Learn how to transform a Michaels wooden crate into a rustic farmhouse storage piece using barnwood stain and wax—simple steps and photos included.
Refinishing Wooden Crates with Stain
While shopping at Michaels I found a simple unfinished wooden crate priced under $10. It immediately sparked an idea: a farmhouse-style container for storing newspapers and other odds and ends. The crate was inexpensive, but the raw wood needed a finish that would give it character and protect the surface. I chose a soft gray barnwood stain and a white finishing wax to achieve a subtle, rustic look.
The gray-brown tone of the barnwood stain gives the wood a weathered appearance without becoming too dark, which makes it blend nicely with farmhouse decor. Below I outline the materials and step-by-step process I used to stain and finish the wooden crate so you can recreate the look at home.
Materials Needed to Stain Wood Crates:
Note: product names are provided for reference; substitute similar items you already have or prefer.
- Unfinished wooden crate (found at Michaels or other craft stores)
- Sandpaper, around 150 grit
- Barnwood-style wood stain in a soft gray or gray-brown
- Brush for applying stain
- Small sponge or foam brush for tight spots
- Paper towels
- Decorative finishing wax (white or clear) to tone and seal
- Lint-free rag for buffing
How To Stain Wooden Crates
This is a quick, beginner-friendly DIY that yields a charming farmhouse finish. Plan on about an hour total, including drying time between coats.
1. Prepare the crate: Lightly sand any rough spots on the outside of the crate with 150-grit sandpaper. I left the interior untouched since I preferred a rougher, more rustic feel inside.
2. Apply the first coat of stain: Brush the barnwood stain onto all exterior surfaces, working with the grain where possible. Wipe back the excess roughly with a paper towel to reveal the wood texture. A single coat already changes the tone nicely and highlights grain and slats.
3. Reach tight spots: Use a sponge or foam brush to apply stain between slats and in corners that a regular brush can’t reach cleanly.
4. Add a second coat if needed: Once the first coat dries, add a second coat for a richer, more even finish. After two coats the exterior color looked complete and consistent.
5. Seal and highlight with wax: To protect the stain and introduce a bit of character, apply a decorative wax. I used a white wax to slightly lighten and accentuate the grain and edges. Apply the wax in small areas, then buff off with a lint-free rag until you achieve the desired look.
The untreated interior retained a rougher texture that picked up the white wax in spots, creating a rustic contrast I really liked. The subtle white highlights help the crate read as finished and farmhouse-chic without looking painted.
Finished, the crate became a handy and attractive container for newspapers, flyers, and other recyclable paper. It also works great for holding kitchen scraps covered in newspaper during prep work, then simply toss the used papers when finished.
The final color is a soft grayish-brown that complements neutral rooms and vintage or farmhouse decor. It’s understated, useful, and gives a store-bought crate a much more intentional, styled appearance.
I enjoyed this quick DIY so much I considered grabbing a few more crates to finish the same way. If you want a simple farmhouse upgrade for craft-store crates, barnwood stain plus a light white wax is an easy and effective solution.
This tutorial shows a straightforward method for achieving a stunning finish on a wood crate with stain and wax. It’s a fast project with visible results—perfect for refreshing inexpensive craft-store finds into attractive, practical farmhouse storage.
Additional Ideas using Wood Stain:
