How to Build Table Trays

This type of table tray is among the more popular ones available.

You can use table trays for eating, working or working on your laptop. The difficulty of building a table tray depends on the purpose for the tray as well as the design. Wood choice is another factor to consider. Plywood is a good lightweight choice, while solid lumber is best for cutting trays. The trays' portability also makes them popular among busy people who tend to spend less time in the kitchen or apartment dwellers with no dining room.

Things You'll Need

• 1 piece of 7 1/2-inch-by-24 1/2-inch-by-3/4-inch lumber
• Carpenter's square
• Compass
• Band saw
• 100-grit sandpaper
• Variable speed drill
• 1/16-inch drill bit
• 2 pieces of 12-inch-by-14-inch-by-3/4-inch lumber
• 3/8-inch countersink bit
• Wood glue
• Phillips head screw tip
• 1 1/4-inch drywall screws
• Damp cloth
• 2 small wooden shelf brackets with plates

Instructions

1. Place the 24 1/2-inch piece (will be the leg) on a worktable. Measure from one end and make marks at 9 1/4, 12 1/4 and 15 1/4 inches. Set the carpenter's square on the marks and draw lines across the width of the leg. Make a mark at 1 1/2 inches from both edges on the 9 1/4- and 15 1/4-inch lines.

2. Set the compass on 2 inches. Put the point of the compass on the 12 1/4-inch mark as close to one edges as possible and draw a semicircle. Repeat this on the opposite edge, then set the compass to 1 1/2 inches.

3. Put the point of the compass to the 1 1/2-inch marks on the other two lines and draw arcs from the edge of the leg to the semicircle. Repeat this process on the opposite edge of the leg. Cut the lines with a band saw and sand the cut edges.

4. Drill three pilot holes 3/8 inch from the 12-inch edge of the 14-inch lumber (top and bottom) with the 1/16-inch drill bit. Drill one in the center and one 3 inches either side of the center. Next, drill 3/8-inch countersink holes on top of the pilot holes. Keep the holes no deeper than 3/8-inches.

5. Apply glue to the ends of the leg and secure it to the top and bottom pieces with the drywall screws. Clean up the excess glue with the cloth. Secure the shelf brackets in the corners created by the leg and the top and bottom according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Tips & Warnings

• You can install screw hole buttons in the screw holes on the top of the table tray.

• Do not leave power tools within reach of children.

• Do not stain or paint the table tray without proper ventilation.

References

• B2B Marketplace: Wooden Trays

Resources

• Lee's Wood Projects: How to Build a Wooden Serving Tray