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Home » How To Make A Footed Tray

July 26, 2021

How To Make A Footed Tray

Are you looking for a great centerpiece for your kitchen table? Look no further, because today I’m going to show you how to make a large footed tray.

My kitchen table is a big farm table. Handmade by a friend, it is one of my most favorite pieces in my home. Since the table is so big, the table’s centerpiece needs to be big. A statement piece for sure!

Affiliate links are used in this post. Read my full disclosure here.

The Footed Tray – Supply List

Looking back, so many amazing memories happen around the kitchen table. Sharing meals with family and friends, conversations, game nights, prayer time and more. I wanted something special for the center of my big farm table and thought how awesome it would be to make a custom tray to fit the area just right.

If you know me, you know I love to craft but I’m not a big tool kind of girl. Nonetheless, I decided to try it on my own…with a little help from Big Al.

Below is a list of materials you will need:

  • Plywood
  • Accent trim for the sides
  • Molding for the unfinished edge
  • Feet
  • Brush/primer/paint/
  • Saw
  • Nail gun or wood glue

Step 1

I measured my table and decided the size of the tray. You want the tray to be proportionate to where you will be using it. If it helps you visualize, take some newspaper and cut it to the size you think will work, and then put it on the table.

Trust me! If you are unsure of the size, the newspaper trick will help.

Once the size was determined, I then took the small piece of plywood and cut it, creating the base of the tray to be 15 x 21.

Step 2

I decided that I didn’t want the side rails of my tray to be plain. Buying some detailed trim gave me the look I had imagined.

If you aren’t interested in the detail you can use a plain piece of molding or 1 x 2 wood.

Since I am no pro at the miter saw, I had Big Al help me cut the corners. Once the corners were cut, I used the nail gun to secure to the bottom of the tray. If you don’t have a nail gun, wood glue would also work.

Step 3

The edges of the plywood were unfinished so I bought a super inexpensive piece of molding to cover them.

Once they were cut, I nailed the molding to the side of the tray.

“Crafts make us feel rooted, give us a sense of belonging and connect us with our history. Our ancestors used to create these crafts out of necessity, and now we do them for fun, to make money and to express ourselves. – ”Phyllis George

Step 4

The next step is to add the feet. The decorative feet I bought for my tray had long screws in the bottom. However, I removed the screws and used wood glue to adhere to the tray.

Easy peasy!

The construction process took less than an hour.

Just to be clear, once I put the feet on, I let the tray completely dry overnight before I started painting.

“When a guest sits down there should be something beautiful and inspiring to look at.” ― Annie Falk

Step 5

I primed with white, painted with red, and sanded it to get the look I was going for.

I used red because it is one of the primary colors I use for Christmas every year. Using a more neutral color allows you to use the tray year round.

Step 6

Now comes the fun part! Stage your tray. You can see how I used my tray in my post Ideas for Creating A Simple Christmas Table.

The most time consuming part of this project was priming and painting.

Lastly, if you are intimidated by wood working, I am here to tell you if I can do it, YOU can do it!

If you like this project, please check out My Christmas Table.

I hope you have enjoyed my DIY footed tray. I hope it encourages you to create your own!

Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram and Pinterest!

Posted In: Blog

Comments

  1. Traci Goure says

    July 26, 2021 at 1:04 pm

    I love this tray idea. You make it look so easy. It is so festive and classy.

    Reply
    • cottageinthemitten@gmail.com says

      July 27, 2021 at 12:23 am

      It was an easy project! If I can handle the power tools, so can you! Thanks for stopping!

      Reply
  2. Tina says

    July 26, 2021 at 4:03 pm

    What a beautiful centerpiece. Simple and such a statement. Saw the original post, it’s July will definitely get it done this year. Part of my vision board; make time to finish projects.
    Thanks for the inspiration to both the tray and vision board! Keep the posts coming!💕

    Reply
    • cottageinthemitten@gmail.com says

      July 27, 2021 at 12:23 am

      Awe, thank you, Tina! Having a vision board helps me stay accountable. Get those projects checked off! Thanks for the love!

      Reply
  3. Kelly Radcliff says

    July 26, 2021 at 8:01 pm

    Kim this is darling! I am so impressed by your power tool skills. I love Christmas in July so this made me smile. Pinning!

    Reply
    • cottageinthemitten@gmail.com says

      July 27, 2021 at 12:18 am

      Thank you, Kelly! I am definitely learning and getting better. So glad this put a smile on your face, friend. Appreciate the pin, too!

      Reply
  4. Cindy Rust says

    July 27, 2021 at 2:57 pm

    Huge fan of footed trays over here in Delaware! I love your design Kim! Pinning!

    Reply
    • cottageinthemitten@gmail.com says

      July 27, 2021 at 3:37 pm

      Thanks, friend! You would love to make this project! All your work is so good, too!

      Reply
  5. Jayne says

    July 27, 2021 at 3:04 pm

    What a lovely idea for Christmas! Pinning this for later – thanks!

    Reply
    • cottageinthemitten@gmail.com says

      July 27, 2021 at 3:36 pm

      Thanks, Jayne! It was a fun project. Thanks for pinning and stopping by!

      Reply
  6. Stacey says

    July 27, 2021 at 3:29 pm

    Seriously love this idea! I cannot wait for the Christmas season to arrive and you’re making it ever harder to wait!

    Reply
    • cottageinthemitten@gmail.com says

      July 27, 2021 at 3:36 pm

      Stacey, you’re the sweetest! I am loving the warm weather but looking forward to all the wonderful things Christmas brings!

      Reply
  7. Kimberly Snyder says

    July 27, 2021 at 6:44 pm

    You make it look so easy! I love the tray that you made! Thanks for sharing the process! I am going to have to try using real tools some time!

    Reply
    • cottageinthemitten@gmail.com says

      July 30, 2021 at 12:27 am

      Thanks, Kimberly! You should try using the power tools sometime. It’s not as scary as you think! Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply
  8. Cara says

    July 27, 2021 at 8:26 pm

    I love the tray and how it came together! I may need to try my hand at making one too! Thanks for sharing…

    Reply
    • cottageinthemitten@gmail.com says

      July 28, 2021 at 12:48 am

      You’re welcome! I hope you do try it. It was fun and easy. I am thinking about making another one in a neutral color. Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply
  9. Jennifer says

    July 27, 2021 at 9:42 pm

    The feet you chose for your tray are awesome! I’m going to need fo re-create this tray!!!!

    Reply
    • cottageinthemitten@gmail.com says

      July 28, 2021 at 12:47 am

      There are so many options for the feet to choose from. It’s such an easy project! Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply
  10. corine Mapes says

    July 28, 2021 at 12:58 am

    You did a great job! I love it. I’m in Michigan too. I’ll start following your blog.
    Corine

    Reply
    • cottageinthemitten@gmail.com says

      July 30, 2021 at 12:31 am

      Thank you! I always love meeting a fellow Mitten blogger! I will definitely log on to your blog, too!

      Reply
  11. Linda says

    July 28, 2021 at 1:48 am

    I love this tray and how it is custom for your table! It turned out so good. Great job!

    Reply
    • cottageinthemitten@gmail.com says

      July 30, 2021 at 12:30 am

      Thank you, Linda! It is definitely the perfect size.

      Reply
  12. Kim says

    July 28, 2021 at 4:08 am

    It turned out so good! Love the red!

    Reply
    • cottageinthemitten@gmail.com says

      July 30, 2021 at 12:29 am

      Thanks, Kim! I love using red at Christmas.

      Reply
  13. Paula@SweetPea says

    July 28, 2021 at 9:37 am

    Love the design of your tray. It won’t be long before you’ll be decorating it for Christmas.

    Reply
    • cottageinthemitten@gmail.com says

      July 30, 2021 at 12:24 am

      You are so right, Paula! Christmas will be here before we know it!

      Reply
  14. Danielle says

    July 28, 2021 at 3:22 pm

    That was such a fun challenge! Yours turned out beautifully!

    Reply
    • cottageinthemitten@gmail.com says

      July 30, 2021 at 12:26 am

      It was!! I appreciate your kind words!

      Reply
  15. Marie says

    July 28, 2021 at 4:05 pm

    Look at you with the power tools!! Way to go! The tray turned out so pretty.

    Reply
    • cottageinthemitten@gmail.com says

      July 30, 2021 at 12:25 am

      Haha! Thanks Marie! I’m no expert but did have fun using them!

      Reply
  16. Cindy says

    July 29, 2021 at 12:44 am

    Love the style of this tray. You have it styled pretty too.

    This girl doesn’t like power tools.

    Pinned!

    Reply
    • cottageinthemitten@gmail.com says

      July 30, 2021 at 12:25 am

      You are so kind! Definitely give the power tools a try. This was my first project using them and I loved it!

      Reply
  17. Rosemary Palmer says

    July 29, 2021 at 1:53 pm

    Such a great tray – and to customize to fit your space. I have an old picture frame I may have to dig out and make into a tray.

    Reply
    • cottageinthemitten@gmail.com says

      July 30, 2021 at 12:22 am

      That’s a great idea, Rosemary! You should definitely try it. Thanks for stopping!

      Reply
  18. Juliet says

    July 29, 2021 at 8:38 pm

    Kim … I love love love your tray! It’s 90 degrees outside but you’ve put me in the mood for Christmas! xo

    Reply
    • cottageinthemitten@gmail.com says

      July 30, 2021 at 12:22 am

      Thank you, Juliet! I’m so glad I have inspired you! 💛🎅

      Reply
  19. Carol says

    July 29, 2021 at 11:07 pm

    How can I join your blog?

    Reply
    • cottageinthemitten@gmail.com says

      July 30, 2021 at 12:29 am

      There should be a pop-up when you go to my blog. You can sign up there. 🙂

      Reply
  20. Maria says

    July 30, 2021 at 5:50 pm

    These footed trays are so versatile!!
    Thanks so much for the tutorial because I’m sure I need another one;)

    Reply
    • cottageinthemitten@gmail.com says

      July 30, 2021 at 11:52 pm

      You’re welcome! Hope you get the chance to make one.

      Reply
  21. Linda Johnston says

    July 31, 2021 at 1:25 am

    Thanks for sharing this. I love how your tray turned out.

    Reply
    • cottageinthemitten@gmail.com says

      August 1, 2021 at 10:47 pm

      Thanks so much, Linda!

      Reply
  22. Elizabeth says

    August 1, 2021 at 2:14 am

    I love this tray! I might have to make one myself this year!

    Reply
    • cottageinthemitten@gmail.com says

      August 1, 2021 at 10:42 pm

      Yes! You should definitely try one! It was a fun project.

      Reply
  23. stacy says

    November 1, 2022 at 7:03 am

    Kim what a beautiful idea for your table! I would love to make this one!

    Reply
    • cottageinthemitten@gmail.com says

      November 1, 2022 at 7:43 pm

      Thank you, Stacy! I hope you get the chance to try it!

      Reply
  24. Brendt Blanks says

    November 1, 2022 at 9:48 am

    I love this, Kim and plan to give it a go!
    Thank you so much for sharing, pinned.
    xoxo,
    Brendt

    Reply
    • cottageinthemitten@gmail.com says

      November 1, 2022 at 7:44 pm

      Oh, I’m so glad! Thanks Brendt! 💛

      Reply
  25. Jennifer says

    November 1, 2022 at 12:49 pm

    Just scrolled past sweet Paula’s comment and thinking about her now. Miss you Paula!

    Reply
    • cottageinthemitten@gmail.com says

      November 1, 2022 at 7:45 pm

      She is greatly missed!!

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. My Simple & Traditional Holiday Home Tour - cottage in the mitten says:
    December 3, 2021 at 12:46 pm

    […] I added my red and white table runner, then my red foot tray I made last Christmas. As far as decorating my footed tray, I added a few trees, a candle stick and […]

    Reply
  2. Christmas in July - My Festive Cottage Home - cottage in the mitten says:
    July 25, 2022 at 2:46 pm

    […] piece that I know for sure I’ll be using again this Christmas is my footed tray. I shared How To Make A Footed Tray a few years back and it’s still such a fun piece to accessorize for the holiday. It’s […]

    Reply

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About Me


Hi! I’m Kim!

Welcome to my Cottage in the Mitten! I am a native Michigander. I am a wife, mom and mimi. I love DIY, home decor, all things pretty, community with others, and sewing. I make blankets for a cause, hoping to help find a cure for brain tumors. I hope you love my site and pray it inspires you.

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