There’s nothing better than breakfast in bed… unless it’s breakfast in bed served on a tray you made yourself! This project is perfect for beginners — easy, rewarding, and the perfect handmade gift for Mother's Day or that special mum in your life. Plus, it’s a great excuse to pick up a few new skills (and maybe some new tools, too).
We’ve made it super simple by creating a FREE downloadable plan to guide you every step of the way. Let’s get making!
What You'll Need:
Basic Tools:
(Don’t stress if you don't have fancy gear – we’ll suggest simple alternatives as we go!)
- Tape Measure, Square & Pencil
- Handsaw, Mitre Saw, Circular Saw or Table Saw
- Jigsaw or Bandsaw
- Hand Drill or Drill Press
- Orbital Sander or Sanding Block
- Hand Plane, Jointer or Thicknesser (or buy pre-dressed timber)
- Safety Gear (Eyes, Ears, and Lungs deserve protection too!)
Materials:
- Titebond III Wood Glue
- Your Favourite Timber
- Sandpaper (various grits)
- Finish of Choice (we used Osmo Wood Wax Extra Thin)
- Finish Applicator (brush or cloth)
Instructions:
Step 1: Download The Plan
Start by grabbing our free printable plan. They're easy to follow and include a handy handle template for that professional touch.
Step 2: Select and Prepare Your Timber
Choose a nice piece of timber and get it ready!
We dressed ours using a jointer and thicknesser, but you can get the same result with a hand plane – or just grab pre-dressed timber to save time.
If your base is made from multiple pieces, it’s time for your first glue-up!
Step 3: Prepare the Base
- If glued, remove from clamps, scrape off excess glue and machine/sand flat. This can be done using an orbital, belt sander or thicknesser, however we used a combination of our wide belt sander and orbital sander.
- Trim base to final dimension
- Do your final sand on both sides of the base, making sure not to sand the edges/ends.
Step 4: Cut To Size
Mark everything out carefully using your square and tape measure, then cut all the pieces to size. In the above image we have shown multiple ways you can cut your timber to size.
Step 5: Shape The Sides and Ends
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Tape your end pieces together to keep everything lined up nicely.
- Print, cutout and attach handle template from our downloadable pdf. Make sure that it prints at actual size.
- Cut out the handle - we used a drill for each end, and a jigsaw to cut out the remaining section between the holes.
- Cut the outside arches – we used a bandsaw, but a jigsaw or even a handsaw will get you there too!
- Sand and smooth all cut pieces. We used a spindle sander and oscillating sander, however you can use an orbital sander or sand by hand.
- (Optional) For a more finished look, use a router with a roundover bit to round all exposed edges. Make sure not to rout any edges that will be joined.
- Sand all pieces ready for assembly. Final grit is dependent on the finish used and timber type. As a guide hardwax oils from 120-180 grit, polyurethane 320 grit, traditional oils 320 grit or higher.
Step 6: Assemble the Tray
- Glue the sides and ends to the base (we used trusty Titebond III).
- Use a few brad nails if you like – it’ll help hold everything together while the glue dries.
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Clamp it up nice and firm and let it set.
(We used Bessey Parallel Clamps, but any good clamps will do!)
Step 7: Prep for Finishing
Once dry, pull off the clamps and scrape or sand any glue residue.
If you used brad nails, fill the tiny holes with a good wood filler (like E800 Wood Filler or Starbond CA Glue).
Step 8: Apply the Finish
Time to make it shine!
We brushed on Osmo Wood Wax Extra Thin with a soft mohair brush. Follow the directions on your chosen finish for best results. Apply as many coats as needed and let it dry between each one.
That's It - You're Done!
You’ve just built your very own handcrafted breakfast tray — perfect for serving up pancakes, coffee, or even using as a stylish organiser around the house. And with Mother's Day just around the corner, why not make one for that special mum in your life? A handmade gift like this is sure to make her morning (and her heart) a little brighter.
The Hammer Roo Team.
