large wooden crate

What Are Wooden Crates Used For?

Table of Contents
    Add a header to begin generating the table of contents

    Wooden boxes have a wide variety of applications due to their versatility and longevity. These sturdy, versatile, and secure containers have long been used for packaging, warehousing, and shipping in a wide variety of contexts. The multifaceted role that wooden crates play in today's global supply chains is illuminating.

    One of the most prominent applications of wooden boxes is in packaging and protecting things prior to shipping. They are durable and reliable, protecting your possessions from bumps, knocks, and even the outdoors.

    Wooden boxes are frequently used when transporting goods such as machinery, artwork, electronics, and fragile things because to their fragility, worth, or odd design. Crates offer the highest level of protection during transport since they may be tailored to the specifics of the goods being transported.

    Transporting goods isn't the only function for wooden crates; they also have a place in the office, at home, and on the move. Crates allow supplies, tools, and machinery to be neatly organised in a warehouse or factory.

    You can stack a lot of stuff on them without worrying about anything falling over, so they're great for saving room. Wooden boxes are both a functional and aesthetically pleasing way to keep seasonal decorations, sports equipment, or personal belongings out of sight. Crates allow for neat stacking and storage, improving the overall cleanliness and organisation of the warehouse.

    Shipping and storage aren't the only two creative uses for wooden boxes; there are many more. Bookcases, coffee tables, and wine racks are just some of the many uses that designers and do-it-yourselfers are finding for wooden boxes. When it comes to achieving a vintage or rustic aesthetic, they are a versatile and attractive solution. In this manner, wooden crates blend design and function, letting people add a touch of individuality to their spaces while also making efficient use of empty wall and floor areas.

    Important Are Wooden Crates for Sustainable Packaging?

    Almost every company, in every sector, employs some form of packaging. However, because to the enormous volume of items being shipped every day, it is crucial for companies to start looking into environmentally friendly packaging options.

    It's safe to assume that when we talk about "sustainable packaging solutions," we're referring about environmentally friendly products that can be recycled and reused. Without a question, this is a crucial factor to think about when settling on shipping package options.

    However, the sustainability of your packaging option and your resources are equally important factors to think about. If you're looking for a sustainable packing option, hardwood crates are a great choice because you get three benefits for the price of one.

    We've detailed the many benefits of using wooden crates as a sustainable packaging option for your products below.

    Simple Manufacture

    Wooden boxes can be made with few resources, including tools and wood. However, in order to make plastic crates, a number of different raw materials and time-consuming processes are required.

    Durable And Long-Lasting

    Wooden boxes are an excellent long-term packaging option because they are impervious to wear and decay (especially if they have been treated). Naturally, wooden boxes may be reused for your company's shipping needs, so you won't have to waste money constantly refilling the same goods. Because of this, hardwood crates are not only an environmentally friendly packing option, but also a cheap one.

    Easy To Repair

    Did any of your wooden containers get dinged up on your last trip? Have no fear! If you follow a few easy guidelines, you may simply decrease the wear and tear on your wooden crates. However, unlike plastic crates, wooden crates may be easily restored to their former grandeur with a little bit of TLC. Plastic crates are not made but rather moulded into their final form. As a result, a dented plastic crate is more likely to end up in a landfill than be put to any other use.

    two large wooden crates 1

    Can Be Recycled

    Wooden crates are an eco-friendly option for packaging because they can be reused indefinitely through the recycling process. Once wooden boxes have outlived their usefulness for stowing and transporting goods, they can be used for many other purposes. One such application is in the construction of furniture. On the other hand, they could be put to use in various construction and landscaping tasks. Wooden crates have value even at the end of their useful lives. They have multiple purposes, including as firewood, compost, and animal bedding.

    Reasons For Using Wooden Box Crates For Packaging

    Can withstand a lot of stress

    The crates are much more sturdy than regular boxes. When being packed, stored, or transported, items are often subjected to significant mechanical stress. For long-distance shipping, nothing beats the durability and reliability of wooden crates. They can withstand more abuse than other common domestic shipping materials such as moving blankets, cardboard boxes, and bubble wrap. These containers are sturdy enough to hold significant weight and can shield fragile items from harm.

    Great for packing heavy items

    These containers are superior to cardboard for transporting large items due to their higher strength and consistent weight distribution. Wooden shipping crates won't bend or break. These boxes can handle hefty loads as well as fragile items with ease during transport. These wooden crates are suitable for overseas transport. They are generally recognised for international shipping. However, you must abide by the norms established by their culture.

    Resists a lot of wear

    These crates have seen a lot of use, yet they can still withstand significant punishment. Many companies produce wooden boxes, typically fashioned from high-quality wood. They are extremely robust and can survive mechanical, biological, and chemical stressors while being stored or transported. These wooden containers are recyclable and have multiple potential uses. After a while, you need to get rid of them. Even so, you can incorporate them into the design of your yard or house.

    Stackable

    This crate can be stacked safely indefinitely, both side by side and on top of one another. Space efficiency in autos, trucks, and other modes of transportation is crucial when moving large quantities. Cardboard and other commonly used materials can become brittle over time, posing a risk to the contents inside. Electronics and glass, two examples of fragile but valuable materials, are susceptible to breaking. Use wooden box crates to protect your valuables during transport and save money. They can carry a lot of weight without any trouble.

    Comparatively better moisture resistance

    Wooden crate boxes are more watertight than their plastic or metal counterparts. This makes them an ideal option for shipping anything that won't last a long time. These containers can withstand being wet while being shipped or stored without incurring any damage.

    Casters and hinges are only two of the many add-ons available for these boxes. Because of this, they can ship more expensive goods without worrying about damage. These boxes are eco-friendly since they're constructed from wood sourced from responsibly managed forests.

    Benefits of Using Wood Boxes and Crates

    Why would you choose wood when there are so many other options for packing materials and shipping containers? Wooden crates and containers are preferable to cardboard ones since they are more robust, endure far longer, and are better for the environment. These boxes and crates, whether they're made of timber, plywood, or engineered wood, are perfect for moving any and all of your household goods from one location to another. Wooden shipping containers are a more sustainable option than their plastic and cardboard counterparts, and this article will explain why. Wood is an eco-friendly material that also has aesthetic advantages over synthetic alternatives. Learn the many reasons why wood packing materials are the best choice for your next relocation.

    Wood is stronger than cardboard

    large wooden crates stacked on top of eachother

    Wooden crates and boxes offer superior strength and durability over paper or cardboard alternatives. Wood, on the other hand, is a strong, fibrous product composed of tree bark and branches, whereas cardboard is a thin pasteboard made of heavy-duty paper. Harder materials, such as wood, can take more abuse before breaking. This is clearly visible when comparing wet wood to damp cardboard. Wet wood just gets moist, but wet cardboard softens and tears.

    When moving a lot of books, the difference in durability between wood and cardboard becomes clear. Books will not fall out of a wood box or crate no matter how heavy they are; however, books packed in cardboard are prone to do so, especially if the cardboard gets moist.

    Wood is better for long-term use

    Wooden crates and containers are also great for storage in the long run. The cardboard boxes you used to transport your stuff might serve multiple purposes when the move is over. With some ingenuity, you can turn a wooden box or crate into a planter or use it to present fruit and vegetables as a gift. Wooden crates can be repurposed by painting the plywood and using it as a decorative container for a variety of household items, such as books, magazines, towels, blankets, cushions, toys, and more.

    close up shot of a forklift in action lifting5

    You can stack wooden crates

    Crates and other wood boxes can be stacked vertically to maximise available floor space. Stacking them makes better use of vertical space in any environment. Crates are superior to cardboard boxes for stacking since they are stronger and allow for better visibility inside the storage space. It's much quicker to find what you need if you can see the contents of the crate. If you need to find anything but don't want to rummage through multiple taped boxes, just look between the cracks of the wood.

    Reusable and Environmentally friendly

    Cardboard and plastic waste dumped in landfills can contaminate soil and pollute water, causing permanent damage to ecosystems. Wooden crates and boxes are preferable than alternative packaging options like cardboard or plastic since they are environmentally friendly.

    Wooden containers can be reused not only as ornamental accents but also as building materials or, better yet, as a source of warmth on a chilly winter night. To use the wood as fuel, just disassemble the box or container and toss the planks into the fireplace.

    Wooden crates and boxes have several advantages over other packaging materials, and it's easy to see why. On top of that, you can get them for free by asking at your neighbourhood liquor store if they have any unused wine crates lying around.

    For advice on wooden crates, contact the crate professionals at Crate n Pack Solutions on (03) 8759 1696 and they can advise on the best packaging solution for your needs.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    The advantages of wooden crates are: The crates can be manufactured and repaired locally. Wood is relatively resistant to different weather conditions and (sea)water. Wooden crates are often used on more than one journey and have a higher efficiency for larger fruits, e.g. watermelons.

    Wooden crates are a popular and affordable option for shipping and moving goods. They offer durability and customizability and are eco-friendly. However, they can be heavy, vulnerable to moisture, and provide limited protection.

    Plastic crates are best for shipments weighing 680 kilos or less. Wooden shipping crates are more suitable for heavy items weighing up to 1360 kilos. They also aren't easily crushed, so they make the perfect solution for transporting delicate goods and awkward loads.

    Crates keep curious puppies safely sequestered when you're not able to supervise them. Dogs instinctively try to keep their sleeping areas clean. As such, the crate helps puppies learn to hold and strengthen their bladder and bowel muscles, making housebreaking less of a chore for you and your dog.

    The most sustainable furniture woods are black cherry, beech, maple, ash, eastern red cedar, mango, and bamboo. These woods are highly available thanks to large populations and wide natural ranges. Also, they are strong and dense woods, making them durable materials for all types of furniture.

    Scroll to Top