Toss That Crate; 7 Creative Ways to Reuse Your Shipping Crate

Read this Before Disposing of Your Shipping Crate.

Before you haul that sturdy shipping crate to the curb, consider this: it's more than just packaging, it’s a blank canvas for creativity and sustainability.  When you unpack your new piece of Woodland Mills equipment - whether it be a stump grinder, sawmill, or chipper - you will find it tucked snuggle in a large shipping crate.  These are made from steel to keep your products safe in transit, and it sure does seem like a shame to throw it away once its journey is done. Here are 7 sawyers who have discovered clever and practical ways to repurpose these crates, transforming them into functional and even stylish additions to their homes and workshops.

Totes organizer; from taking up space to saving it

Mike held onto the steel crate from his HM130MAX portable sawmill for 13 months before finally putting it to use and it was worth the wait! He turned it into a heavy duty organizer for his large storage totes. Not only is it a practical addition to his shop but now instead of taking up space it is helping his save some.

console table; seeing beauty

Joonas was faced with a decision after unpacking his HM126 portable sawmill. Scrap the steel shipping crate it came in or make something beautiful out of it.  So, he rolled up his sleeves and with a little cutting, sanding, and a clever design, he turned the industrial metal into a one-of-a-kind piece that’s functional and full of character.  The crate now sits in the hallway as a unique console table with a beautiful slab tabletop and ample storage for throw blankets underneath.

BBQ station; from scraps to summer memories

There’s nothing like spending time outside in the summer milling your own lumber, except maybe having a barbecue with your friends and family.  Now Jeffrey can have both!  After unpacking his HM130MAX portable sawmill, he got a little creative and turned its steel shipping crate into a barbecue.  He mounted a grill onto one side and left the rest free for future modifications.  A nice slab counter and a mini fridge could take this project to the next level.

Welding table; inexpensive and useful

While Tim unpacked his new WC88 wood chipper he didn’t toss the crate, it became his next project!  In about an hour he had himself a mobile welding table and because he used scrap materials that he already had around his workshop, all it cost him 10 welding rods!

Chipper storage; Making life easier

Paul didn’t just unpack his TF68 PRO chipper, he upgraded it!  Instead of recycling the steel shipping crate, he threw some 3/8” plate steel on the corners, bolted in a set of 4” heavy-duty castors and turned it into a rolling base.  He lifts the chipper on and off with his 3-point hydraulics.  Now he can store and move the chipper around easily.  

Farm wagon; a useful transformation

When Zack needed a new wagon to take inventory to the local farm stand, he looked no further than his scrap metal pile.  What once hauled an HM126 portable sawmill would live on to carry farm goods instead.  With a welder in hand and a vision in mind, he securely mounted the crate onto an old farm wagon, giving it a sturdy, mobile base.  After a fresh coat of paint, the crate was ready to live on as a useful farm tool.

Shop bench; for all his future projects

When Michael got his HM126 portable sawmill, he saw more than just a tool, he saw an opportunity.  Instead of tossing the steel shipping crate that it came in, he turned it into a solid workbench for his shop. He powered up his new mill and cut up some spalted hickory for the top, adding a black cherry skirt to finish it off. The best part? He was able to build the whole thing from materials he already had. Now he’s got a dedicated surface to work on all his future projects.

So next time you are thinking about taking that crate to the salvage yard, consider making an upgrade to your home or workshop instead.
For more inspiring projects like these, check out our Facebook Community and join the conversation.