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    Home » DIY » Build It » Easy Rustic Trays

    Easy Rustic Trays

    Published by Gail | Published August 22, 2013 | Updated July 12, 2022
    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    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.

    weathered fenceI’ve been looking for a way to use the boards that are not sign worthy.

    how to make easy rustic trayI 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:

    rustic trays reclaimed wood

    1. Flat black farmhouse handles with cross boards on the back
    2. Original handles with cross boards on the front
    3. Handles lightly spray painted black with cross boards on the front
    4. Original farmhouse handles with cross boards on the back
    5. Glossy black handles with cross boards on the front

    a couple of close-ups:

     

    easy rustic tray

    easy rustic tray (fence)

    rustic fence trays

    rustic tray black handlesI 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 ⅜” 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. Smile

     

    gail

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    1. Laurel@chippingwithcharm

      August 28, 2013 at 8:14 am

      perfectly rustic and wonderful...love these!!

      Reply
    2. Pam

      August 27, 2013 at 2:48 pm

      Cool...great trays for serving.

      Reply
    3. Jane Hayward

      August 22, 2013 at 6:28 pm

      I 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!

      Reply
    4. Stephanie@cre8tive

      August 22, 2013 at 1:23 pm

      I 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

      Reply
    5. Bliss

      August 22, 2013 at 10:32 am

      For 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.

      Reply
    6. Catherine

      August 22, 2013 at 10:31 am

      Another 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

      Reply
    7. girlfromwva

      August 22, 2013 at 9:49 am

      SO 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.

      Reply
    8. Jenna

      August 22, 2013 at 9:31 am

      Love this, Gail! So easy and so cute! Great job, gal!

      Reply
    9. debbie

      August 22, 2013 at 9:31 am

      love the trays Gail.. I like the crossboards on the front and the flat black handles the best.
      Hope you have a great day!

      Reply
    10. cassie

      August 22, 2013 at 9:30 am

      these are so great!!! sending to a friend who does this kind of work!

      Reply
    11. Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co.

      August 22, 2013 at 9:17 am

      Oh, how cute are those trays! And quick and easy too - perfect!

      Reply
    12. Holly

      August 22, 2013 at 8:31 am

      Cute idea! Great way to use every piece you get!

      Reply
    13. Terri

      August 22, 2013 at 8:10 am

      Love 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!

      Reply
    14. Rhonda Kueck

      August 22, 2013 at 6:38 am

      I 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!

      Reply
    15. kirby carespodi

      August 22, 2013 at 6:28 am

      Oh my gosh I love that wood!

      Reply
    16. Edie Marie

      August 22, 2013 at 4:41 am

      Fabulous 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

      Reply

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    Hi, there! I’m Gail Wilson, the author and mastermind behind My Repurposed Life. I’m obsessed with finding potential in unexpected places and believe that with a little hard work and imagination, any old thing can be made useful again—myself included! I hope you’ll enjoy the journey and pick up a few tools along the way… literally!

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