Making a wooden utensil tray with adjustable dividers is a great DIY project! It’s relatively simple and can be customized to fit your exact needs. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you build your own:
Materials Needed:
- Wooden boards (pine, oak, or another hardwood; size will depend on your desired tray dimensions)
- Wood glue
- Screws or nails (optional, for extra strength)
- Wood finish or paint (optional, for aesthetics)
- Wooden dowels or strips (for adjustable dividers)
- Measuring tape or ruler
- Saw (miter or table saw recommended)
- Drill
- Sandpaper or electric sander
- Clamps
- Wood filler (optional, for smooth surfaces)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Measure and Plan
- Decide the dimensions of your utensil tray. A common size is around 12–16 inches in length, 8–10 inches in width, and about 2–3 inches deep, but it can be customized to your drawer or storage needs.
- Sketch a rough design for the tray. You’ll need the base, side walls, and slots for the dividers.
2. Cut the Wood Pieces
- Base piece: Cut a piece of wood to your desired tray size for the base (e.g., 12 x 8 inches).
- Side walls: Cut four side pieces that will form the walls of the tray. Two pieces should match the width (e.g., 8 inches), and two should match the depth (e.g., 12 inches).
- Dividers: Measure and cut the dividers according to how many sections you want. For adjustable dividers, cut them slightly shorter than the width of the tray so that they can slide along the tracks.
3. Create Tracks for Adjustable Dividers
- To allow the dividers to be adjustable, you need to create small grooves in the base and/or side walls where the dividers will slide.
- For the base: Cut shallow grooves (1/8″ deep, about 1/4″ wide) along the base where the dividers will sit. You can do this with a table saw or a router.
- For the dividers: If using dowels for the dividers, cut small dowel slots on the sides of the dividers to fit into the grooves. Alternatively, you can use wooden strips to create small tracks on the sides of the tray.
4. Assemble the Tray
- Start by gluing the side walls to the base. Apply wood glue to the edges of the base and attach the side pieces, using clamps to hold them in place. Ensure the edges are square (90-degree angles).
- If you’re using screws or nails for added strength, you can drill small pilot holes and secure the sides with screws.
- Allow the glue to dry completely, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
5. Install the Dividers
- Once the frame is assembled, you can install the adjustable dividers. If you’re using dowels, insert them into the grooves and ensure they can move freely. If you’re using tracks, slide the dividers into the tracks and make sure they can be moved to different positions.
- You may want to add some rubber bumpers or felt pads to the edges of the dividers to prevent any damage or friction.
6. Sand and Finish
- Sand all the edges and surfaces of the tray to remove any rough spots or splinters.
- If you want a smooth finish, apply wood filler to any holes or gaps, and then sand those areas smooth once the filler dries.
- Finally, apply your desired finish. You can stain the wood for a richer look or paint it to match your style. A clear polyurethane finish is great for protecting the wood.
7. Final Adjustments
- Once everything is dry and set, test the adjustability of the dividers. Ensure they slide smoothly and stay in place when you want them to.
- If needed, add more dividers or adjust the size of existing ones to accommodate your utensils.
Tips:
- If you don’t have access to a table saw or router, you can skip the grooves and use simple dividers with a friction fit or attach them with small nails or screws.
- Use a soft wood like pine for an easier build, or choose hardwood for a more durable tray.
- Customize the size of the dividers to fit specific utensils (e.g., separate sections for spoons, knives, and forks).
This adjustable utensil tray is both functional and stylish, and the best part is that you can tailor it to fit exactly what you need!