Learn How to Build a Cool Wooden Serving Tray! 2026

Learn How to Build a Cool Wooden Serving Tray, it offers a unique style by incorporating two classic American hardwoods, cherry and maple, along with an aluminum bar for the handles and a subtle router detail that you can add if you wish.

However, the tray is easy to build, with three boards, the aluminum bar, and some screws.

Materials Needed, Learn How to Build a Cool Wooden Serving Tray:

Wood products:

• 1 Table 1×2, 72″
• 1 Table 1×2, 48″
• 1 Table 1×6, 48″

Supplies:

• 9 1 1/4″ fine thread screws
• 8 #6 x 1 1/2″ Flat Head Wood Screws
• 1 1/2″ x 36″ Aluminum Round Bar
• 3/8″ Router Bit

Tools used:

• Clamps
• Kreg Pocket-Hole Jig
• Kreg work table
• Drill
• Sierra
• Miter saw
• Router
• Sander
• Carpenter's square
• Tape measure

Cut List:

• 2 Bottom Rails, 3/4″ x 1 1/2″ x 20″ Maple
• 4 Handle Rails, 3/4″ x 1 1/2″ x 5″ Maple
• 2 Wings, 3/4″ x 1 1/2″ x 20″
• 2 Center Boards, Cherry 3/4″ x 5 1/2″ x 20″
• 2 Handles, 1/2" x 12 1/2" aluminum bar

Step 1: Make the bottom rails

Start by cutting two bottom rails to size from 1x2 maple, as shown in the image. Attach your Kreg Jig for 3/4″ thick material and drill pocket holes in each end in the locations shown.

Notice that the pocket holes are poorly centered. This way, when the center panel is attached, the holes will be covered. You must now drill four holes, as shown, with the pocket holes.

These will be used to attach the outer parts of the tray, called Wings, later. Use a 1/8″ drill bit with a countersink or follow with a larger diameter drill bit to countersink the holes, as shown.

Step 2: Make the rails for the handle

Cut two handle rails to size from a 1x2 maple, as shown in the pictures. One end of each tie rod is cut square and the other at a 15° angle.

After cutting the pieces, round over the square end of each rail, as shown. The rounding is quite small, so you can do it with a sander pretty quickly.

Do not drill the hole that will receive the Handle yet. It is added after the rails are assembled.

Step 3: The rails

Place the bottom rails with the pocket holes facing up on a flat surface. Then place the first handle rail against a bottom rail, as shown.

Note that the top edge of the handle rail will sit flush with the top edge of the bottom rail and that there will be a slight overhang at the bottom.

You can sand this one after the glue dries. Apply glue to the mating edge of the Handle and bottom rails, and then attach the pieces using 1 1/4″ fine thread screws. Repeat this for all four handle rails.

Step 4: Drill the holes for the handle

When the glue dries on the rail assemblies, try sanding them. This is also a good time to sand the bottom rail connections and handle rails so they are flush. You can now drill the holes for the aluminum handles.

To ensure the holes line up correctly, hold the two sets of rails firmly together as shown.

Mark the location of the handle holes and then place the assemblies on a piece of plywood or a wider board to help prevent any snags as you drill the parts.

Secure the rails to the work surface with clamps, andDrill each set of holes, making sure to keep the drill as perpendicular as possible.

Step 5: Make the wings

Cut two wings to the length of 1x2, as shown in the image above. If you would like to add the cove detail shown, place a 3/8″ bit in your Router and then extend a profile on one edge and both ends of each wing as shown.

If you don't have a router, you can leave the edges squared or lightly sand the edges of one side to make corner cutting easier. Sand each wing lightly.

Step 6: Place the wings on the rails

Apply glue along the flat edge of the wing, and then align it with the rail assembly so that the top face of the wing is flush with the top edge of the bottom rail, as shown. Hold the wing in place.

Then use the holes in the bottom rail as guides to drill pilot holes in the wings, as shown.

This will prevent the wood from splitting as you drive four #6 x 1 1/2" flat head wood screws to secure the wing.

Make sure the screw heads are level or slightly below the surface of the bottom rail so they won't get in the way later. Repeat this to attach the other wing to the second wing to the other rail assembly.

Step 7: Make the central boards

Cut two center boards to size from 1x6 cherry, as shown in the cutting diagram. Drill pocket holes in the locations shown.

Step 8: Complete the Center Panel

Apply glue to the joining edges of the two center boards, align the ends and edges, and then fix them together

Step 9: Make the handles

Using a hacksaw, cut two Handles to the length of the 12 1/2″ aluminum bar. Use a file or sandpaper to sand the cut ends smoothly.

Then use a woven abrasive pad (such as Scotch-Brite) to polish the aluminum to a consistent finish.

Step 10: Final assembly

Spread the glue along one edge of the center panel, and then place it on the rail/wing assembly, as shown, so that the top face of the panel is aligned with the top edge of the bottom rail.

Hold the panel in place and then secure it with glue and 1 1/4″ fine-thread screws.

Place the handles on the rails on that side. Then attach the second rail/wing assembly in the same manner.

Step 11: Finish it

Once the glue dries, wipe off any excess. Then do any final sanding that is necessary. You'll especially want to make sure the center panel is level with the rails. Once this is done, you need to add a protective finish.

If you intend to use the serving tray for food, you must ensure that the finish is food safe.

We cleaned a couple of layers of. We apply a couple of layers of natural oil. It's safe, offers protection, and really brings out the beauty of maple and cherry.

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