Chests are one of the first things you’ll craft in Minecraft. They’re essential for storing items, keeping valuable stuff safe, and organizing your base. This guide covers everything you need about crafting and using chests.
What You Need to Craft a Chest
You’ll need 8 wood planks. Any type works: oak, spruce, birch, jungle, acacia, dark oak, mangrove, bamboo, crimson, or warped. You can even mix different types in one chest.
- 8 Wood Planks (any type)
Crafting Recipe
Place your 8 wood planks in the crafting table with a specific pattern:
- Row 1: 3 planks
- Row 2: 1 plank left, 1 plank right (center is empty)
- Row 3: 3 planks
That empty center slot is important. It’s what makes the chest hollow so you can store stuff inside.
Finding Chests in Creative Mode
Java Edition (PC/Mac)
| Versions | Location |
|---|---|
| 1.8 – 1.19 | Decoration Blocks |
| 1.19.3 – 1.19.4 | Functional Blocks |
Commands to Get a Chest
If you want a chest right away, use these commands:
Java Edition 1.13 and newer:
/give @p chest 1
Java Edition 1.8 through 1.12:
/give @p chest 1 0
Things to Do With Chests
- Store tools, weapons, and resources
- Create a double chest by placing two next to each other for more space
- Put chests on llamas to move stuff around
- Connect chests with hoppers for automatic item sorting
- Lock chests with a password on multiplayer servers
- Load chests into minecarts and boats for transportation
Related Storage Items
If you need more storage options, Minecraft has several alternatives:
- Trapped Chest – looks normal but sends redstone signals when opened
- Ender Chest – personal storage that works across dimensions
- Barrel – stores items but doesn’t connect to other barrels
- Shulker Box – portable storage box you can carry in your inventory