How to build a wood potting tray

This step by step woodworking project is about how to build a wood potting tray. If you are looking for a quick woodworking project or for a simple gift idea, this wooden tray could be the project. You can adjust the design of the tray, so that you give it another purpose. Make sure you browse through the rest of the projects, as you can find more building inspiration.

We recommend you to invest in the best materials you could afford. Therefore, you should buy weather-resistant lumber, such as pressure-treated lumber, pine or cedar. Always take accurate measurements before adjusting the size of the components at the proper size. Drill pilot holes trough the components before inserting the wood screws, to prevent the wood from splitting.

Made from this plan

Building a potting tray

Materials

A – 4 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 20″ long BASE
B – 2 piece of 1×4 lumber – 14″ long SIDES
C – 1 piece of 1×4 lumber – 18 1/2″ long BACK

2 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 8 ft
1 1/4″ screws
1 5/8″ screws

Tools

Safety gloves, glasses
Miter saw, jigsaw
Chalk line, tape measure, spirit level, carpentry pencil
Drill machinery and drill bits

Tips

Adjust the size of the beam to suit your needs

Time

One Weekend

Building the components

The first step of the project is to build the components for the bottom and the back. Mark the cut lines on the 1×4 slats and get the job done with a circular saw.

Building the sides

Mark the cut lines for the handle hole. In addition a curved corner will add more appeal to the tray.

Assembling the bottom

Apply glue to the edges of the bottom slats and clamp them together tightly. Make sure the edges are aligned and check if the surface is smooth.

Marking the handle holes

Cut the slats for the sides and mark the finger hole cut lines.

Drilling starting holes

Drill starting holes inside the marked area. Use a jigsaw to make the cuts and smooth the surface with fine-grit sandpaper.

Assembling the frame

After I cut the components for the frame, I had to assemble them together. I applied glue to the joints and inserted a few 1 1/4″ brad nails. Make sure the edges are flush and double check if the corners are right-angled.

Drilling the pilot holes

Lay the frame on a level surface and attach the bottom. Align the edges, making sure the bottom fits into place easily. I drilled pilot holes for the 1 1/4″ screws. This is an outdoor project, so the main concern was to add a lot of support to the joints. If you want to make this project for indoor, you can just add glue and insert 1 1/4″ brad nails.

Assembling the tray

I inserted the screws. Two screws for each joint are enough to secure the joints properly.

Wooden Potting Tray

I used different grit sandpaper to smooth and even out the surface. It took me about 10 minutes to get a nice surface, so the extra work really paid off.

DIY Potting Tray

Wood Tray Plans

I stained the tray and applied a second layer after a few hours. The color is teak.

DIY Wood Potting Tray

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