There is a controversy in the vintage realm when it comes to wooden crates and boxes. For some people you do not touch any vintage piece not even to protect it. I am on the other side of the argument. I feel like if you want these pieces to be functional for modern life then some intervention must be made to keep the piece from getting damaged and to in some cases to keep the odor in. You know that smell. The old wood smell.
The Dirty Truth About “Natural” Wood Pieces
I recently scored several wooden crates at garage sales, and they were extremely dirty. I’m talking about nobody-wants-to-buy-dirt level of filthy. Apparently, I’m the only person willing to buy dirt and turn it into treasure!
After scrubbing these crates clean and letting them dry in the sun on my porch, I faced a decision that many furniture flippers encounter: leave them natural or add protection?
Why Most People Skip the Protection
The traditional approach is to leave wooden crates in their raw, natural state. I get it, there’s something beautiful about untreated wood. It feels authentic, rustic, and “original.”
But here’s where reality kicks in.
The Problem Nobody Talks About
When customers buy these crates (and they always do – they’re popular!), they use them for plants. Succulents, herbs, beautiful arrangements – you name it. And when they get dirty again (which they will), most people don’t want to deal with washing raw wood because:
- Water absorption: Raw wood soaks up water like a sponge
- Warping risk: Too much moisture can cause boards to warp (trust me, I’ve seen it happen)
- Customer anxiety: People get nervous about potentially damaging “natural” wood
- Odor: There’s no way around it. Some old wood just stinks
The result? Dirty crates that customers can’t easily clean, leading to pieces that end up neglected or thrown away.
My Solution: Teak Oil Protection
After wrestling with this problem repeatedly, I decided to protect my wooden crates with teak oil – a penetrating/drying oil that enhances wood without dramatically changing its character. It will darken the wood a bit.
Here’s why I made this choice:
- Enhanced natural beauty: Teak oil brings out the wood’s natural colors and grain
- Easy maintenance: Future owners can wipe down or wash the crates without fear
- Longevity: Protected wood lasts for generations instead of deteriorating
- Customer satisfaction: People actually use and enjoy their purchase long-term
How to Apply Teak Oil to Wooden Crates
The process is surprisingly simple:
- Clean thoroughly – Remove all dirt and debris first
- Let dry completely – I dry mine in the sun on my porch
- Work in ventilated area – These oils have fumes, so stay safe
- Pour oil into disposable container – I use recycled cans from my kitchen
- Apply with chip brush – The oil absorbs right into the wood
- Cover all surfaces – Don’t forget the inside and bottom
- Allow 2-3 days drying time – Patience is key here
The teak oil absorbs completely into the wood, providing protection without creating a heavy, artificial-looking coating.
When Things Don’t Go According to Plan
Not every piece cooperates perfectly. One of my larger boxes warped during the initial cleaning process. Instead of making it worse with more water, I adapted:
- Focused on cleaning the outside as best I could
- Applied teak oil to protect the surfaces I could reach
- Accepted that some character marks add authenticity
- Considered adding a clear coat later if needed for extra protection
The Practical Reality of Reselling
Here’s the truth that some purists don’t want to admit: customers want pieces they can actually use and maintain. A “natural” wooden crate that can’t be cleaned isn’t serving anyone well.
This small step of protecting the wood makes the difference between a piece that gets used and loved versus one that gets stored in a garage because it’s “too delicate” to be practical.
Finding Your Own Balance
I’m not saying everyone should seal their wooden finds. But consider your customers and how they’ll actually use these pieces. Sometimes a little protection preserves both the wood and the joy of ownership.
The goal isn’t to change the character of vintage pieces, it’s to help them survive and thrive in their new homes.
What’s your take? Do you prefer wooden crates that are completely natural, or do you think a little protection makes sense? I’d love to hear your experiences in the comments!
For more honest takes on furniture flipping and garage sale finds, visit PeonyLaneDesigns.com and subscribe to my YouTube channel “Junkin’ with Stacy” for weekly tutorials and junking adventures!
Re-love, Re-imagine, Restore, Reuse, Relax
Stacy
