How to Build a Simple Wooden Serving Tray (Beginner‑Friendly DIY Project)

A Quick, Affordable Woodworking Project Anyone Can Make

If you’re looking for a fast, inexpensive, and profitable woodworking project, a handmade wooden serving tray is a fantastic choice. In this build, we walk through how to turn a single hardwood board—hickory, in this case—into a durable, stylish tray with handles. The entire project takes minimal time, requires only basic tools, and costs under $10 in materials.

Whether you’re a beginner woodworker or someone looking for easy projects to batch out and sell, this tray checks every box.

Materials & Tools

Materials

• Hardwood board (hickory, oak, maple, cherry—your choice)

• Handle hardware

• Wood finish (Danish oil recommended for non‑food‑contact surfaces)

Tools

• Table saw or circular saw

• Planer (optional)

• Drill or hand drill

• Sandpaper (120 and 220 grit)

• Random orbital sander

• Router with chamfer bit (optional but adds a clean profile)

Step‑by‑Step Instructions

1. Cut Your Board to Length

Start by cutting your board down to about 16 inches long. This gives you a comfortable tray size that can hold a plate, bowl, or coffee cup.

2. Rip to Width

Trim off the rough edges and rip the board to a clean 10‑inch width. This creates the flat, even base of your tray.

3. Plane the Surface

Plane the board until it’s smooth and flat. There’s no need to target a specific thickness—just work until the surface is even and clean.

4. Add a Chamfered Edge

Using a router, add a chamfer around the top edge of the board. This small detail gives the tray a polished, professional look.

5. Drill Holes for the Handles

Flip the board over and drill four screw holes where your handles will attach. Pre‑drilling ensures the hardware sits securely and prevents splitting.

6. Sand Smooth

Sand the entire tray with 120‑grit, then finish with 220‑grit for a silky surface ready for finishing.

7. Attach Hardware

If the handles are round, you may want to save this step for the very end. If they are flat, the handles can serve as a small platform to elevate your work piece while finishing the bottom side.

8. Apply Finish

Because this tray isn’t meant for direct food contact, Danish oil is a great choice. It enhances the natural beauty of the wood—especially hickory—and provides a warm, durable finish.

Why This Project Is Perfect for Beginners

• Low cost: Under $10 including hardware

• Minimal tools required: Can be built with a circular saw, hand drill, and sandpaper

• Fast build: Great for batching out multiple trays

• Highly giftable: Perfect for holidays, housewarmings, or breakfast‑in‑bed

• Profitable: Similar trays online sell for $50–$95 depending on wood species and design

If you have a CNC, you can even personalize trays with monograms or engraved quotes for added value.

Final Thoughts

This simple wooden serving tray is a great weekend project that delivers big results with minimal effort. Whether you’re building one as a gift or creating a batch to sell at craft fairs, the clean design and beautiful hardwood finish make it a crowd‑pleaser.

If you enjoyed this post on how to build a wooden serving tray, stay tuned for more beginner‑friendly woodworking builds on this website or over on our YouTube channel.