Buying a Wooden Potato Bin – Where to Find Them for Sale

A wooden potato bin is a useful storage item for any kitchen. Keeping potatoes and other root vegetables in a well-ventilated wooden box prevents spoiling and extends freshness. Wooden bins are also decorative accent pieces for a farmhouse style kitchen. If you’re looking to purchase a potato bin, here are some tips on where to find wooden potato bins for sale.

Check Furniture Stores

Local furniture and home goods stores can be a good place to find a variety of wooden storage bins. Major chains like Crate & Barrel, Pottery Barn, West Elm, and Restoration Hardware often carry potato bins and other wooden storage boxes.

The selection may be limited, but you can see the bins in person before purchasing. And larger stores typically offer free shipping directly to your home. Expect to pay $100-$300 for a high quality wooden potato bin from a furniture retailer.

Visit Farmers Markets

Outdoor farmers markets are wonderful places to find locally handcrafted wooden items like potato bins. Craftsmen will often have booths selling their cutting boards, utensil holders, bread boxes, and potato bins made from various woods.

Prices are usually very reasonable, often under $100 for a small bin. You’ll also be supporting local artisans. Be sure to thoroughly inspect the bin for any cracks, splinters, or imperfections in the wood before purchasing.

Check Etsy and eBay

Online marketplaces like Etsy and eBay have an enormous selection of handmade wooden potato bins for sale Sellers on these sites range from hobbyists to professional woodworkers

You can find simple, inexpensive bins for under $50 as well as ornate, high-end bins for over $200. Filter your search by size, wood type, style, and price to narrow down the options.

Always check seller reviews to ensure you’re buying from a reputable vendor who creates quality products These sites provide excellent access to unique, handcrafted bins you won’t find at major retailers

Search Specialty Wood sites

Websites that specialize in selling wood products and materials are another option. For example, Woodcraft and Rockler both sell unfinished wood bins you can stain or paint yourself. Bins designed specifically for storing potatoes and onions are also available.

The benefit of these specialty wood sites is the ability to customize – choose your wood type and finish as well as hardware accents. Expect to pay $50-150 for unfinished bins ready for your DIY finishing touches.

Buy Direct from Craftsmen

To get a truly one-of-a-kind bin, consider purchasing directly from an independent woodworker. Search for makers on platforms like Etsy, Instagram, and Pinterest. Many crafters sell through their own websites too.

Buying direct allows you to request custom features – size, wood type, finish, hardware, accessories, and even engraving. You’ll pay a bit more but get an heirloom-quality bin made just for you. Expect starting prices of $150-200 and up.

Check Barn and Garage Sales

Searching barn sales, garage sales, estate sales, and auctions can turn up great finds on vintage and antique wooden potato bins. You may have to clean up some scratches or dings, but old bins have great charm.

This is an especially good source for discontinued bins from sought-after makers like Peterboro and Country Accents. Be ready to act quick if you find one you like – vintage potato bins sell fast!

Use Reclaimed Wood

For the ultimate eco-friendly option, use reclaimed lumber to build your own potato bin. Check local classified listings for people selling or giving away old wood from fences, barns, decking, etc. You can also find reclaimed wood at some home improvement stores.

With some basic tools, screws, glue, and wood stains or paints, you can construct a rustic potato bin for a fraction of the cost of buying one. Customize the design and size to perfectly fit your space.

Consider Storage Furniture Combos

Rather than a standalone box, consider a storage furniture piece that combines a potato bin with other functions, like:

  • Storage bench with lift-top bin
  • Cabinet with multiple storage drawers
  • Roll-out kitchen island with bin inside
  • Cabinet with bread box and bin

Multi-function storage combos help save space. And furniture stores have a huge selection of storage furniture with integrated bins.

Don’t Overlook Discount Stores

For a low budget option, check discount stores like Target, Walmart, and IKEA. While selection is limited, you can often find basic wood storage bins for under $30.

Look for bins made from pine, bamboo, or composite wood with ventilation holes. These affordable options work fine for occasional potato storage needs.

Think Beyond Just Potatoes

Wooden bins aren’t just for potatoes – consider what else you could use one for:

  • Onions, garlic, root veggies
  • Fruits like apples, oranges, lemons
  • Bakery items like bread, muffins, pastries
  • Kitchen gear like utensils, towels, cookbooks

A multifunctional wood bin adds rustic flair to any kitchen space. Decide what you’ll use it for before committing to a size and style.

With the wide range of options available, you should be able to find the perfect wooden potato bin for your needs and budget. Part of the fun is hunting down that special handcrafted bin that adds some vintage charm to your kitchen. Happy bin hunting!

Potato and Onion Bin: Fort Orange Woodworking

FAQ

What is the best container to store potatoes in?

Put your potatoes in paper or mesh bags, baskets or even a cardboard box. Whatever you decide to store them in, make sure it has good ventilation.

Can you store potatoes in a wooden box?

Potatoes store longest if they are unwashed. After harvesting from the garden, lay them out in a single layer in a dark and airy place to let the soil dry on to the tuber. Lightly brush off excess dirt before you pack them. Pile dry, unwashed potatoes in a clean wooden or waxed cardboard bin.

How to clean a wooden potato bin?

A high-pressure washing with a nonfoaming industrial detergent, or steam-cleaning, may be appropriate in certain situations, such as wooden crates, where damage will not result. Soil, clay particles, and organic material quickly neutralize the biocidal properties of most disinfectant materials.

Do potato bins work?

The “potato box” or “spud box” has become an effective method to produce a large quantity of potatoes in a small space.

Leave a Comment