What you’ll build
Each side frame is two 4″ posts between an 11½″ top rail and bottom rail. The two frames stand under a 24″ × 13″ panel, ⅞″ thick, which makes the top. The tray stands just under 10″ tall.
Shopping list
Buy these boards. The list fits every cut onto standard lengths and leaves ⅛″ for each saw cut and ¼″ for trimming board ends.
| Lumber | Length | Qty |
|---|---|---|
| 1x3 | 8 ft | 1 |
| 1 in panel | Cut to length | 1 |
Cut list
All 9 parts, grouped so you can cut matching pieces together. Exact lengths and end-cut angles for every part are in the free plan in the TimberLab app.
| Part | Lumber | Qty |
|---|---|---|
| Rail | 1x3 | 4 |
| Leg | 1x3 | 4 |
| Tabletop | 1 in panel | 1 |
Tools
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Speed square
- Drill
- Eye & ear protection
- Miter saw
- Clamps
- Router
Step-by-step instructions
Assemble Left Leg Frame
Lay the 11 1/2-inch left bottom rail flat on your work surface. Align the front and rear 4-inch posts upright at each end, flush with the outer edges. Set the matching 11 1/2-inch left top rail across the uprights, clamping the frame square.
Assemble Right Leg Frame
Place the 11 1/2-inch right bottom rail flat on your work surface. Fit the two 4-inch posts upright against the front and back ends with outer edges aligned. Position the 11 1/2-inch right top rail across the top ends and clamp the assembly square.
Position the Tabletop
Get the full plan: all 3 steps and every cut length.
Download TimberLab and open Wooden bed tray in the catalog to get every cut length and end-cut angle, all 3 assembly steps in 3D, and Timbo, the AI build helper. Catalog plans are free to open; some features, such as AI edits, require a subscription.
Sand every edge and corner smooth, and use a food-safe finish if the tray will hold food or drinks.
Change the size or design
This plan is one of the projects in the TimberLab app’s catalog. In the app you can turn the model in 3D, follow the assembly steps one part at a time, and ask for changes in plain words, such as “make it 6 inches shorter” or “add a shelf”. The cut list and shopping list update to match the new design.
Questions about this plan
How much lumber do I need to build this wooden bed tray?
The shopping list calls for 1 × 1x3 at 8 ft; 1 × 1 in panel (cut to length). It groups every cut onto standard board lengths and leaves room for saw cuts and trimming the board ends.
How big is the finished wooden bed tray?
It is 24″ wide, 9 ⅞″ tall, and 13″ deep.
What tools do I need?
You need a tape measure, pencil, speed square, drill, eye & ear protection, miter saw, clamps, router.
Can I change the size of this wooden bed tray?
Yes. Open the wooden bed tray in the TimberLab app and describe the change in plain words, such as “make it 6 inches shorter”. The 3D model, cut list, and shopping list update together.
Where can I get the full wooden bed tray plan?
The full plan, with every cut length and all 3 assembly steps in 3D, is free in the TimberLab app. Download TimberLab on the App Store and open the wooden bed tray in its catalog.
