How to Make a Lap Tray

By Tim and Mary Vidra

This DIY lap tray can double as a functional and decorative storage solution for your home year-round.

(Image by Tim & Mary Vidra)

• Wood board
• Measuring tape
• Pencil
• Sandpaper or palm sander (optional)
• Radial saw (optional)
• Wood stabilizer (optional)
• Cabinet pulls & hardware
• Screwdriver

Making the tray is a matter of choosing wood style, size, finish and handles — all of which can be determined by your unique tastes. Whatever wood you decide on, your local hardware store will most likely make any measured cuts you want for a nominal fee if you don’t have access to a saw at home.

Image by Tim & Mary Vidra

If cutting at home, use a radial saw to make a 21” x 11” rectangle, which is a good size for a full plate and other breakfast essentials.

Image by Tim & Mary Vidra

Once cut to desired size, upgrade the finish by first sanding each of the sides, edges and surfaces with a palm sander.

Image by Tim & Mary Vidra

After sanding, brush a generous coat of wood stabilizer over the entire board. Wood stabilizer not only brings out the rich tones of the wood grain without lacquer, but it also prevents wood from checking, cracking and warping and will also rejuvenate old, dry wood.

Image by Tim & Mary Vidra

Allow the wood stabilizer to soak into the wood and dry fully according to package instructions. While the difference is slight, you can see how the wood stabilizer treated board compares to the untouched board, bringing out the natural wood grain.

Image by Tim & Mary Vidra

Once the stabilizer dries completely, install the cabinet pulls on either end of the tray with a 1/2-inch overhang.

Image by Tim & Mary Vidra

If using cabinet pulls that screw seamlessly into each end of the bar, measure their placement on the underside of the tray first. Trace around each bar end where the screws will go. Drill holes through the board with a drill bit large enough to push the screws that came with the cabinet pulls tightly through the board, then screw each pull securely into place using a screwdriver.

Image by Tim & Mary Vidra

Once the handles are fixed into place, the tray is ready for use.

Image by Tim & Mary Vidra

If using as a breakfast tray, decorate with a few surprises like fresh strawberries, flowers and a handwritten note to complement a favorite meal.

Image by Tim & Mary Vidra

Take advantage of this tray's versatility by using it as a coffee table or ottoman tray. It could even double as a lap tray for your laptop while lounging about.