How to Make a Serving Tray
Make a stylish statement at your next cookout or holiday party with a personalized serving tray. All you need are a few common tools and some inexpensive lumber. The tray's decoration can be as simple or as detailed as you want, and you may even want to make several so you have one for every special occasion.
Skill
Beginner
Time
Few Hours
Cost
Less Than $100
What You Need for This Project
Make a Serving Tray
- 1
STEP ONE
Rout Dadoes on the Sides & Ends
Rout or cut a 1/2 in. deep by 1/4 in. wide dado on one face of each side and end piece. The bottom of the dado should be 1/2 in. from the nearest edge of the piece. The dadoed faces will be the inside of the tray.
Steps:
- 2
STEP TWO
Mitre the Side & End Pieces
Mitre the end pieces so they are 14 in. long on their outside faces, then mitre the side pieces so they are 20 in. long on their outside faces.
Centre a handle 1/2 in. down from the top edge of one of the end pieces and mark the end piece for the handle screws. Bore holes through the end piece to receive the screws. Use the first end piece as a template to bore holes in the second one.
Steps:
- 3
STEP THREE
Dry-Fit the Assembly
Square and dry fit the pieces together. Measure for and cut the bottom panel.
- To find the panel length, measure from the inside face of one end piece to the inside face of the other and add 3/4 in.
- To find the panel width, measure from the inside face of one side piece to the inside face of the other and add 3/4 in.
- Since the dadoes are 1/2 in. deep, adding 3/4 in. to each dimension gives the panel room to float while ensuring that it cannot slip out of the dadoes after the pieces are assembled.
Steps:
- 4
STEP FOUR
Finish Assembling the Tray
With the panel set in the dadoes, glue and nail the side and end pieces together. Use a square to square the assembly. Use clamps to hold the tray square while the glue dries.
After the glue has cured, attach the handles. Fill all holes and imperfections with wood filler. Sand the entire tray and wipe off the dust.
Steps:
- 5
STEP FIVE
Seal the Wood
Paint or stain the tray to suit your taste. For a more decorative touch, stencil the tray to match your décor or to make several trays with seasonal or holiday themes. Just be sure to protect your artwork with a suitable clear topcoat.
Steps:
How To Terms
Tools, products, materials, techniques, building codes, and local regulations change; therefore, Lowe's assumes no liability for omissions, errors, or the outcome of any project. The reader must always exercise reasonable caution, follow current codes and regulations that may apply, and is urged to consult with a licensed professional if in doubt about any procedures.
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