FREE plans to build a Modern Farmhouse Wood Tray. This is a great way to display your favorite farmhouse items.
In the process of adding some finishing touches to our kitchen I really felt like something was missing above the fridge. I knew some sort of tray with decorative items in it would fit the bill. I fell in love with this Farmhouse Tray on Sawdust to Stitches. I thought this would be the perfect build for above the fridge so I made a few tweaks to fit the space and my taste. This is an easy build. I happen to have all the wood and supplies on hand. The cost of the wood would probably set you back about $10 if you have to purchase it. I play around with a few different stains and dry brush painting until I achieved the perfect worn look I was going for. As an option you can add some corner braces that adds a nice touch as well.
If you have a thing for trays and caddies like myself make sure to check out this BBQ Caddy This is fabulous for storing and carrying all of our BBQ tools.
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*Super important make sure you have your Safety Gear. For this project I recommend safety goggles, ear protection and the oh so sexy P100 respirator mask for applying stain.
Let’s get started!
TOOLS FOR FARMHOUSE WOOD TRAY
- Tape measure
- Chop saw or miter saw – I use this saw
- Carpenter square
- Clamps
- Nail gun – I use this one
- Drill – I use this one
- 7/8 inch forstner bit
- Sander or sand paper – I used 150 and 220 grit
- chippy brush
SUPPLIES FOR FARMHOUSE WOOD TRAY
- 1 – 1 x 3 x 8
- 1 – 1 x 4 x 8
- 1 – 1 x 2 x 8
- 1 – 3/4 inch 3 ft dowel
- Wood glue
- 1 1/4 inch 18 G brad nails
- Wood filler
- Wood stain – I used MinWax Early American and Golden Oak (similar), and Rust – oleum Weathered Gray
- t-shirt for applying stain
- Polycrylic Sealer
- White flat paint
- 4 – black 1 1/2 corner braces with screws (optional for decorative purposes)
CUTS FOR FARMHOUSE WOOD TRAY
- 2 – 1 x 3 – 18 inches (long side of frame)
- 2 – 1 x 3 – 7 1/4 inches (short side of frame)
- 2 – 1 x 4 – 16 1/2 inches (bottom)
- 2 – 1 x 2 – 13 inches (vertical sides that handle attaches too)
- 3/4 inch dowel at 19 inches (handle) *I recommend cutting this after you drill the forstner holes and attach the first 1 x 2.
STEPS TO MAKE FARMHOUSE WOOD TRAY
Step 1) I started out by creating the frame for the tray using the four cuts from the 1 x 3. I used a square to align the joints, a clamp to keep in place, applied wood glue to the edges and nailed a long piece to a short piece. I repeated this for the rest of the frame.
Step 2) For the bottom I nailed the 1 x 4 pieces to the inside bottom of the frame. I inserted the 1 x 4 piece and then nailed around the outside of the frame. I did not use glue for this part.
I left about a 1/4 to 3/8 inch gap in the middle of the boards.
Step 3) To attach the handles I marked center on the top of the 1 x 2s at 3/4 inch from the top. I used a 7/8 inch forstner bit and aimed to drill down about 1/4 – 1/2 inch depth.
Then I attached one 1 x 2 to the boxed frame using glue and nailed it in place. I held up the other 1 x 2 in place I measured from the inside of each drilled hole to measure for the dowel. Next I applied wood glue to the drilled holes in each 1 x 2, inserted the dowel into the already attached 1 x 2 then I attached the last 1 x 2.
Step 4) I filled the nail holes and sanded the tray. Then I applied Early American stain and Weathered Gray stain. I wasn’t super happy with the look so I sanded a lot of the stain off. Then I applied a light brown stain and then I was almost satisfied. I wanted it to look even more worn so I lightly dry brushed a flat white paint and sanded the high spots.
I used this same dry brush technique with a heavier application with this All Seasons and Christmas Photo Holder.
Finally as a decorative option I added four black 1 1/2 inch corner braces to add some more character.
I added a few decorative items and put it on top of my fridge.
Dream IT and DO IT,
Hod did you create the antique effect? Did you use Gold and Yellow?
Hi Nigel,
I layered a few stains; first I applied Early American (Minwax) and Weathered Gray (Rustoleum). I wasn’t happy with this so I sanded it down pretty good then applied Wheat (Rustoleum). I think this stain may be discontinued though because I couldn’t find it. I found Golden Oak (Minwax) to be similar. Then finally I applied white flat paint by lightly dry brushing it on. This added a more worn/rustic effect. Thanks for your question!
Nice work and you are a very creative and clean artist! I appreciate good work and ideas! Thank you.
Hi Mimi,
Thanks so much!