There are many uses for timber crates in outdoor DIY projects. Though you can find ideas and guides on how to create the project, you may end up with a mess if you don't know how to prepare the crates properly. Here are a few steps you need to take to prepare your timber crates and have them ready for the project you choose.

Pre-Cut Crates

One of the first steps you need to take is to pre-cut your timber crates for the project you choose. You may think this is a step that can wait or one that shouldn't be mentioned, but the truth is many people will go ahead and prime the timber crates first then take them apart for the project. This means you may have to go back and do double the work to make sure the crate is ready for the project. You can avoid this by simply pre-cutting the crates and then moving on to other preparation steps.

Sanding and Smoothing

Sanding and smoothing your timber crate is vital for your project for several reasons. Sanding and smoothing not only primes the surface for the next step in the preparation process, but it also makes sure you don't have shards or splinters. These splinters and shards can catch and break off, causing areas of the timber crates that are unprotected from weather damage to be exposed to that weather. This can lead to mould, mildew and wood rot.

Weatherproofing and Sealing

The final preparation step for your timber crates is to weatherproof and seal them from water damage. You have two choices for your weatherproofing and sealing. The first is to use a simple clear weatherproofing or water seal. This can be brushed on or it can be sprayed on, depending on the amount of space you are trying to cover. The second option is to use a combination stain and seal that will add colour to your timber crates and project while sealing the crates from possible water damage.

These are three of the basic steps you should take to prepare your timber crates for a DIY project. Taking these steps will ensure that your crates are ready for the project and will withstand the weather conditions in your area. Remember to ensure that all nails and staples are cut to the surface level of your finished project to prevent snagging or injuries to you or your guests while outdoors.