How to Build a Modern Farmhouse Wood Tray

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. 

*This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure policy. 
*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,