Having a wood tray around the house is a MUST!  I use them in my bathroom for storage, as serving trays for food and drink, delivering breakfast in bed, and adding decor to my living room.  If you’re crafty and want to make your own, check out my 60 second Tutorial for this DIY Wood Tray Project and follow the steps to learn how! It’s pretty simple and will save you money, too.

 

 

 

Supplies Needed:

• 1×3 wood
• 1×4 wood
• 2 handles
• Screws
• Pocket Hole Screws

Tools Needed:

• Cordless Drill
• Circular Saw
• Sander
• Kreg Jig
• 2 Clamps

 

Click any tool to shop:

Step One – Cut Your Wood and Sand

A board’s actual size and nominal size are different, which can be confusing when you are new to building. I am attaching a link that shows you the exact true measurements verses what you see labeled in store. Check that out here.

For this project you will need the following pieces of wood:

• One 1×3 board (actual size is 3/4 inch by 2 1/2 inch) cut into 4 boards at 19 inches each
• One 1×4 board (actual size is 3/4 inch by 3 1/2 inch) cut into 2 boards at 10 inches each

Using my Ridgid Circular Saw to mark my lines and cut is easy! Make sure you wear your safety goggles to protect your cute eyeballs.

I like to sand all my pieces before I mount them together because it adds to a more rounded edge look.  My Ryobi sander is a great size for my hand and easy for me to maneuver.

Step Two – Make Your Pocket Holes

Have you ever used a Kreg Jig before? I LOVE MINE!  It can be intimidating at first, but once you try it you will feel much more confident.  I have an entire blog post on learning how to use your Kreg, so check that out here if you need some tips.

You will make two holes on the backside on three of the boards – about 10 inches apart.

(I wasn’t sure which board I wanted as my end board so I made holes on all four boards)

Step Three – Attach Your Base 

You will need to use clamps to hold your pieces tight while you drill in your pocket hole screws in. Move them over as you attach each piece.

Step Four – Attach Your Top Piece 

Grab four screws that are about 1 to 1 1/2 inches in length.  Drill the 1×4 pieces onto the cap of each end.  You will drill it on the top.  Make sure the screws will be hidden underneath the handle bases, so measure for that.

Step Five – Paint

I used my Behr Paint and Primer – this is one of my most favorite paints because it covers so well.  I had a white that was custom matched to my house at The Home Depot.  Apply 2 layers of paint for durability.

Then I added a Polycrylic layer for additional protection.  When painting with white you want a water based top coat so the color will not turn yellow.  Here is my favorites – you can click to shop:

Step Six – Add Handles

Note:  If you buy handles that have back entrance screws on them, this step is much more complicated. My were back end entrance screws so I had to do it this way.  I would not recommend it!  For this reason I am attaching links to Amazon to see handles that are much easier to use.

Here are some of my FAVORITE handles on Amazon:

Check out these Amazon handles ideas here.

As I said above, if you have top mounting handles you will just add those now.  Super easy to drill in.  Make sure your screws are not too long.

If you bought back mounting handles, it will get tricky.  But you can do it.

• First you will mark on the front where you want placement and measure it.  Use a drill bit to make a hole, this makes it easier on the back side to see where you need to go.

• Secondly, on the back side you will drill in the screws that came with the handle set.  Once they start to show on the front side – STOP.  You do not want to screw them in all the way, yet.

• Thirdly, once both screws are showing, grab your handle and place it over the screw holes.  You will hold the handle on, while from the back side you slowly drill in the rest of the screw – this will mount the handle on firmly.

TA-DA! You’re all done!

Use it to serve drinks on, for living room decor, or a bathroom catch all!  Let us know how yours turns out!

 

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Just click on the links below the photos, and pop around to visit the girls and check out their projects!

DIY VINTAGE ARTISAN POTTERY

DIY WOOD PLANTER BOX CENTERPEICE

DIY MERCURY GLASS CANDLE HOLDERS

HOW TO STRIP AND REUPHOLSTER A WOOD DINING CHAIR

DIY WOOD TRAY

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