How to Make Milk Crate Shelves - Step by Step Guide

Milk crate shelves are one of the easiest and most affordable DIY furniture projects you can do. With just a few crates and some basic supplies, you can build a functional bookshelf, storage wall, or display unit in under an hour.

In this guide, we'll walk you through how to build milk crate shelves step by step, with tips for making them sturdy, attractive, and functional.

What You'll Need

Materials

• Milk crates - Standard square crates (13x13x11") work best. Check our best milk crates guide for recommendations
• Zip ties (heavy-duty) - To secure crates together
• Optional: Shelf boards - Plywood or MDF cut to size for flat surfaces on top
• Optional: Shelf liner - To prevent small items from falling through

Tools

• Scissors or wire cutters (for zip ties)
• Measuring tape
• Level

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Plan Your Layout

Decide on the size and shape of your shelf unit:

• Small bookshelf: 2 wide x 3 high (6 crates)
• Medium storage wall: 3 wide x 4 high (12 crates)
• Large room divider: 4 wide x 5 high (20 crates)

Measure your wall space and make sure the unit will fit. Each standard square crate is about 13 inches wide, so a 3-wide unit will be approximately 39 inches across.

Step 2: Clean and Prepare Your Crates

If using new crates, they're ready to go. For used crates, wash them with warm soapy water and let them dry completely. Check for cracks or structural damage - don't use damaged crates in your shelving.

Step 3: Lay Out the Bottom Row

Place your bottom row of crates on their sides with the open end facing outward. This creates cubbies for storage and display. Make sure the crates are flush against each other with no gaps.

Step 4: Secure Crates Together

Thread zip ties through the ventilation holes or handles to secure adjacent crates. Use at least two zip ties per connection point - top and bottom. Pull them tight and trim the excess.

Step 5: Build Up Rows

Stack the next row on top, making sure the crates overlap the joints below (like bricks). This creates a more stable structure. Secure each crate to the one below it with zip ties.

Step 6: Secure to Wall (Recommended)

For units taller than 3 crates, secure the shelf to the wall using L-brackets. This prevents tipping and is essential if you have kids or pets.

Step 7: Add Finishing Touches

• Add shelf boards on top for a flat surface
• Insert shelf liners if you'll store small items
• Add labels to cubbies for organization
• Spray paint crates before assembly for a custom color (use plastic-compatible paint)

Milk Crate Shelf Configurations

Vertical Tower

Stack crates alternating between open-front and solid-front orientation for a tall, narrow unit. Great for corners and small spaces.

Staircase Design

Build a stepped configuration - 4 crates on bottom, 3 on second row, 2 on third, and 1 on top. Creates an interesting visual shape and provides both storage and display space.

Room Divider

Build a double-sided unit (crates facing both directions) to divide a large room into two zones. Make it sturdy by weaving zip ties between all connection points.

Window Bench

Line up 3-4 crates under a window, add a cushion on top. You get a cozy reading nook with storage built right in.

Tips for Better Milk Crate Shelves

1. Use matching crates from the same brand for a uniform look. Different brands may have slightly different sizes
2. Go heavy on zip ties - More connections = more stability
3. Keep the heaviest items low - Books and heavy items should go on the bottom rows
4. Consider backing - Add cardboard or thin plywood behind the unit to prevent items from falling through the back
5. Use for vertical record storage - Perfect for displaying vinyl records in style

Where to Buy Milk Crates for Shelves

For a shelving project, we recommend buying all your crates at once from the same source to ensure consistent sizing. Our top picks:

• Amazon - Best prices, especially for multi-packs (see our buying guide)
• Home Depot - For in-store pickup
• Free - Try our free milk crates guide if you're on a tight budget

Need help finding crates? Visit our where to buy guide.

Conclusion

Milk crate shelves are easy to build, affordable, and surprisingly functional. Whether you need a bookshelf, storage wall, or room divider, this project can be done in under an hour with basic supplies.

For more milk crate project ideas, check our article on milk crate storage ideas or browse our DIY milk crate furniture guide.