DIY Raised Wooden Tray

Most of the time in rental apartments, either there wont be enough storage space or cabinets won’t exactly be to our liking. As per the regulations, we are not supposed to paint or change anything. But that doesn’t mean we can not make it look stylish. Even small spaces can be effectively put to maximum use with some space saving techniques and organization tactics. Recently, I made this wall mounted fruit storage to make clear up some space on the kitchen counter. Today, I am gonna be making a simple DIY raised wooden tray to keep oil and condiments near the stove.

I have more DIY kitchen organizers lined up to make this month. So, stay tuned and visit us for more ideas to make your space organized.

Supplies used:

1/2 x 6 – wood
1/2 x 2 – wood
Wood glue
Square Pull knobs
Black paint
1″ pocket screws
E – 6000 Glue

Tools Used:

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How to build a Wooden Tray

Step – 1: Cut the wood

Size your tray according to what you want to keep in it. I am making this tray for by kitchen counter to keep the Oil & condiments near the Stove. So, I arranged everything that I wanted to keep and measured the rough size.

Remember that the actual dimension of the lumber varies from the standard dimension. i.e 6″ wood will actually only be 5.5″ in depth and not 6″. So plan accordingly. Considering to have some extra room, I decided to make mine with overall dimension 15″x 6.5″ . So I cut the 1/2″x6″ lumber into 14″ length. The sides are cut from 1/2×2″ wood. The longer sides should be 14″+ 2x (thickness of wood) = 15″. And the two shorter sides should be 5.5 inches (depth of the base) each.

Once you cut the wood, sand the edges a little to smooth the splinters.

Step – 2: Assemble

First do a dry fit and check if everything is square. Next, pre-drill pockets holes on the rear side of the bottom piece. This way, screws wont be visible and you do not need to hide the pocket holes. Join the sides first with wood glue and secure with clamps. Once it is dry, apply glue to the bottom piece too and insert it into the assembled sides. Let the glue dry and then then secure with 1″ pocket screws. Since I had only 1-1/4″ pocket screws, I used the regular screws. That is why the screw head is protruding in my tray. But not to worry. I am going to add legs to this tray and so it wont be a bother.

Step – 3: Personalize

Sand the whole tray and finish it as you like. You can either stain or paint. I used black satin finish spray paint.

Step – 4: Add Legs

For legs, I used these golden color square knobs that I found on Menards. Just spaced the locations evenly on four corners and glued it with E-6000. To help it adhere properly, I taped and added weight over it.

Step – 5 : Add shelf liner and use!

Cut any shelf liner to size of the tray and place it before you start to use.

The combination of Black and gold colors looks stunning.

You know, this simple little tray can be used in may different ways. Use it as a key tray on your entry way table or jewelry tray in your vanity table or as an organizer in bathroom or use it as a center piece with small planters on it.