Serving Trays

You and your friends will find plenty of ways to use these versatile trays.

Photography by Brian Francis

Who wouldn't love an extra work surface for serving appetizers, writing notes, or paying bills? This month's Unwind & Design project, multipurpose trays, are easy to make and provide an opportunity to add your own creative spin. Invite your friends over, and spend the afternoon pairing favorite colors with coordinating hardware.

Step-by-Step

1. Prior to your project party, have a Lowe's employee cut a wooden board to your desired size. Our trays are 12 by 18 inches cut from a 1 x 12 x 6 board. One board will yield four trays.
2. Sand the edges of the board using a sanding sponge.
3. 

   Use a foam brush and your favorite color of paint or stain to coat the entire board. Remember to always wear gloves when working with stain. Allow to dry.

   Tip: After painting one side of the board, entertain your friends with snacks and beverages while you wait for paint to dry. Then paint the other side, and let dry.

4. Spray the board with clear topcoat, and allow to dry.
5. To create handles for the tray, center a drawer pull 3/4 inch in from each short edge of the board, and mark the spots for the screws with a pencil. Drill holes at the marked locations using a 9/64-inch bit. Use the provided hardware to attach the pulls to the board. Attach felt pads to the underside of the tray at each corner.

     

     

Total Votes: 6

• View in the Video Gallery

Skillset: Beginner

Rough Cost Estimate: $16* (per tray)

Rough Time Estimate: 45 minutes (not icluding drying time)

Material

• 1 x 12 x 6**
• Drawer pulls (2 1/2-inch, satin nickel, #227349)
• Paint (Valspar Signature Colors, Eddie Bauer Home, Weathered Glass EB8-3, semi-gloss)
• Clear Topcoat (#165958)
• Felt Pads (#54064)

Tools***

• Sanding Sponge (#119053)
• Foam Brush
• Pencil
• Drill/Driver with 9/64-inch bit

*Based on a four-person party. Does not include applicable taxes, which vary by market, or the cost of tools.

**Availability varies by market.

***Add these reusable supplies to an Unwind & Design tool kit, which can travel to each month's party.

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