DIY Long Table Runner Tray for a Centerpiece
Hey all, Corey back from Sawdust 2 Stitches! Do you struggle with tablescapes ? This is my new go-to! It is a cheap and easy way to create some character and bulk without spending a fortune! It serves as a great foundation to any table decor, fill it with whatever tickles your fancy! For spring I loaded mine up with copious amounts of terra cotta pots and tulips and I LOVE it! Bonus: This table runner can be painted and/or stain to fit any style. Promise it will be the hit of your next social function!
How to Build a Long Table Runner Tray Centerpiece
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SUPPLY LIST:
- 1″x 4″ Standard Board
- 1″x 3″ Standard Board
- 1″x 2″ Standard Board
- 5/8″ Dowel Rod
- Sand Paper
- Stain and/or Paint
- Wood glue
TOOLS RECOMMENDED:
CUT LIST:
Cut from 1″x 3″ Board
- (x2) @ 47 ″
- (x2) @ 11 “
Cut from 1″ x 4″ Board
- (x3) @45 ″
Cut from 1″ x 2″ Board
- (x2) @ 12″
Dowel Rod 5/8″
- (x1) @47″
STEP 1: FARMHOUSE TRAY FRAME
First construct the frame. I add a small amount of wood glue to the joints, and then reinforce with a 1 1/2″ 18 gauge nails.
STEP 2: SLATS
Next add the center slats. Again, add a dab of glue or hell if you are a risk taker go ahead and skip this step… (But seeing as already divulged the gauntlet my kids put the last tray through I would strongly suggest it.) After you have glued, or not glued, whatevs, I would reinforce with nails.
STEP 3: HANDLE
Next up the handle. On the side handles ( 1″x 2″ boards) you will need to drill a hole to accommodate your dowel rod handle. I used a 5/8′ forstner bit to drill mine. I place the hole approximately 1-1/2″ down from the top of the handle and centered it. Once the holes are drilled finesse the dowel rod into both of the side handles on each end. (Again I would suggest a dab of wood glue.) Once the handle is assembled attached it centered on the previously assembled tray.
Then you know the drill, glue, and reinforce.
STEP 4: FINISH
You can complete this try with any paint or stain you desire… I personally wanted BOTH! If you want to achieve the same look I have a full Chippy Paint tutorial HERE. 
More centerpiece and tray DIYs:
wood and glass centerpiece planter
printable agate patterned breakfast trays
Corey is the voice and grunt labor behind Sawdust 2 Stitches, she freely professes, that she has a problem... She CANNOT leave well enough alone.
She can typically be found hunched over a sewing machine and/or covered in sawdust. All in the effort to create a perfect balance of aesthetics and practicality in her home.
Outstanding job, I adore this and will try and make one to. Love this idea.
I built the table runner tray center piece, wow its a big piece. I found the dowel rod is not strong enough. I should’ve gotten a hardwood one. I’m afraid if I try to pick it up by the rod it will break.
Thanks
I never could figure out where and how you attached the center pieces!
These plans are easy to follow BUT I would like to edit the cut list above. The 1 x 4 should be cut to 45.5 inches not 45 inches. I look forward to using this as my Easter centerpiece. Thanks!
I REALLY want to make one EXACTLY like you did! Could you tell me what size/how many flower pots you used, and how you arranged them? I can’t quite tell from the pictures. Thanks so much for this post!
I’m working on the tray.The 1/4 for bottom does it have big gabs in between it..I got my wood in pine.Its very long..I hope I did right..