How to Make a Woven Wood Trivet

Woven wood trivets are simple to make using only a table saw and a bit of patience. They can be made out of a variety of woods and can be any size you choose them to be. Cut thin enough, they can also be used as place mats for a rustic look for dining.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Wooden boards 1 inch thick
• Table saw
• Water vessel
• Water

1. Determine how large you want the trivet to be. Cut the boards to that size first.

2. Take each board and cut into 1/4-inch strips. Use the fence of your table saw to set up the strip widths.

3. Soak each 1/4 X 1-inch strip in water overnight. This will help make the wood more pliable for weaving.

4. Remove the strips from the water and lay on a towel on your workbench.

5. Lay out the vertical strips of the woven mat, leaving at least an inch or two between strips.

6. Alternate the horizontal strips over and under the vertical strips in your pattern. Pull each horizontal strip close to the one next to it in the line.

7. Continue until the trivet is completely filled in. Straighten any horizontal or vertical strips that are crooked.

8. Lay the finished trivet, straight and square, on a fresh towel to dry for at least 24 hours.

Tips & Warnings

• Always wear safety glasses and follow all safety rules when operating power equipment.
• If you own a band saw, the strips can be cut even thinner to make them easier to work with.
• Wood trivets are great for protecting tabletops and counters from hot pots.
• Weaving the trivets or place mats can be a fun activity to do with children.