Easy to Build Serving Trays

How to Build a Simple Serving Tray

These Ellington trays will be perfect for serving up fabulous food to your guests! These easy to build serving trays (inspired by Frontgate) are quick to construct and also super inexpensive. Two of these trays can be made from one quarter sheet (2′ x 4′) of 1/2″ plywood. This is also a project that can be completed in an afternoon! Yay!

There are two sizes listed in the cut list – the large tray measures 14″ x 20″ x 3″, and the small tray measures 12″ x 18″ x 3″.

Materials:

• 1-1/4″ brad nails or screws (<– affiliate link!)
• Finishing Supplies

Lumber:

• One 2′ x 4′ sheet of 1/2″ plywood

Cut List:

For the Large Tray:

• 1 – 13″ x 19″ – Bottom
• 2 – 4″ x 13″ – Handles
• 2 – 3″ x 19″ – Sides

For the Small Tray:

• 1 – 11″ x 17″ – Bottom
• 2 – 4″ x 11″ – Handles
• 2 – 3″ x 17″ – Sides

Step One

Cut the pieces for the bottom to size.

Pro Tip: Finishing will be so much easier if each piece is sanded before assembling!

Step Two

Cut the pieces for the ends with handles. Mark the position for the handle by drawing two 1″ circles spaced 4″ apart at the center. Cut the handle using a 1″ hole saw or paddle bit at the center of each hole. Connect the holes by drawing a  straight line across the top and bottom of the circles, then cut them out with a jigsaw. Attach the end handle pieces to the bottom pieces using glue and brad nails or countersunk screws.

Step Three

Cut the pieces for the sides. Attach the sides to the ends and bottom using glue and brad nails or countersunk screws.

Finish as desired!

There are so many ways to use these simple serving trays! One idea would be to arrange pictures or vintage postcards in the bottom of each tray and have a piece of glass cut to cover them. They could be swapped out as the holidays (or moods) change!

The free plans for easy to build serving trays are the perfect project for those new to woodworking. The plans are easy, quick, and require minimal tools!