Wooden crates are often confused with the wooden boxes. But wooden crates are lot different. Crates usually have a framework or shelf supporting structure. The strength of the wooden crates depends on it. On the other hand boxes usually do not have such structure. The use of the boxes and crates are also different. Boxes are usually used to store the items. On the other hand crates are used as shipping containers. And in shipping purpose wooden crates are most widely used.

Depending upon the purposes, there are lots of variations among the designs of the wooden crates. The size and the construction of each variant are also different. According to the construction, there are mainly three types of wooden crates. The first type is those which are more or less enclosed with woods or lumber. The gapes between the boards or cleats are usually very small. Close wooden crates can be two types according to their construction. There are lumber type wooden crates and sheathed wooden crates. These crates are used to transfer voluminous or delicate materials.
Another type of wooden crates is the open type. In this case the gapes between the cleats are larger. Usually it is not more than the width of the cleats but it is not specified. Open crates are used to transport vehicles, different instrument and electrical goods. These crates are most widely used.

There are also framed wooden crates, which is actually a frame work of woods. This type of wooden crates are usually used to transport large structures such as bicycle, military instrument, metallic objects etc. These crates are used rarely for household items. Rather these crates are used for the transportation of industrial items. The size of these crates may vary depending on the object they carry.
Wooden crates are less expensive and much easier to handle. For this reason, they are used worldwide. In the furniture industry, wooden furniture are gradually replacing by the plastic or metallic furniture. But plastic crates are not popular because wooden crates are much more comfortable, reusable and easy to handle. Another advantage is that, it is easier to make any size of wooden crates. For that reason wooden crates are used widely as shipping containers.
Wooden crates are also cheaper and available in local shops. You can buy a wooden crate easily. They are also long lasting and reusable. You can also use them to store old household items.