How to make a wooden tray table with folding legs

Building a wooden tray table with folding legs is a rewarding woodworking project that combines practicality and aesthetics. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you create your own folding tray table.

Materials Needed:

• Wood for the tray (you can use plywood, hardwood, or any wood of your choice)
• Wood for the legs (preferably hardwood like oak, maple, or walnut)
• Hinges for folding mechanism
• Screws
• Wood glue
• Wood finish or paint
• Sandpaper (various grits)
• Saw (circular or table saw)
• Drill
• Measuring tape
• Clamps

Step 1: Preparing the Tray

1. Choose Your Wood:

   • Select a suitable piece of wood for the tray. Plywood is a good choice for an economical option, while hardwood provides a more luxurious feel. The dimensions of the tray can be customized based on your preferences, but a common size is around 16″x24″.

2. Cut the Tray Base:

   • Use your saw to cut the wood to the desired size for the tray’s base. For example, cut a rectangle of 16″x24″ from the plywood or hardwood sheet.

3. Cut the Tray Sides:

   • Cut four pieces of wood for the sides of the tray. The sides should be cut to the height you want for the tray’s walls, usually around 2″ to 4″. The length of the side pieces should correspond to the lengths of the edges of the tray base.

4. Assemble the Tray:

   • Attach the sides to the tray base using wood glue and screws. Ensure that the sides are aligned properly to form a sturdy rectangular box. You can clamp them while the glue dries to hold everything in place.

5. Finishing Touches:

   • Once the tray is assembled, use sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges. You can stain or paint the wood to your desired finish.

Step 2: Preparing the Folding Legs

1. Cut the Legs:

   • For the legs, you’ll want to cut four pieces of wood. The length of the legs will depend on the desired height of your table. A typical height for a tray table is around 18″-24″. For each leg, cut two pieces of wood (about 1.5″ x 1.5″) to this length.

2. Cut the Support Pieces:

   • Cut two more pieces of wood to form the supports for the folding legs. These pieces should be the same length as the width of the tray, or just slightly shorter, to allow them to fold flat when not in use.

3. Drill Holes for Hinges:

   • Measure and mark the points where the hinges will be attached. Typically, the hinges should be positioned about 1-2″ from the top of each leg and on the sides of the tray. Drill holes for the hinge screws on both the tray and the legs.

4. Attach the Hinges:

   • Attach the hinges to the legs and tray using screws. Make sure the hinges are securely fastened and allow the legs to fold in and out smoothly.

5. Attach the Supports:

   • If you’re adding cross supports to stabilize the legs, attach these pieces to the bottom of the tray, ensuring they are securely fastened. These supports will help keep the tray stable when the legs are extended.

Step 3: Assembling the Tray Table

1. Attach the Legs to the Tray:

   • Position the legs so that they fold up easily when needed. The hinges should allow the legs to fold in towards the tray for easy storage. Secure the legs with screws and ensure everything aligns correctly.

2. Test the Folding Mechanism:

   • Test the folding legs to make sure they are working as intended. The legs should fold under the tray and lock into place without wobbling.

3. Finish the Tray Table:

   • Sand down any rough edges on the legs and tray. Apply your chosen finish to the entire table, including any paint, wood stain, or clear wood finish. Allow the finish to dry completely before using the table.

Step 4: Final Adjustments

• Once the tray table is assembled and finished, check for stability. If necessary, reinforce the legs or tray with additional screws or brackets to ensure it can hold weight and stay stable when in use.

Tips:

• If you want to add a handle to the tray, you can install a simple drawer pull or carve handles into the sides of the tray for easy carrying.
• Make sure the hinges are strong enough to support the weight of the tray and the legs. Brass or stainless steel hinges are typically a good option for durability.
• You can add non-slip pads or felt to the bottom of the tray or legs to prevent scratches on furniture or flooring.

With these steps, you should have a functional and stylish wooden tray table with folding legs that is both practical and space-saving.

For more woodworking inspiration and projects, consider checking out Ted’s Woodworking Course here.