Favorite Handmade Tray Projects – 20 Easy DIY Serving Trays

Looking for a project to tackle this weekend? How about a DIY serving tray. It’s definitely a useful thing to have in any home. It makes breakfasts in bed so much more enjoyable. Maybe you already have a serving tray which could use a makeover. In this case, you’re looking in the right place. Take a look at the projects we prepared for you and pick the one you like best.

1. Birdie serving tray.

Cork tray diy
Cork tray diy

Trace a pattern on transfer paper and place it on the tray. Then transfer it using a hot, dry iron. Then plug in the woodburning tool and burn in the design after you’ve removed the paper. It only takes a few minutes.{found on designsponge}.

2. Old tray turned modern.

Cork tray diy

This is a project that kids would also enjoy being a part of. Apply primer onto an old tray and then spray on two coats of paint. Cut out circles and triangles out of scrap paper and glue them on. Then apply two coats of mod podge.{found on lemon}.

3. Sea glass mosaic tray.

Cork tray diy
Cork tray diy
Cork tray diy
Cork tray diy
Cork tray diy
Cork tray diy

Apply a thin coat of adhesive to the tray and spread it evenly. . press in the pieces of sea glass. Then add some grout and gently remove the the thicker layer from the top of the sea glass. Clean the glass when you’re done.{found on sandandsisal}.

4. Etched map serving tray.

Cork tray diy
Cork tray diy
Cork tray diy
Cork tray diy
Cork tray diy

First print out a road map of your choice. Tape the map to the underside of a window and apply clear contact paper. Trace the map on the window using a utility knife. Remove the cut out sections and apply etch over the exposed glass areas. Remove the extra contact paper.{found on designsponge}.

5. Scrabble serving tray.

Cork tray diy
Cork tray diy
Cork tray diy
Cork tray diy
Cork tray diy

Take an old tray, clean it and remove the handles. Spread some glue on and then apply the scrabble tiles one by one. Attach the handles with screws. Wait for a day and then pour resin on the tray and the tiles.{found on junkmailgemsblog}.

6. Decorative paper tray.

Cork tray diy
Cork tray diy
Cork tray diy

First paint an old tray in a color you like. Apply two coats of paint and let it dry. Measure the inside of the tray and cut the decorative paper to size. Apply a coat of glue and lay the paper on. You can also apply a second layer and add some photos, fabric scraps, etc. Seal the tray.{found on prudentbaby}.

7. Wine cork serving tray

Cork tray diy

For this project you’ll need a bunch of wine corks so start saving them. First paint the tray black. Then align the wine corks and come up with a design you like. Remove the corks and then glue them to the tray one by one.

8. Picture frame tray.

Cork tray diy

Find an old picture frame with glass on both sides. Then pick an item to put inside. It can be a photo, fabric swatches or a towel. Insert the item in the frame. Attach the drawer handles and drill holes in the frame.{found on site}.

9. Zig-zag serving tray.

Cork tray diy
Cork tray diy
Cork tray diy

For this project you can use an old tray or a box. If it doesn’t have handles, add then. Apply plain white contact paper to the bottom of the tray. Then use metallic gold tape to place stripes at random angles. Trim and clean the edges.{found on lovelyindeed}.

10. Chalkboard serving tray.

Cork tray diy

Find a porcelain platter you can use for the project and clean it and let it dry. Then use tape to mask off the edges. Apply chalkboard paint with a brush and let each coat dry. Remove the tape and let the platter dry for 24 hours. After that, bake the platter.{found on witandwhistle}.

11. Burlap tray.

Cork tray diy

First of all, you need to cut the burlap perfectly. You will need three pieces of fabric for this tray. Cut them all the same size and line them up: the inside padding, then the burlap and the inside lining. Sew around the edges. Cut the corners and flip the rectangle inside out.{found on craftingagreenworld}.

12. Recycled cardboard tray.

Cork tray diy

If you don’t have a serving tray, you can make one. Find an empty cardboard box and, if necessary, reinforce it with tape. Cut another piece of cardboard to fit in the bottom of the tray. Then cut a piece of fabric and glue it on. Then cover the box itself with fabric.{found on lilikoijoy}.

13. Penny tray.

Cork tray diy

For this project you’ll need lots of pennies. First prime the tray and then paint it. After that, start cleaning the pennies. Just wash them with soap and water. Arrange them on the bottom of the tray and, once you’re happy with the design, start gluing them on.{found on beingbrook}.

14. Striped wooden tray.

Cork tray diy

Take a piece of wood, cut it to size if necessary and stain it. Drill four holes in the corners of the board and attach the bun feet. Then use tape to create stripes on the tray. Then use paint to create the design you’ve chosen.{found on site}.

15. Lucite tray.

Cork tray diy

The first thing you need to do is buy an acrylic tray. Then create a couple of liners to lay in the tray. You can print them and then laminate them. It’s very simple and you can choose and any design or pattern you like.{found on twotwentyone}.

16. Flat tray with handles.

Cork tray diy

Take an old picture frame, measure it and mark where the knobs or handles will go. Secure them with screws. If you want, you can place an actual photo inside or, if not, you can use decorative paper. You can also paint the frame.{found on unabodaoriginal}.

17. Simple chalkboard tray.

Cork tray diy

To make this tray, you need a wood board which you stain. Then tape off the edges of the board. Apply chalkboard paint to the interior of the board and let it dry. Remove the tape. Then attach twp handles to the tray.{found on domesticsuperhero}.

18. Herringbone tray.

Cork tray diy

For this project you’ll need balsa wood flat sheets. Paint half of them turquoise and stain the rest with wood stain. Draw a line down the center of each sheet. Then mark every ½” down the length of the wood and draw lines horizontally. Slice out the rectangles and arrange them in a herringbone pattern inside the tray.{found on stylemepretty}.

19. Wine barrel-inspired tray.

Cork tray diy

Take the top from a round table or a piece of wood which has the right shape and size. Make a stencil using contact paper. Then use craft paint and a sponge brush to transfer the design. Let it dry and then stain the wood. Attach the handles and you’re done.{found on lilblueboo}.

20. Woven cork tray.

Cork tray diy

Here’s an interesting way in which you can use cork strips. Use them to make a beautiful woven tray. You need about 30 strips in total. Place down 15 stripes. Take another one and weave it through the center. Repeat with the others. Once you’re done, trace a circle on the cork and cut out the shape. Use it to line the tray.