How to build a tray

This step by step diy woodworking project is about how to build a tray. If you want to learn more about building a storage tray made out of wood, we recommend you to pay attention to the instructions described in the article. There are so many designs and plans to choose from when building a tray, so make sure you take a look over the related woodworking projects that are featured on our site.

Before starting the actual construction project, we recommend you to plan everything, as to save money and to keep the costs under control. Adjust the size and the design of the tray to suit your needs. In addition, we recommend you to invest in high-quality materials, such as pine, redwood or cedar, as they have a nice finish and are highly durable, especially in a humid environment.

If you don’t have a rich expertise in woodworking field, you should ask a friend to give you a hand with the project. There are many things that you could go wrong, so make sure you plan everything and invest in quality materials. Select the lumber with attention, making sure the components are perfectly straight and in a very good condition. Use a carpentry square to check if the corners are right-angled. See all my Premium Plans in the Shop.

Made from this plan

Building a wood tray

Materials

A – 2 pieces of 1/2″ plywood – 4″x17″ long SIDES
B – 2 pieces of 1/2″ plywood – 4″x12″ long FACES
C – 1 pieces of 1/2″ plywood – 11″x17″ long BOTTOM
E – 2 pieces of 1/2″ plywood – 3 1/2″x11″ long PARTITIONS
F – 2 pieces of 1/2″ plywood – 3 1/2″x11″ long, 2 pieces – 3 1/2″x12″ long PARTITIONS

1 piece of 1/2″ plywood – 4’x4′
1 1/4″ screws
glue, stain
wood filler

Tools

Tips

Apply several coats of wood stain to the wooden components
Fill the holes with wood filler and smooth the surface

Time

One Day

Serving tray plans

Building a tray

Building the frame of the tray

First of all, you need to assemble the frame of the tray. As you can easily notice in the diagram, we recommend you to build the components out of 1/2″ plywood. Secure the side components to the faces using brad nails. Add glue to the joints and make sure the corners are square. Leave no gaps between the components and check if the edges are flush.

Building the faces

Cut out handles in the faces of the tray, as described in the diagram. Use a jigsaw to make the handles and smooth the edges with fine grit sandpaper.

Attaching the bottom

Continue the project by fitting the bottom to the tray frame. Cut the bottom out of 1/2″ plywood and drill pocket holes along the edges. Fit the component to the frame and secure it into place by inserting 3/4″ screws and adding glue. Make sure the edges are flush. You could also use brad nails to secure the components together.

Installing the end partitions

Fit the 1/2″ plywood partitions to the interior of the tray. Drill pocket holes at both ends of the components and secure them to the frame by using brad nails.

Building the partitions

Build the rest of the partitions out of 1/2″ plywood, making sure you cut out the notches inside the components. Use a chisel to remove the excess material and smooth the edges with sandpaper, before assembling them together.

Fitting the partitions

Fit the partitions inside the tray and use brad nails to lock them to the frame. Insert brad nails through the frame into the partitions to make rigid joints. Add glue to the joints and remove the excess with a damp cloth.

How to build a tray

Last but not least, we recommend you to take care of the finishing touches. Fill the holes with wood filler and let it to dry out for several hours. Afterwards, smooth the wooden surface with fine-grit sandpaper and vacuum the residues.

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How to build a tray

Made from this plan