DIY Smores Tray

You can use a miter saw to cut the wood if you want to prep the cuts before you and your little one(s) assemble the tray, OR for a power tool free option that your little ones can assist with, you can use a miter box and saw.

I like to let my little one cut the 1x2 boards using the miter box, and I prepped the rest of the lumber for her by cutting it to size on my miter saw.

After the pieces are cut to size, sand any rough edges or rough spots with sandpaper (use 100-180 grit) this is a great activity for little ones to help with.

OPTIONAL: Alternatively, you could attach the two boards using pocket hole screws drilled into the bottom of the board to attach and secure the edges.

Once the tray base is dry, attach the 1x3 boards to the edges to create sides for the tray.

LONG SIDES: Starting with the 24” long 1x3 cedar pieces, apply glue
to the long edges of the tray base on either side and bottom fourth of the 1x3 boards. With the tray base laying flat on the table and the long edge of the 1x3 board sitting upright, press the glued edges together and clamp in place until dry. For added strength, I drove some1½”
1½”
trim screws

into the boards at each end to further secure the wood joint. I chose trim screws because they have a small head that easily sinks into the wood for a polished look.

SHORT SIDES : Once the 24” pieces are attached, attach the 12½” long 1x3 cedar pieces by applying glue to the bottom, short-side edges of the tray base on either side and bottom fourth of the 1x3 boards.
With the tray base laying flat on the table and the long edge of the 1x3 board sitting upright, press the glued edges together, lining them up so that they are flush with the base and form a box with the 24” long 1x3 pieces you have already attached. Clamp in place until dry. For added strength, I drove some 1½” trim screws into the boards at each end to further secure the wood joint.

Drill holes on each mark and attach the hardware using the included screws.

Attach one of the 11” 1x2 pieces to the inside of one of the ends of the tray using trim screws, drilled through the tray sides and into the end. This piece should be flush with the inside edge of the 1x3 end piece.

Insert the other 11” piece into the tray, spaced 8” apart so that the outside edges of both the pieces are 8” apart. Attach the 11” piece in place using trim screws, drilled through the tray sides and into the end.

Lay the 8” aluminum bars across the two 1x2 boards, halfway across the width of the tray, spacing evenly. Attach the aluminum bars to the 1x2 boards using the small brass screws.