It’s Sawdust Saturday! This sweet DIY pallet wood tray took about 30 minutes to cut and assemble, using scrap wood. I added the beaded handles and a red ticking fabric scrap to soften this rugged crate-like tray.
Supplies Needed
Our finished tray measures at 10″ x 17″ but you can make this any size.
Here’s what you’ll need for the build:
3 pallet strips of wood for the bottom. Ours were 2 3/4″ x 16″.
2 pieces for the short sides. Ours were 8 1/2″ x 3″
2 pieces for the long sides. Ours were 17 1/4″ x 3″
2 cross pieces for each end, bottom tray. Ours were 8 1/2″ x 1 3/4″
Hammer & nails, or a nail gun
220 grit sandpaper
Supplies Used for Finishing:
Red + Black paint, I used acrylic (I added a dot of black to my red for a darker version of red; if you have a red you like, you may not need this.)
Stain, I used Chestnut
Old t-shirt or rag
Supplies for Handles
Wooden beads, I used 7 on each side, 20 mm
Picture hanging wire
Gorilla glue, clear grip
4 small 3/4″ screw eyes
Drill/bit to predrill screw eye holes
Build It
Cut all your pieces and set up as shown in the picture.
Use a nail gun (or hammer/small nails) to secure each of your boards. Sand edges smooth with 220 grit sandpaper.
If you want to paint your tray, mix the red acrylic with water to create a thin, stain-like paint. After trial and error, I added a drop of black to get the darker red I was looking for. Once dry, we sanded edges with 220 grit sandpaper, and lightly wiped on the stain on some surfaces/edges to add variation in color.
Drill two small pilot holes in each side where you want your handles and screw in your eye screws.
Thread 7 painted/stained beads on picture hanging wire and twist around the screw eyes. Dab the ends with clear Gorilla Glue to seal the wire threads.
Style It
I decided to make this a “hot cocoa” themed gift tray, so I used two fun mugs, red and white straws, candy canes, pre-packaged hot cocoa mix, marshmallows. I used a scrap of red ticking from another project and placed it in the bottom, arranged my mugs and other items on top of the fabric.
Gift It
I added a red gingham ribbon with pom-pom trim around the tray and tied a bow on top, tucking in a galvanized ornament that says “joy.”
There are many ways to gift this. You could take a hot meal to a loved one on this tray with a small decorated tree. Or you could fill it with holiday baked goodies for a beloved neighbor or friend.
If you make this diy pallet wood tray for someone special, I’d love to hear how your gift made their day! Tag me @backporchbliss.
Want to set up a hot cocoa bar in your house? Check this out! Here’s even more holiday fun.
Happy holidays!
Genius! I love how you did the handles ; that’s so clever!!
Aww, thank you, Jennifer! I’m a little obsessed with the wood beads lately!