DIY Rustic Wooden Serving Tray with a Modern Twist

Hey there, fellow craft enthusiasts! Robert Kline here, and I’m excited to share my latest woodworking project with you: a rustic wooden serving tray with a modern gold accent. This project is perfect for adding a touch of handmade charm to your home decor, and it makes a thoughtful gift for any occasion.

Gathering Your Supplies

Before we get started, let’s gather our tools and materials. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Wood:
  • (3) 3′ x 3″ x 1″ cedar wood boards
  • (4) 3′ x 2″ x 1″ cedar wood boards
• Hardware:
  • (2) Rustic handles
  • (4) 2.5″ tall corner brackets
• Adhesives and Finishes:
  • Elmer’s Wood Glue
  • Elmer’s Stainable Wood Filler (optional)
  • Gold spray paint
  • Wood stain (I used three different shades for a layered effect)
  • Polyacrylic sealer
• Tools:
  • Compound miter saw
  • Nail gun (or right angle clamps)
  • Electric sander and fine-grit sandpaper
  • Paintbrushes
  • Rags
  • Gloves
  • Eye and ear protection

Building the Rustic Serving Tray Base

1. Creating the Outer Rim: Begin by cutting one of the 3′ x 3″ x 1″ boards in half to create the two long sides of your tray (approximately 18″ each). Then, cut the other 3′ x 3″ x 1″ board into two 12″ pieces for the end pieces.

2. Assembling the Frame: Apply wood glue to the ends of the 12″ boards and place them between the 18″ pieces to form the outer rim of the tray. Secure the pieces together using a nail gun or clamps.

Pro Tip: Using a nail gun will give you faster results and a seamless look. However, if you don’t have one, clamps will work just fine!

3. Filling Nail Holes (Optional): If desired, fill any visible nail holes with wood filler. Let it dry completely and sand smooth for a polished finish. However, embracing the rustic look by leaving the nail holes exposed can add to the charm of the tray.

4. Cutting the Inside Pieces: Measure and cut the 3′ x 2″ x 1″ boards at 45-degree angles to create the inside diagonal pieces. For the most accurate fit, it’s best to line the boards up inside the outer rim, mark them, and then trim them accordingly.

Remember: Precision is key to ensure a tight fit without any gaps.

5. Sanding for a Smooth Finish: Cedar wood has a naturally rustic texture. If you prefer a smoother look, choose a different type of wood. However, even with cedar, it’s a good idea to sand down any rough edges before moving on to staining.

Adding Color and Character

1. Staining and Painting: Stain all of the wood pieces except for the two pieces that will become the gold accent arrow. Allow the stain to dry completely.

2. Creating the Gold Accent: Spray paint the two remaining pieces with gold paint and set them aside to dry.

Pro Tip: Using multiple shades of stain can create a beautiful layered effect. Don’t be afraid to experiment!

Assembling the Serving Tray

1. Gluing the Inside Pieces: Apply wood glue to the edges of the inside diagonal pieces and attach them to each other.

2. Attaching the Rim: Apply wood glue to the top edges of the inside pieces and carefully position the outer rim around them. Secure the rim in place using clamps or weights until the glue dries.

3. Sealing for Protection: Once the glue is dry, apply a coat of polyacrylic sealer to protect the wood and enhance its natural beauty.

Adding the Finishing Touches

1. Attaching the Handles: Once the sealer has dried, attach the rustic handles to the shorter sides of the tray using screws.

2. Securing the Corner Brackets: Attach the corner brackets to each corner of the tray for added stability and a decorative touch.

Styling Your Rustic Serving Tray

Congratulations, your rustic serving tray is complete! Now comes the fun part – styling it to match your personal aesthetic.

• Springtime Charm: Fill it with a beautiful succulent in a gold tin, a cute ceramic bird, and a glass jar full of colorful Easter eggs for a cheerful springtime centerpiece.

• Mother’s Day Treat: Surprise Mom with breakfast in bed on her special day by arranging her favorite treats on this charming tray.

• Versatile Decor: Place it on an ottoman, a dresser, or a coffee table to add a touch of rustic elegance to any room.

Sharing Your Creations

I hope this tutorial has inspired you to create your own rustic wooden serving tray. Remember to have fun with it and add your own personal touches. Be sure to share your creations with me on social media – I can’t wait to see what you come up with!

For more DIY inspiration and unique handmade gift ideas, be sure to explore the rest of the Robert Kline Art website. Happy crafting!