How to Build an Ottoman Tray

Ottoman trays allow ottomans, also known as living room footstools, to double as coffee tables. The trays provide a flat surface for setting down drinks, television remotes, snacks, magazines and other household items. Ottoman trays may be constructed with materials you already have around the house or they can be built from scratch with raw materials. Whichever route you decide to take, you'll soon have a homemade solution to keeping items close at hand while relaxing near the ottoman.

Things You'll Need

Sandpaper
Two 1-by-2-by-18 inch wooden boards
Two 1-by-2-by-14 inch wooden boards
Three 1-by-4-by-18 inch wooden boards
Hammer
Nails
Paintbrush

Stain
Paint
Matte finish sealer
Twine
Drill
Scissors

Instructions

- 1
  Use sandpaper to sand the two 1-by-2-by-18 inch, two 1-by-2-by-14 inch and three 1-by-4-by-18 wooden boards until all sides and edges are smooth.
- 2
  Create a frame by turning the two 1-by-2-by-18 inch wooden boards and the two 1-by-2-by-14 wooden boards on their sides. Use a hammer to nail the corners of the boards.
- 3
  Lay the three 1-by-4-by-18 inch wooden boards flat and vertical, so each board is touching one another. Using a hammer, nail the outside of the frame into the ends and the sides of the flat, vertical boards.
- 4
  Use a paintbrush to stain or paint the tray and allow the tray to dry overnight. Spray the entire tray with matte finish sealer.
- 5
  Create handles with twine by drilling two holes on either end of the tray. Use scissors to cut the length of the twine, as desired. Thread each end of the twine into one hole and tie a knot at the end to create a looped handle. Continue the process with the other drilled hole.

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