All about wooden trays

In our time, trays are not only for convenience. The shapes, appearance and variations of the application transform a simple kitchen attribute into an innovative decoration. In the interior or in the kitchen, a wooden tray will become an unusual model that attracts attention, especially if it is painted or beautifully carved.

The production uses natural wood. Basically - beech, but it can also be cherry, oak, cherry, birch. Trays are made using the machine or manually. However, carving or special colors with the use of jewelry is done by the master.

Many make trays from scrap materials or wooden scraps. This is a good option for those who want to choose kitchen accessories strictly for the interior or to embody a long-standing design idea.

The main advantages of wooden trays - low cost and environmental friendliness. Natural material does not emit toxic substances and is much cheaper than metal and plastic counterparts trays. But buyers note the danger of the appearance of the fungus if the protective layers are damaged. Another advantage of wooden dishes is the wealth of the range. The tray can be decorated with any pattern or make a carved side.

The stores also have enough models for every taste. Of the minuses - the care of the wooden coating and the wear of the lacquer layer, which must be periodically updated.

Serve trays for a long time, if they properly care. Wooden utensils, as a rule, require special attention. But if you comply with the following rules, the service life and beautiful appearance will be preserved for years:

• do not wash in the dishwasher;
• after contact with liquid, wipe with a dry cloth;
• in case of cracks, update the varnish and oil-wax coating;
• Do not use detergents with strong chemical properties.

Among the many products is very difficult to find the right wooden tray. Some differ in shape and use, the way of care. For a start, it is worth considering the classification, decide on the parameters, and then choose the appropriate option. For example, busy people who spend a lot of time at the computer, will help tray-table, and those who love family conversations - rotating. And there is no need to put it in the kitchen.

For every corner of the house there is a design that adds a touch of comfort and originality.

Types of wooden trays can vary according to several criteria. The shape of the trays can be as follows:

• ordinary (round, square);

• unusual (for example, in the form of a fish or a triangle).

In terms of functionality, they can be as follows:

• with legs and sides;
• without legs, but with sides and handles;
• without legs and sides;
• rotating.

By application, it is worth highlighting such types as:

• for serving food;
• serving;
• tray table;
• stand.

Rectangular shape - a classic among all varieties. It allows you to place on the surface a large number of dishes.The tray is designed to serve food, mainly breakfast (for lovers of British culture). There are with sectors in which you can put solid food. They are ideal for kebab or sushi. And for the tea ceremony have the form approximate to the square. Usually there are legs or a pillow on the bottom, the surface is painted with drawings or hieroglyphs.

Trays, tables, most often rectangular. They are perfect for a cozy breakfast in bed or on the carpet. And you can also put on them a laptop or a phone with food and drinks when watching movies or doing work. Round shape is more presentable. Such tray get for restaurants and cafe. At parties or celebrations they serve cocktails, wine. Their diameter is usually 30–38 cm.

Rotating round tray - the aesthetics of the proper table setting, and if it consists of several floors, then this design looks very impressive and rich. Round trays without legs and sides are called stand, they are very convenient. The stand serves as a place for mugs and plates and does not allow high temperatures to damage the coating of furniture.

Trays made in the form of an animal, a polygon, or an arbitrary shape are usually not used in establishments (if there is no relevant subject matter) and delight the eye in the home interior. Most often - it is handmade, symbolizing comfort and emphasizing the decor of the kitchen. This product is used for the original serving of food, serving a festive table at home or as an accessory.

If there are legs or a pillow, then breakfast, lunch and dinner will be held comfortably in any convenient place (favorite chair or sofa). There are multi-storey wine trays resembling wood, in which you can put a bottle of your favorite wine or other drink.

Wooden trays are practical and convenient in life. Varieties and forms expand their field of application. A beautiful and bright hand-made version can be a wonderful gift or accessory in your home. At the request of the owner, it can be decorated with photographs, drawings, inscriptions or appliqués.

Since ancient times, trays served as a canvas for artists and just lovers. Their works have left their mark on art: paintings and unusual forms that have survived to the present day. Today, amid an abundance of colors and tools to create your work is a matter of time and finances.

Inspiration can be drawn from the ideas of professionals. With the help of tools and paint you can make a unique tray that fits perfectly into the interior and will be the pride of the creator. If there is no planer, grinding machine, saw, then you can buy a vending tray made of oak or beech and paint it.

Nowadays, there is no need to learn how to mural over the years. It is enough to find a stencil with the style you like - it can be anything: vintage, retro, classic, Gzhel. Color also has no restrictions: white, red, blue - which one you like. The selected pattern should be attached to the tray and painted over with acrylic paints, leaving 4-6 hours. After that you can decorate the interior with original work.

The surface must be cleaned of varnish and oil-wax coatings. Go through the sandpaper and paint-base of any favorite shade. Applique pattern neatly cut from napkins or wrappers. Apply glue to the wrong side, attach it to the bottom of the tray and wipe with a damp cloth until smooth. After drying, cover the surface with 2-3 layers of acrylic lacquer. The made accessory will be ideally combined with the interior, if you paste the same applications on other surfaces of kitchen furniture or dishes.

The art of woodcarving requires effort and necessary tools: a set of knives with blades, cutters, a machine tool, a saw, and so on. The hand needs to be “stuffed”, and the skill should be honed. But the work done is worth it. Many saw models of wooden trays with beautifully carved sides and legs. Such a kitchen attribute will not go unnoticed and will become the main decoration of the house.

Magnetic slate paint will give the bottom a roughness. Dishes on such a surface will slip less, and the design itself will become an unusual decoration of the house. The main feature of the tray is that you can leave notes and inscriptions in it, attach magnets, draw with chalk. To create a tray will need: masking tape and brush. The sides need to be pasted over with adhesive tape, and from the surface to remove the protective layer and degrease with alcohol. After applying 3-5 layers of paint and leave for a day. After drying, you do not need to cover anything. Hard matte surface will last a very long time.

This method of decor will suit even lazy. All you need is a soldering iron and a stencil, which is applied with a pencil and burned. The main thing is to wipe off the lacquer layer and apply a new one after the procedure. Let it dry. Care should be taken when handling hot tools.

How to make a wooden tray, see the following video.