Wood Tray Plans

This step by step diy woodworking project is about how to build a crate. If you want to learn more about building a basic storage crate, we recommend you to take a look over the instructions described in the article. Work with good judgement and don’t forget to take a look over the rest of the related plans, as there are many designs and woodworking projects to select from.

Work with attention and don’t forget that a good planning will save you from many issues and it will keep the costs within the total budget. Invest in high quality materials, such as pine, redwood or cedar. Drill pocket holes before inserting the galvanized screws, to prevent the wood from splitting. Add waterproof glue t the joints, in order to enhance the rigidity of the structure. See all my Premium Plans HERE.

Projects made from these plans

Wood Tray Plans

Building a tray

Cut & Shopping Lists

• A – 1 piece of 1/2 plywood – 12″x18″ long BOTTOM
• B – 2 pieces of 1/2″ plywood – 3 1/2″ x 12″ long ENDS
• C – 2 pieces of 1/2″ plywood – 3 1/2″ x 17″ long SIDES
• D – 2 pieces of 1/2″ plywood – 3 1/2″ x 11″ long PARTITIONS
• E – 2 pieces of 1/2″ plywood – 3 1/2″ x 12″, 2 pieces – 3 1/2″ x 11″ long PARTITIONS

• 1 piece of 1/2″ plywood – 4’x4′
• 2 1/2″ screws
• 1 1/4″ screws
• wood putty, wood stain

Tools

 Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square, Level

 Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander

 Safety Gloves, Safety Glasses

Time

 One day

Related

• Wood Crate Plans

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Building a tray

Building the bottom

First of all, we recommend you to build the bottom of the tray out of 1/2″ plywood. Mark the cut lines on a sheet of plywood and get the job done with a circular saw. Smooth the cut edges and remove the residues with a damp cloth.

Building the frame of the tray

Next, you have to build the frame of the wood tray. Build the components out of 1/2″ plywood and lock them together tightly. Insert 1″ brad nails through the bottom into the components, after making sure the edges are flush. Add glue to the joints and remove the excess.

Cut out the handles into the end components and smooth the edges with fine grit sandpaper. Leave no gaps between the components.

Fitting the compartments

Fit the simple partitions to the tray, making sure you align the components properly. Use 1″ brad nails and glue to secure the components into place. Make sure the corners are square and the edges flush.

Building the partitions

If you want to enhance the storage space of the tray, we recommend you to create small compartments. Therefore, build the partitions out of 3/4″ plywood using the information described in the diagram. Mark the cut lines on the components and get the job done with a circular saw.

Use a chisel to remove the excess and smooth the recess with sandpaper. Repeat the process for the other partitions.

Fitting the partitions

Fit the partitions to the tray and secure them to the frame using finishing nails and glue. Make sure there are no gaps between the components and the corners are square.

Wood tray plans

One of the last steps of the woodworking project is to take care of the finishing touches. Therefore, fill the pilot holes with wood putty and smooth the surface with 120-grit sandpaper.

Top Tip: If you want to enhance the look of the project and to protect the crate from decay, we recommend you to cover the components with paint or stain. Place the wood crate in a proper location and move it whenever necessary.

This woodworking project was about how to build a crate. If you want to see more outdoor plans, we recommend you to check out the rest of our step by step projects. LIKE us on Facebook and Google + to be the first that gets out latest projects and to hep us keep adding free woodworking plans for you.

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