I recently purchased a huge load of weathered fencing for My Repurposed Life Etsy shop. Some of the boards are too rough for painting words on them.
I’ve been looking for a way to use the boards that are not sign worthy.
I decided to make some easy rustic trays. I cut three long boards about 16”, with two cross boards as long as needed to fit across three fence boards. To hold the trays together, I used some Gorilla Glue wood glue and my nail gun.
I drilled some holes for handles….and voila! Easy rustic trays.
There are 5 different versions in the collage below:
- Flat black farmhouse handles with cross boards on the back
- Original handles with cross boards on the front
- Handles lightly spray painted black with cross boards on the front
- Original farmhouse handles with cross boards on the back
- Glossy black handles with cross boards on the front
a couple of close-ups:
I think I like these flat black handles the best. Do you have a preference? Do you like these handles better than the others? What about paint sheen? As for cross boards on the front or back, it doesn’t really matter to me. What do you think?
I have plans for another small/easy project in mind using some of the surplus boards. Keep in mind being only 3/8” thick, they are not as thick as regular fence boards. What would you make with them? Would you paint or stain them? Do tell! I’m all ears! I have a LOT of surplus. 
gail
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Laurel@chippingwithcharm says
August 28, 2013 at 8:14 amperfectly rustic and wonderful…love these!!
Pam says
August 27, 2013 at 2:48 pmCool…great trays for serving.
Jane Hayward says
August 22, 2013 at 6:28 pmI agree with matte black handles, and I love the cross wood in front, although I know that makes the actual usable area of the “tray” smaller!
Stephanie@cre8tive says
August 22, 2013 at 1:23 pmI like the trays, I would put feet on them too 🙂 I sent you an email with my ideas, because there were too many to list here lol
Bliss says
August 22, 2013 at 10:32 amFor my birthday my husband got me a free load of barn wood. I haven’t made anything, but I could do this. Thanks for the idea.
Catherine says
August 22, 2013 at 10:31 amAnother gREAt idea! Luv them all!
That wood is fanTAStic! And if you have enough left, and the right lengths—
that wood would be fAB in the back of a bookcase or curio or china cab,
or make great framing for chalkboards, pictures, mirrors! Omg–and it would be fun to “veneer” a table top or dresser too! What a gold-mine of a find! Care to share-? ; )
Catherine
girlfromwva says
August 22, 2013 at 9:49 amSO awesome! you can also put cabinet knobs on bottom for feet. i made a tray out of a cabinet door, but i really love these ones made out of fence.
Jenna says
August 22, 2013 at 9:31 amLove this, Gail! So easy and so cute! Great job, gal!
debbie says
August 22, 2013 at 9:31 amlove the trays Gail.. I like the crossboards on the front and the flat black handles the best.
Hope you have a great day!
cassie says
August 22, 2013 at 9:30 amthese are so great!!! sending to a friend who does this kind of work!
Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co. says
August 22, 2013 at 9:17 amOh, how cute are those trays! And quick and easy too – perfect!
Holly says
August 22, 2013 at 8:31 amCute idea! Great way to use every piece you get!
Terri says
August 22, 2013 at 8:10 amLove the rustic look of these trays. I made some similar (painted) using the cabinet doors…sadly they did not sell but I am sure you will have better luck than I did!
Rhonda Kueck says
August 22, 2013 at 6:38 amI love the wood! That is just what my garage would need, some nicely weathered wood! I can’t wait to see how it inspires you! Have a great weekend!
kirby carespodi says
August 22, 2013 at 6:28 amOh my gosh I love that wood!
Edie Marie says
August 22, 2013 at 4:41 amFabulous ideas! I love the black handles too. My fav finish is always a satin finish, sometimes matte. Especially on a rougher surface. We follow you on Bloglovin and always enjoy seeing what you’re doing!!
Blessings, Edie Marie