Creating your own wooden document tray is an excellent way to organize your workspace while adding a touch of natural elegance to your desk. This practical project combines functionality with craftsmanship, giving you a custom storage solution that perfectly fits your needs.

Whether you’re a beginner woodworker or someone looking to tackle their first DIY project, making a wooden document tray requires minimal tools and materials. With just a few hours of focused work, you’ll have a beautiful, durable organizer that will serve you for years to come. In this article on how to make a wooden document tray, we’ll guide you through the process step by step and provide tips along the way to ensure your project turns out just right.

Planning Your Document Tray

Before you pick up any tools, take time to plan your document tray design carefully. Consider the types of documents you’ll store most frequently – standard letter-size papers, legal documents, or perhaps a mix of both. Measure your desk space to determine the ideal dimensions that won’t overwhelm your workspace while providing adequate storage capacity.

Think about the tray’s depth and angle as well. A shallow tray works well for frequently accessed documents, while a deeper design can hold more papers but might make retrieval slightly more challenging. The angle of the tray affects both visibility and accessibility – a gentle slope makes it easier to see document labels and grab what you need quickly.

Consider your skill level and available time when choosing between a simple rectangular design or something more elaborate with dividers or decorative elements. A basic single-compartment tray is perfect for beginners, while experienced woodworkers might want to incorporate multiple sections or curved edges for added visual appeal.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

Tools Required:

• Miter Saw or Hand Saw
• Drill With Drill Bits
• Sandpaper (120, 220, and 320 Grit)
• Measuring Tape
• Pencil
• Wood Glue
• Clamps
• Safety Glasses
• Dust Mask

Materials Needed:

• 1×6 Inch Pine or Hardwood Board (3 Feet)
• 1×4 Inch Pine or Hardwood Board (2 Feet)
• Wood Screws (1¼ Inch)
• Wood Finish (Polyurethane, Danish Oil, or Stain)
• Fine Steel Wool (Optional)

7 Simple Step-by-step Guidelines on How to Make a Wooden Document Tray

Step 1: Cut Your Wood Pieces

Start by measuring and cutting your wood pieces to the following dimensions: one bottom piece at 12×8 inches, one back piece at 12×4 inches, and two side pieces at 8×3 inches. Use a miter saw for clean, straight cuts, or carefully use a hand saw with a guide if working by hand.

Double-check all measurements before cutting, as the old saying goes: “measure twice, cut once.” Sand all cut edges lightly with 120-grit sandpaper to remove any splinters or rough spots. This initial sanding makes the assembly process smoother and helps prevent injuries from sharp edges. Take your time with this step, as precise cuts will make the assembly much easier and result in a more professional-looking finished product.

Step 2: Plan Your Assembly Layout

Lay out all your pieces on your work surface in their final positions to visualize how they’ll fit together. The back piece should be positioned vertically along one long edge of the bottom piece, while the side pieces will attach to the short ends of the bottom piece and connect to the back.

Mark the screw hole locations on each piece using a pencil, ensuring they’re evenly spaced and positioned to avoid splitting the wood. For the side pieces, mark holes approximately 1 inch from each end and one in the center. The back piece should have holes marked every 3-4 inches along its bottom edge. This planning step prevents confusion during assembly and ensures all pieces align properly when you’re ready to put everything together.

Step 3: Drill Pilot Holes

Using a drill bit slightly smaller than your screws, carefully drill pilot holes at each marked location. Pilot holes prevent the wood from splitting when you insert the screws and make assembly much easier. Keep your drill perpendicular to the wood surface to ensure straight holes.

For the best results, use a drill bit that’s about two-thirds the diameter of your screw shaft. If you’re using 1¼ inch screws, a 3/32 inch bit typically works well for softwoods like pine. Take care not to drill completely through the pieces – you want the holes to go about three-quarters of the way through the thickness of each board. Clean out any wood shavings from the holes before moving to the next step.

Step 4: Apply Wood Glue and Assemble

Apply a thin, even layer of wood glue to the edges where pieces will join together. Start by attaching the back piece to the bottom piece, ensuring they’re perfectly aligned and the back piece is perpendicular to the bottom. Use clamps to hold this joint firmly in place.

Next, attach the side pieces one at a time, applying glue to both the bottom edge and the edge that will contact the back piece. The side pieces should fit snugly against both the bottom and back pieces, creating a three-sided box structure. Use clamps to secure each joint, checking that all corners are square before the glue begins to set. Allow the glue to cure for at least 30 minutes before proceeding to ensure strong, lasting joints.

Step 5: Secure with Screws

Once the glue has set sufficiently, reinforce all joints with screws through the pilot holes you drilled earlier. Start with the back piece, driving screws through the bottom into the back piece’s bottom edge. Use a drill or screwdriver to ensure screws are flush with the wood surface, but avoid over-tightening.

Continue by securing the side pieces, driving screws through the bottom piece into the side pieces’ bottom edges, and through the back piece into the side pieces’ back edges. Work methodically around the tray, checking that all joints remain tight and properly aligned. The combination of glue and screws creates an extremely strong joint that will withstand years of daily use. Remove clamps once all screws are in place.

Step 6: Sand and Smooth All Surfaces

Begin sanding with 120-grit sandpaper, working systematically across all surfaces to remove any rough spots, glue squeeze-out, or minor imperfections. Pay special attention to the joints where pieces meet, ensuring they’re smooth and flush. Progress to 220-grit sandpaper for a finer finish.

Complete the sanding process with 320-grit sandpaper, which will prepare the wood for finishing and create a silky-smooth surface. Always sand with the grain direction to avoid creating scratches that will show through the finish. Use a tack cloth or clean, dry cloth to remove all sanding dust before applying any finish. Take your time with this step – good surface preparation is crucial for achieving a professional-looking result.

Step 7: Apply Finish and Final Details

Choose an appropriate finish based on your preferences and intended use. Danish oil provides a natural look while protecting the wood, polyurethane offers excellent durability for heavy use, and stain can add color while still showing the wood grain. Apply the finish according to the manufacturer’s instructions, typically requiring multiple thin coats rather than one thick application.

Between coats, lightly sand with 320-grit sandpaper or fine steel wool to ensure smooth adhesion of subsequent coats. Allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next. Most finishes require 2-3 coats for optimal protection and appearance. Once the final coat is completely dry, your document tray is ready for use. Consider adding felt pads to the bottom to protect your desk surface from scratches.

Following these steps on how to make a wooden document tray, you now have a beautiful and functional addition to your workspace. But why stop at just one document tray? You can use the same steps to create multiple trays in varying sizes for different purposes.

Maintenance Tips

Regular maintenance will keep your wooden document tray looking beautiful and functioning well for years. Dust the tray weekly with a clean, dry microfiber cloth, wiping in the direction of the wood grain to avoid scratching the finish. For deeper cleaning, use a slightly damp cloth followed immediately by a dry cloth to prevent moisture damage.

Avoid placing wet items directly on the wood surface, as moisture can cause staining, warping, or finish damage. If you need to clean sticky residue or ink marks, use a wood-safe cleaner specifically designed for finished wood surfaces. Test any cleaner on an inconspicuous area first to ensure it won’t damage the finish.

Reapply finish as needed, typically every 2-3 years depending on use. Light scuffs and minor scratches can often be buffed out with fine steel wool and a touch-up of the finish. Store the tray in a stable environment away from direct sunlight and extreme temperature changes, which can cause the wood to expand and contract, potentially leading to cracks or joint separation. With proper care, your handmade document tray will remain both functional and attractive for decades.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How Long Does This Project Take To Complete?

A: The time it takes to complete this project will vary depending on your skill level, the complexity of the design, and the materials available. Typically, it will take around 2-3 hours to make a basic document tray.

Q2: Can I Customize The Design?

A: Absolutely! One of the benefits of making your own document tray is that you have complete control over the design. You can modify the dimensions, add decorative elements, or choose different types of wood. Get creative and make it your own!

Q3: Do I Need Any Special Tools To Make This Document Tray?

A: While having access to power tools such as a table saw and drill press can make the process easier, they are not necessary. With some basic hand tools like a hammer, screwdriver and hand saw, you can still create a functional and attractive document tray.

Conclusion

Building your own wooden document tray is a rewarding project that combines practical functionality with the satisfaction of creating something beautiful with your hands. This project offers an excellent introduction to basic woodworking techniques while producing a useful addition to any home or office workspace. The skills you’ll develop – measuring, cutting, drilling, and finishing – form the foundation for countless future woodworking projects.

Take pride in the fact that your handmade document tray will be unique and perfectly suited to your needs, unlike mass-produced alternatives. The time invested in careful construction and finishing will pay dividends through years of reliable service and the knowledge that you created something both functional and attractive. Start gathering your materials today, and soon you’ll have a custom document organizer that reflects your craftsmanship and attention to detail. Thanks for reading this article on how to make a wooden document tray!