Better Homes and Gardens (Australia)
EASY step-by-steps TO MAKE AN OTTOMAN TRAY
A button-top ottoman is a firm but not level surface, so make a simple stained-pine serving tray.
Gather your supplies
• 405 x 19 x 1210mm laminated pine • 42 x 19mm x 3m dressed pine
Components
• Base 405 x 600mm laminated pine • Long sides 42 x 638mm dressed pine
• Short sides 42 x 443mm dressed pine
You’ll also need
Circular saw; square; Sikabond PVA glue; 50mm bullet head nails, hammer and nail punch or nail gun and compatible nails; pine-coloured wood putty; 180 and 220 grit sandpaper; interior stain (we used Cabot’s in Coco Black); clear varnish; painting equipment; rags
Here’s how
STEP 1 Cut tray components with a circular saw. To create mitred joins at corners of tray, cut long and short sides with a 45° angle on ends of timber with angles going in opposite directions through the timber.
STEP 2 Spread glue along 1 long edge of base and position 1 long side on top so bottom edges are flush and angled cuts overhang base ends. Nail through long side into base to secure. Repeat to attach other long side to base.
STEP 3 Spread glue along 1 short edge of base and mitred ends of long sides. Position 1 short side on top and make joins in the corners tight. Nail through short side into base. Repeat. Fill all nail holes and sand.
STEP 4 Apply stain to tray, wipe off with a rag and leave to dry. Sand lightly, then apply 3 coats of clear varnish, leaving to dry and sanding lightly between coats.