DIY Rolling Tray Ideas: Custom and Upcycled Options

Not every rolling tray needs to come from a store. DIY rolling trays offer personalization, cost savings, and the satisfaction of creating something unique. This guide covers creative DIY approaches from simple upcycling to custom crafting.

Quick Answer

Popular DIY rolling tray options include: repurposed picture frames with custom art, wooden serving trays with added features, upcycled cigar boxes, custom resin pours, decorated metal trays, and book safes converted to rolling stations. Best materials are smooth, non-porous surfaces that clean easily.

---

Why Make a DIY Rolling Tray?

Benefits:

• Complete customization
• Cost savings ($5-20 vs $30-100 for premium trays)
• Unique, one-of-a-kind pieces
• Upcycling reduces waste
• Perfect gift option
• Express personal style

Considerations:

• Time investment
• Material safety (food-safe, no off-gassing)
• Durability varies
• Cleaning requirements

---

Quick DIY Options (Under 30 Minutes)

1. Picture Frame Tray

What You Need:

• Large picture frame with glass (8×10 or larger)
• Custom art, photos, or printed design
• Optional: felt backing

How To:

1. Remove frame backing

2. Insert custom artwork (facing glass)

3. Replace backing

4. Use frame face-up as tray (glass catches material)

Pros: Quick, customizable art, glass cleans easily

Cons: No raised edges, glass can break

---

2. Serving Tray Conversion

What You Need:

• Wooden or metal serving tray with edges
• Optional: paint, stickers, resin finish

How To:

1. Clean tray thoroughly

2. Sand if needed (wood)

3. Decorate as desired

4. Seal with food-safe finish (optional)

Pros: Already has raised edges, durable

Cons: Generic look without customization

---

3. Cookie Sheet Tray

What You Need:

• Small metal cookie/baking sheet
• Spray paint or vinyl stickers (optional)

How To:

1. Clean thoroughly

2. Decorate edges or underside (keep rolling surface smooth)

3. Add vinyl stickers for grip or design

Pros: Cheap ($2-5), durable, easy to clean

Cons: Basic look, can feel cold

---

Intermediate DIY Projects (1-2 Hours)

4. Cigar Box Rolling Station

What You Need:

• Empty cigar box (cedar preferred)
• Sandpaper
• Wood finish or paint
• Small containers for compartments
• Magnetic strips (optional)

How To:

1. Sand interior smooth

2. Finish or paint inside and out

3. Add small containers or dividers

4. Install magnetic strip inside lid for lighter

5. Line bottom with felt (optional)

Pros: Built-in storage, portable, distinctive

Cons: Smaller work surface, wood absorbs odors

---

5. Magnetic Clipboard Tray

What You Need:

• Clipboard (metal or wood)
• Magnetic strips
• Paint or vinyl
• Silicone mat (optional)

How To:

1. Remove clip or keep for holding papers

2. Decorate surface

3. Add magnetic strips for holding metal tools

4. Attach silicone mat for rolling surface

Pros: Portable, magnetic tool storage, low cost

Cons: Small surface area

---

6. Wooden Cutting Board Upgrade

What You Need:

• New wooden cutting board (with edge groove)
• Router or chisel (for compartments)
• Wood burner (for designs)
• Food-safe finish

How To:

1. Add compartments with router/chisel

2. Sand smooth

3. Add designs with wood burner

4. Seal with butcher block oil

Pros: Durable, professional look, edge groove catches material

Cons: Requires tools, wood maintenance

---

Advanced DIY Projects (2+ Hours)

7. Custom Resin Pour Tray

What You Need:

• Wooden tray base or mold
• Epoxy resin (food-safe)
• Decorative items (dried flowers, glitter, photos)
• Mixing supplies
• Heat gun (bubble removal)

How To:

1. Prepare base or mold

2. Arrange decorative items

3. Mix resin according to instructions

4. Pour slowly, avoiding air pockets

5. Remove bubbles with heat gun

6. Cure 24-72 hours

7. Sand edges if needed

Pros: Stunning custom designs, durable, waterproof

Cons: Expensive materials, long cure time, requires technique

Safety Note: Use food-safe/FDA-compliant epoxy resin. Work in ventilated area.

---

8. Book Safe Rolling Station

What You Need:

• Large hardcover book
• X-Acto knife or box cutter
• Ruler
• Glue
• Felt lining

How To:

1. Glue pages together (except first few)

2. Mark rectangle leaving 1" border

3. Carefully cut pages to create hollow

4. Glue cut edges

5. Line with felt

6. Add compartments if desired

Pros: Discreet, conversation piece, storage built-in

Cons: Time-intensive, small workspace

---

9. Custom Wood Build

What You Need:

• Hardwood (walnut, maple, cherry)
• Woodworking tools
• Router (for grooves/compartments)
• Sandpaper (various grits)
• Food-safe finish

How To:

1. Cut wood to desired size

2. Route edges for raised rim

3. Add grooves for joint holding

4. Create compartments

5. Sand through grits (100 → 220 → 400)

6. Apply food-safe finish

7. Buff smooth

Pros: Professional quality, exact specifications, heirloom piece

Cons: Requires tools and skills, time-intensive

---

Material Safety Guide

Safe Materials:

• Untreated hardwood (with food-safe finish)
• Food-grade silicone
• Tempered glass
• Stainless steel
• Food-safe epoxy resin
• Ceramic

Avoid:

• Treated or pressure-treated wood (chemicals)
• Plywood or particle board (off-gassing)
• Unknown metals (potential coatings)
• Non-food-safe paints or finishes
• Plastics that off-gas when warm

---

Finishing Techniques

For Wood:

• Butcher block oil: Food-safe, natural, needs reapplication
• Beeswax: Natural, slight water resistance
• Food-safe polyurethane: Durable, water-resistant
• Tung oil: Natural, durable, food-safe

For Metal:

• Clear coat: Protects from scratches
• Powder coating: Professional, very durable
• Leave natural: Easy to clean

For Design:

• Vinyl decals: Easy, removable
• Wood burning: Permanent, artistic
• Laser engraving: Professional look (if you have access)
• Acrylic paint + clear coat: Colorful, protected

---

Custom Rolling Trays from MunchMakers

For those who want professional quality without the DIY effort, MunchMakers offers custom rolling trays perfect for:

Personal Use:

• Custom designs and artwork
• Name/initials
• Premium finishes

Business Branding:

• Dispensary logos
• Brand colors
• Bulk ordering

Events:

• Party favors
• Wedding gifts
• Promotional items

Contact MunchMakers for wholesale pricing on custom rolling trays.

---

Upcycling Ideas

Items You Can Repurpose:

• Old wooden jewelry boxes
• Vintage metal lunch boxes
• Wooden drawer organizers
• Ceramic plates with edges
• Glass casserole dish lids
• Vintage ashtrays (larger ones)
• Decorative metal tins

Tips:

• Ensure item is clean and odor-free
• Check for stability (won't tip)
• Verify material safety
• Add non-slip feet if needed

---

Adding Functionality

Magnetic Storage

• Install magnetic strips for lighters, tools
• Use magnetic spice containers for storage

Compartments

• Repurpose ice cube trays
• Cut wooden dividers
• Use pill organizers for small items

Rolling Surface

• Add silicone mat for non-stick
• Install glass insert for easy cleaning
• Add cork for grip

Built-in Features

• Ashtray section
• Joint holder slots
• Grinder well

---

FAQ

What's the best DIY tray for beginners?

The picture frame tray or serving tray conversion are easiest—both take under 30 minutes and require no special tools or skills.

Is wood or metal better for a DIY tray?

Metal is easier to clean but can feel cold. Wood is warmer and more customizable but requires sealing and more maintenance. Choose based on your priorities.

Can I sell DIY rolling trays?

Yes, but ensure materials are safe, finishes are food-grade, and you comply with local business regulations. Custom trays can be profitable in the right market.

---

This guide is for educational purposes. Cannabis laws vary by jurisdiction.