Make your own wood tray to use for this beach inspired wedding centerpiece! I'll show you how down below.

First, let's start with the inspiration photo I received for an upcoming wedding from pinterest.

I love the look of this centerpiece, but didn't realize how hard these trays would be to find! I searched every floral supply store in the area and online, and found a few that were close, but just not quite right. Since I needed them for an upcoming wedding, I thought I would put my DIY skills to use and build them!

Turns out, they are super easy to make and came out looking much better then some of the similar styles I found in the store. So, if you're a floral designer, or DIY bride and in need of a wood tray for your beach inspired wedding centerpiece, keep on reading for the build plan.

How to make a wood tray: (each tray is approximately 12" x 12" x 1 3/4")

Materials Needed for 8 trays (feel free to adjust as needed, each tray uses a 12" square of plywood and about 4' of pine furring strips)

1 - 2' x 4' sheet of 1/4" Birch Plywood
4 - 8' long 1" x 2" Pine Furring Strips
Miter Saw
Circular Saw
Sander & sand paper
Wood Glue
Nail Gun
5/8" brad nails
Measuring tape & pencil
White Chalk Paint
Clear Matte Wax
Paintbrush

Step 1: Rip your sheet of plywood into 8 squares. I used a circular saw and cut it in half length-wise first, then cut each of those pieces into 4 squares. Home Depot can make these cuts for you too.

Step 2: In order to make the sides of each tray fit perfectly to the plywood squares, it's best to measure and cut them individually. Start by mitering the end of a furring strip at a 45 degree angle. Next, measure one side of the square, then cut the furring strip to match with another 45 degree cut. Continue around the square until you have cut all 4 sides.

Step 3: Assemble the sides using a nail gun with 5/8" brad nails putting 1 nail into each corner. Once they are all lined up perfectly, add a second nail for extra reinforcement.

Step 4: To assemble the tray, put a thin layer of wood glue on the bottom of the sides, then attach the plywood square from the bottom with a nail gun and 5/8" brad nails. Start at the corners to make sure they are square and lined up, then finish by adding nails around all sides.

Repeat steps 2-4 for each tray.

Step 5: Sand away until all of the sides are perfectly flush and smooth. I started with 120 grit, then moved to 220 for a smooth finish.

Step 6: Paint with the color or stain of choice. The bride wanted these to be white, so I chose to use white chalk paint since it's easy to use, dries super quick, and sands down for a perfectly smooth finish. I used 2-3 coats on each tray, and was able to get all 8 trays painted with just 1 bottle!

Step 7: Finish with a clear matte wax to help seal in the paint and color.