Minecraft copper grate guide: Recipe, uses, and more 

Minecraft 1.21 is on the horizon, but fans are getting their first taste of the new content thanks to the recently released Java Edition snapshots and Bedrock Edition previews. These betas have plenty of new blocks, including those made of copper, like copper grates, which are semi-transparent.

Naturally, fans have been chomping at the bit to get started with the 1.21 update's new blocks, and there are more than a few to enjoy. Copper grates can be crafted by players, and they can also be found naturally in the new trial chamber structure.

For fans who may be curious, it doesn't hurt to examine how copper grate blocks work in Minecraft's 1.21 betas.

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What to know about copper grates in Minecraft 1.21

Crafting recipe

Copper grates can be easily assembled by players in a crafting table (Image via Mojang)

The good news for Minecraft fans is that they only need a crafting table and four copper blocks to create copper grates. When placed in a cross-like pattern in the crafting UI with the center missing, players can form four copper grates for every four copper blocks used.

It should be noted that pristine copper blocks aren't required for the crafting recipe. Even if the copper blocks used in the crafting process have been oxidized, they'll still work to create copper grates. However, the grates will be oxidized like their core components.

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Uses of copper grates

Copper grates will oxidize when exposed to the open air (Image via Mojang)

Compared to other copper blocks in Minecraft 1.21, like the copper bulb, the copper grate exists solely as a building or decorative block and has no real alternate function. However, since it's semi-transparent, it can likely fit nicely into plenty of different in-game builds and creations.

As copper blocks, copper grates that are left in the open air will eventually oxidize and take on a teal coloration. This can be addressed in two ways. Firstly, players can use an axe to chip away at the oxidized surface of the block. Secondly, they can combine the block with a honeycomb at a crafting table to wax it. This will keep the block in its current state.

Waxing a copper grate keeps it in its current state of oxidation (Image via Mojang)

Other than these uses, there aren't any defined functions for copper grates. They simply exist as one of Minecraft's immense number of building blocks. That doesn't make them a bad block by any stretch of the imagination. They're certainly a great addition, considering they didn't have many variations before the 1.21 update.

Whatever the case, Minecraft players will undoubtedly find creative ways to use copper grates well before they're introduced fully in the 1.21 update. The creativity of the community never ceases to amaze, so it's only a matter of time before fans see the new block in action.