The concept of lounging around always involves at least one ottoman tray. This furniture is very convenient when you want to watch TV and eat in the living room at the same time. The tray will prevent any accidents caused by spilling.
It’s also a staple for the romantic breakfasts in bed on lazy days, or when you want to surprise someone special. The ottoman tray also makes a good holder for magazines and books.
You can also make your own ottoman tray. You will need two boards for the outer tray, one for the inner tray, stain (shade of your choice), paint (color of your choice), nails (or sealer), and twine. You need to build the frame of your ottoman tray before anything else.
The measurements are something you should decide on, depending how big or small you want the tray to be. Measure the wood carefully before you start building. More importantly, make sure that there are no splinters or jagged edges that may harm anyone who uses the ottoman tray.
Sand the edges until they become smooth. The inner part of the frame has to be supported by cleats, usually 4 inches wide and an inch thick. The cleats are important in providing stability when the tray is put down on a surface.
Remember, any type of finished wood will suffice with the ottoman tray. You can use different kinds of wood for the frame and the plank at the bottom of the tray or stick to the same kind. Always keep in mind that you can cover it up with paint if you don’t like the color.
Keep your hammer and nails handy or use a sealer to put the pieces together. If you are inexperienced, you should use a sealer instead. Don’t forget to use dowel when putting the pieces together for a stronger hold. Rest the tray in the frame and put the top of the ottoman over the tray.
You can either use stain or paint on the ottoman tray, depending on the effect that you want to achieve. The stain is perfect for wood that’s still in good condition. Let the stain illuminate the rustic wood with just a hint of shine.
On the other hand, if the wood doesn’t look too attractive, an opaque color should disguise the imperfections. Sand the wood a little to make the surface smooth before finally painting it. Let it dry for 12-24 hours before using the ottoman tray.