DIY Coffee Table Tray/Charcuterie Board

Cassandra Campana
by Cassandra Campana
5 Materials
$20
3 Hours
Easy

This tray can be used for whatever you choose, including food if you use a food-safe top coat. This is a great project for someone with minimal tools and makes a thoughtful gift!


The materials I used are listed below! I ordered the tray handles from Amazon. For lumber, I used one sheet of 1/4" birch plywood, a 1x2x6, and a 1x3x6. I used my miter saw to cut these pieces to length and miter the edges of the 1x2 pieces. You'll also need wood glue and a drill.


To start, I cut my birch plywood sheet to 13.5" x 9.75". Then I cut my 1x3x6 in four 13.5" pieces. I cut my 1x2x6 into four pieces. Two of these pieces are 11.5" long and two are 15.25" long (I mitered the ends to 45 degrees and these measurements are across the longest part).


First, I glued the four 1x3s to the birch plywood sheet. Make sure the 1x3s hang over the birch plywood slightly on all sides.

The pieces should go together like so...


I gave these pieces about 30 minutes to dry and carefully placed something heavy on top (a stack of wood).


While the 1x3s are drying on the birch plywood, place the two shorter 1x2s down so that the longer side is facing up (remember these pieces are mitered at 45 degrees so one side should be shorter than the other). Use a measuring tape to find the middle of each piece.


After you mark the middle, place your handles and use a pencil to mark where the screws will go.


Drill pilot holes to help you attach your handles later.


Once your 1x3s have dried on the birch plywood, use wood glue to attach your 1x2s to the perimeter so that the mitered corners line up.


If needed, place heavy objects on opposing sides of the tray (but not on the tray, on the same surface as it) to place pressure on the 1x2s and hold them in place. I allowed the tray to dry in this position overnight but an hour should be enough for you to complete the next step.


Then stain the tray and apply a top coat.


Lastly, use a screwdriver or drill to attach the handles with screws into the holes you pre-drilled (once the stain and top coat have dried).


Then it's ready to style on your coffee table or fill with your favorite snacks!

Suggested materials:
  • Lumber (see beginning of post)
  • Tray handles
  • Miter saw
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