HOW TO MAKE A WOOD TABLE TRAY

Learn how to make a wood table tray in this post. A table tray is great for decor, but it can also be quite useful, especially if it’s being used on a bed or ottoman.

We are finishing our basement, and instead of a coffee table, we decided to get an ottoman to match the sofa. (Basements always seem to yearn for coziness, am I right?) Because of this, I wanted to have a decent size table tray that could be placed on the ottoman.

Table trays are actually decently expensive, and what a shock that I couldn’t really find one that I loved. I wanted a circle one to bring in softer edges, and I wanted it to be wood.

I found one circle tray, but I didn’t love the color. It wasn’t solid wood, so it was pretty light weight. I wanted the tray to be durable and go with the rest of the decor, so I decided to make it.

ITEMS NEEDED TO MAKE A WOOD TABLE TRAY

• Circle piece of solid wood
• Fabric strips for handles
• Rope
• Hot glue gun and multiple glue sticks
• Scissors
• Wood stain (optional)
• Polyurethane (optional for more durability)
• Ruler (optional)

WHAT A TABLE TRAY CAN BE USED FOR

A table tray can be used for daily items, or decorative.

For a decorative piece, you can add a real or faux plant, a small stack of books, coasters, a candle, a small diffuser, a jar, etc. You can add this tray to the center of a dining table or coffee table, or really any table that might need a centerpiece.

For daily use, the tray can be used more to set items on if you don’t have a coffee table and are using it on top of an ottoman or bed. You can even serve food on it (still serving as a table).

WHY USE POLYURETHANE

Polyurethane will increase the durability of the wood. The only reason I wouldn’t add this, is if you are just using the tray for decor, and won’t be changing the set up.

Poly is a protective coating, so it will help eliminate stains, and make for easy cleaning.

HOW TO MAKE A WOOD TABLE TRAY

If you are adding poly or stain to your wood, it would be easiest to do this first.

Once wood is prepared, cut the handles for each side. Mine ended up being about 10 inches each, but you can adjust if needed.

Next, find the center of the wood, so you know where to place your straps. (Honestly, I estimated, but if you want to be precise so that you don’t have an uneven weight, just measure.) To match the straps across from each other, I used the wood grain to double check my placement.

Then, use your hot glue gun to glue the straps to the sides of the wood. Use a good amount of glue to make sure they are secured well, and hold ends of straps in place until glue is dry.

Next, find where you want to start your rope at the bottom edge, and flip your end piece up and glue. (This will help easily cover the end.)

Continue adding glue and securing the rope along the bottom edge of the wood. Add a little glue at a time, so that it doesn’t dry faster than you attach the rope.

Once you make your way around the entire piece of wood, overlap the rope on top of the first row. Apply glue to wood, and keep repeating process until you reach the top edge of the wood.

When you reach the top edge, continue the process, but add the glue on top of the previous row of rope. (I added 2 more rows.)

Finally, when you reach the spot above where you started, cut your rope.

Pull a section of the row of ropes back, so that you can tuck in your end-piece. Add hot glue to secure.

PIN IT FOR LATER!

NEED ANOTHER IDEA FOR A WOOD CENTERPIECE?

Check out this other option for a wood centerpiece here!