DIY Scrap Wood Tray

After we finished our most recent project, tackling the coffee table in our family room, I decided that a big ol’ wood tray would work perfect on top and started searching. After looking at a few different options that were all over budget, I wandered into the garage and decided to pull a few scraps together and make one myself!

There are no exact measurements for this project, because you really can make it any custom size based on the space or how much scrap wood you have : )

First off, I made the base by connecting 4 1x6s together using pocket holes. Mine ended up being about 21 1/2″ x 14″ for reference. I tend to go overboard with them, but I figure it only makes it stronger, right? : )

As you can see, pocket holes were also drilled around the outside of the base to attach the sides easily. They are simple are 1x2s cut 1 1/2″ longer than the base, leaving 3/4″ overhang on each side when screwed together.

Next up was the two ends. All I had on hand at this point was a few 1x4s, so I cut them to the width of the base (14″ aka not including the sides) and made two curved pieces using a jigsaw so that the ends of the 1×4 matched the height of 1×2. Here’s how it all fits together!

I have found the easiest way to mark a curved cut, is to cut a piece of paper (or local pizza ad) to the length of the piece of wood, fold it in half, cut your curve, and then trace the whole piece of paper on the wood. It ensures both sides of the curve match, and acts as a stencil if you’re cutting more than one piece!

The curved end pieces got a coat of paint, while the rest of the tray got a coat of stain and both were left to dry over night.

In the morning the ends were screwed to the tray and a couple of pulls finished it all off. They definitely could be switched up with some chunky rope, handles could be cut out, or anything else you can dream up!

If you’re using a handle as well, my favorite way to make sure the holes are in the right place is using painters tape. You stick it on the pull, poke holes where the screws should go, put the tape on your surface, and drill accordingly!

In the end, all this tray cost me was the two handles ($3-4 each from Home Depot) and I love the look and functionality of it! It was so incredibly easy that I may have to make a few more for around the rest of the house : )

I hope you’re inspired to create your own! Even if you purchase the wood to put the tray together, your total cost should blow any store bought option out of the water : )

Ps. Be sure to stop by the blog on Thursday to see week one of the One Room Challenge where we’re going to be taking on our guest bedroom!

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