DIY Modern Plywood Tray

This industrial style baltic birch plywood tray is easy to make and looks quite modern and interesting. A tray is the perfect gift for anyone around the holidays and this one in particular would be great to make if you have some plywood in the shop.

Materials Needed:

• 1 piece of 1/2 inch of high grade plywood, such as Baltic Birch (about 2 sq ft)
• Sandpaper
• Glue
• Nails
• Polyurethane
• Template

Tools Needed:

• Table Saw Band Saw / Jig Saw / Scroll Saw
• Clamps
• Belt sander / Palm Sander
• Nail gun

Method:

Start by cutting out 25 strips of plywood on the band saw that measure 1/2 inch x 10 1/2 inches. Apply a thin amount of glue to each side of the strips and glue them together. Secure with clamps and let the board dry.

Once dry, scrape the glue squeeze-out off and sand smooth with a belt sander or palm sander on both sides.

Clean up the glued ends by cutting the board to measure 9 1/2 inches wide.

Print out the template and cut out the pieces for the handles and the rails (2 handles, 2 rails). Attach the four pieces with a glue stick onto the plywood, and cut out the pieces with a band saw/jig saw or scroll saw.

Next cut up a 3/4 inch strip of plywood and cut eight 3/4 inch small pieces of plywood out of that. Sand the handles, rails and small strips of wood smooth.

Now, for assembling: Glue two pieces of the small plywood on the sides of each handle and rail. (Watch video for clearer view). Secure with glue. Next position each handle and rail on to the glued up board, secure with glue and nail gun, from top as well as the bottom.

Let dry and finish off with two coats of clear polyurethane for protection.

To see the project done, as well as two other great projects to make out of plywood, check out this video. These simple projects all make for great gifts, so they would be perfect to do if you want to get on top of your gift giving list!