How to Make a Serving Tray

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Steps

Difficulty

Easy

Time Required

1Day

Estimated Cost

$$$

What You Need for This Project

Tools

Circular Saw

Drill

Drill Bits

Router

Clamps

Tape Measure

Square

Sandpaper

Paint Brush

Dust Mask

Safety Goggles

Ear Protection

Materials

(1) 1/4 inch Faced Plywood Sheet

1x4

Wood Glue

1 1/4 inch Finishing Nails

Wood Filler

Wood Stain

Paint or Stain of Your Choice

Cut List

Part	Material	Length	Quantity
Side Pieces	1x4	20 1/2 in.	2

Rip cut the pieces to 2 in. wide.

Part	Material	Length	Quantity
End Pieces	1x4	14 1/2 in.	2

Rip cut the pieces to 2 in. wide.

Part	Material	Length	Quantity
Bottom (floating panel)	1/4 in. face plywood	See note	1

It is best to cut the bottom to size after the side pieces have been dry-fitted to the end pieces.

Make a Serving Tray

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.

Person using a circular saw on a piece of wood

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.

Person using a jigsaw on a piece of wood

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.

Person cutting off a dowel on a wood assembly

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.

Person putting a clamp on a wood assembly

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.

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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.