Almost every disappointing crate order comes from picking a listed size instead of measuring the contents. In wood, bespoke costs nothing extra.

Measure the contents, then add clearance

Take the widest, deepest and tallest points of what goes in. Add roughly a quarter-inch of clearance per side for a snug presentation fit, or an inch if the crate is being packed by hand at speed.

Send us those numbers, or simply tell us what the product is. Either is enough.

Decide about dividers early

Anything that can knock against its neighbour in transit needs separating. Timber dividers look considered and cost a little; cardboard dividers cost less and cheapen the moment the lid opens.

For bottles, dividers are effectively mandatory. For soft goods they are usually unnecessary.

Think about the stack

If crates will be stacked, the footprint should be consistent and the corners reinforced, or a full stack racks and leans. If they will be palletised, size the footprint so a whole number of crates fits the pallet — a crate that wastes four inches of pallet width costs you that space on every shipment forever.

Think about the hand

A crate that will be carried full should be sized to what a person can actually lift. Beyond roughly forty pounds you want rope handles at minimum, and beyond that you want a smaller crate rather than a stronger back.

What to send us

Contents or dimensions, whether it stacks, whether it travels, and roughly how many. That is a complete brief, and it comes back as a free mockup within one business day.