Creating a wooden breakfast tray with foldable legs is a rewarding woodworking project that combines functionality with craftsmanship. This guide will take you through the steps to make a simple, yet elegant breakfast tray with foldable legs that will be both sturdy and easy to store when not in use.
Materials and Tools Needed:
- Wood: You can use pine, oak, or any hardwood of your choice for the tray base and legs.
- Saw: A circular saw or hand saw will work well.
- Drill: A power drill to make holes for screws and hinges.
- Hinges: Small, sturdy hinges for folding legs.
- Screws: To attach the hinges and secure the legs.
- Wood Glue: For extra durability.
- Sandpaper: To smooth the surface of the wood.
- Measuring Tape and Pencil: For accurate measurements and marking.
- Wood Finish: Varnish, lacquer, or any other wood finish you prefer.
Step 1: Planning and Measurements
Start by deciding on the dimensions of your breakfast tray. A typical size for a breakfast tray is around 18 inches wide and 12 inches deep. The height of the legs will depend on how tall you want the tray to be when it’s in use, usually around 8-10 inches.
- Tray Base: Cut a piece of wood for the tray’s base. A rectangular or square shape is most common, and you can adjust the dimensions to your liking.
- Tray Sides: Cut four strips of wood for the sides of the tray. These will be attached to the base, raising the edges to hold items in place.
- Legs: Cut four pieces of wood for the legs. The legs should be long enough to allow for a comfortable height when the tray is placed on a flat surface (around 8–10 inches high).
Step 2: Constructing the Tray Base and Sides
- Attach the Sides: Lay the tray base flat on your workbench. Apply wood glue along the edges of the base and attach the four sides. Use clamps to hold them in place while the glue dries. For added security, drill small pilot holes and insert screws into the corners of the tray to reinforce the bond.
- Smooth the Edges: After the glue has dried, sand the edges and corners to ensure they are smooth. This not only makes the tray more visually appealing but also safer to handle.
Step 3: Preparing the Legs
- Design the Foldable Legs: To allow the legs to fold, you’ll need to add hinges. Mark the points on the legs where you will attach the hinges. For stability, place the hinges about 2-3 inches from each end of the legs.
- Attach Hinges to the Legs: Pre-drill holes in both the legs and the tray’s side panels. Then, attach the hinges to the legs, making sure they are flush with the side panels. When the hinges are secured, the legs should fold in and out easily.
Step 4: Attaching the Foldable Legs to the Tray
- Positioning the Hinges on the Tray: The other side of the hinges should be attached to the underside of the tray. Be sure to align the hinges so that the legs fold flat against the tray when not in use and unfold easily when needed.
- Securing the Hinges: After aligning the hinges, pre-drill pilot holes and screw the hinges into place. Double-check that the legs fold out and in without obstruction.
Step 5: Sanding and Finishing the Tray
- Sanding: Sand the entire tray, including the legs and edges, to remove any rough spots or splinters. Begin with a coarse grit (around 80) and then move to a finer grit (220 or higher) for a smooth, polished finish.
- Staining or Painting: Apply your chosen wood finish to the tray and legs. If you prefer a natural wood look, use a clear varnish or lacquer. For a more personalized design, you can paint the tray in a color that complements your kitchen decor.
- Drying: Allow the finish to dry completely, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Depending on the type of finish you use, this may take several hours or overnight.
Step 6: Final Touches
Once the tray and legs are finished, check the folding mechanism one more time to ensure the legs fold and unfold smoothly. If necessary, add a small clasp or hook to keep the legs in place when they are folded in.
Step 7: Enjoy Your New Wooden Breakfast Tray
Your wooden breakfast tray with foldable legs is now ready to use! It’s the perfect addition to your morning routine, allowing you to comfortably serve breakfast in bed or on the couch.
Tips for Customization
- Personalize the Tray: Consider adding handles to the sides of the tray for easier transportation. Simply cut small notches or attach handles to the sides.
- Decorative Inlays: If you’re feeling creative, you can add decorative inlays to the tray, such as a contrasting wood strip in the center, to create a unique design.
A foldable breakfast tray is a practical and stylish project that adds functionality to your home. Whether you’re a beginner or more experienced in woodworking, this project is simple enough to complete in a weekend. Enjoy the satisfaction of creating a beautiful, hand-crafted piece that will be used for years to come.
For more woodworking projects and detailed instructions, you can explore Teds Woodworking Course here.