Search Gator®

Where to Buy

Project DIYRustic Serving Tray

Rustic Serving TrayGetting Started

Rob's here in our shop today to show us how to make a Rustic Serving Tray using pine wood, stain, some handles and a couple nails. This tray is simple and there are many ways you can put your own touch on it. Serving trays are a unique item to display on your ottoman, bring breakfast in bed or just carry some fun things to and from. Check out how Rob adds a fun touch to the tray by scuffing up the handles as well as putting some texture on the bottom and inside of the tray!

LEARN HOW TO:
  • Cut all your pieces using a miter saw
  • Drill your nail holes
  • Sand the pieces and what grit process to use
  • Scuff up, apply your handles and stain your wood

Rustic Serving Tray Supplies

Rustic Serving Tray Step by step

  • STEP: 1

    Measure and cut 2 - 2"x4" boards at 12.5" and these will be used later to attache the handles to.

    Image of step 1
  • STEP: 2

    Measure out 6 - 1"x4" boards at 20" and these will be your two long sides and your bottom of the serving tray.

    Image of step 2
  • STEP: 3

    Find the center of the board and make a small X toward the top. Measure the height of your handle to know how deep to go and measure the width to know to add at least a 1/2" on each side to place the handle. Use your handle as a guide to making how it will set in there.

    Image of step 3
  • STEP: 4

    Draw your cut line.

    Image of step 4
  • STEP: 5

    Cut a couple releif lines into the piece to allow for a more smooth shape.

    Image of step 5
  • STEP: 6

    Clamp down your piece on top of the other side and trace the cut out so you have two ends that are the exact same shape and depth.

    Image of step 6
  • STEP: 7

    Take your 60 grit sandpaper and nock off the edges so it's easier to match up and connect the pieces.

    Image of step 7
  • STEP: 8

    Predrill your holes on the sides to make it easier to connect and screw in the bottom piece to it.

    Image of step 8
  • STEP: 9

    Line up the sides you have already predrilled with the 2x4 sides you have already cut and screw them together.

    Image of step 9
  • STEP: 10

    Use some scrap wood and predrill your holes for the 4 bottom pieces of the tray.

    Image of step 10
  • STEP: 11

    Clamp down your first board once you have set the tray upside down and placed all your bottom pieces on it, drill the first one and all the others you should like up right against that for a nice, even set up.

    Image of step 11
  • STEP: 12

    Go through the sanding process with 60, 120, 220 grit sponges and use the 80 grit with the Microzip and sand along the edges and in the groves. 

    Image of step 12
  • STEP: 13

    Use your sanding sponges to sand the whole tray going from 60 grit and working your way up to 220 grit to make it nice and smooth.

    Image of step 13
  • STEP: 14

    Now that your tray is all sanding, take your staining pad and dip the corner in the stain and apply it along each seem or edge and into the corners. Use the dry end of the pad to wipe away any drips or runs.

    Tip: If you want a more rustic look, use an angle grinder and run it over a few parts real quick too add some texture. These marks will really pop when you add the stain.

    Image of step 14
  • STEP: 15

    Once the stain is dry on the tray, coat it with a layer of polyurethane and let dry for a couple hours. Take your handles and line them up and nail them down. 

    Image of step 15
  • STEP: 16

    Your tray is finally done! Go and Enjoy it!

    Image of step 16

Related Videos