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Learn how to create this gorgeous DIY Concrete Tray & some tips for working with concrete. Create different shapes and customize with handles!
Today I have a very fun and different project from what you normally see here on the blog. I'll be the first to admit, this project was a bit of a trial and error for me since I don't have a whole lot of experience working with concrete... but look how cute this DIY Concrete Tray turned out!
Technically this is a pretty easy project, but I do have a few tips for you. Because well, let's face it... I totally got to smash my first tray to pieces because I made a couple of errors!
DIY Concrete Tray & Tips for Working with Concrete
First, I built the mold. This is the biggest tip I have for you! Cover the wood in painter's tape before pouring your cement into the mold! My first try might have been inseparable from the plywood... just sayin. The painter's tape totally did the trick though and it came off like a charm!
Inserting the handles right after you set your concrete can be a little more difficult than it sounds. You'll either need to tape them in place to the mold (so they don't fall to the side). OR you can do what I did, which is let the concrete set for a few minutes (this uses a rapid set concrete so it doesn't take long) and insert the handles once the concrete has thickened up a little.
Right after I inserted my handles I also took my trowel and "distressed" the concrete a little. I wanted the tray to look old and worn so I just lightly pressed down to create trowel marks, and very softly drug it across the top until I got the desired look!
I am totally smitten over the end result! Typically you would want to sand the edges, but I left mine kind of rough to match the trowel marks I created. I did sand it slightly so there weren't any sharp edges, but I wasn't going for a perfectly rounded edge.
For me these handles totally make the project! It adds that bit of industrial flair that I love so much!
I hope you enjoyed this project and will build your own! If you've ever had a desire to work with concrete this is the absolute perfect project to dip your toes in... although I don't recommend actually dipping your toes in the concrete ; ).
DIY Concrete Tray -
Have a beautiful day friends!
For more ideas on what you can do with these DIY Concrete Trays check out these posts:
- DIY Huntress
- Inspiration for Moms
- Shades of Blue Interiors
- Domestically Speaking
- Remodelando La Casa
- Sawdust 2 Stitches
- Live Laugh Rowe
- Petticoat Junction
laura {not a trophy wife}
I just made my own version of a tray, but I didn't include the handles. Okay, I missed how you removed your tray from the frame? I used plastic containers (up-cycled) and sprayed the containers with cooking spray. The handles totally make it! love it! I sent the Home Depot link to friends... I need to find crafty friends ! ha! great project ! laura
Kelly
It turned out great, Katie! Love the texture you added to the top too. -xo
Katie
Thanks so much Kelly!!
Paige Davis
Katie this looks great! I love those pulls. May I pleas ask where you found them?
Paige
Katie
Thanks Paige!! They are from Home Depot : ) https://thecraftyblogstalker.com/diy-concrete-tray-centerpiece/
Ivory
Fabulous tray, I love it! Must try to make one.
Katie
Thank you so much!! <3 It's definitely a fun project!
Kendra
The entire VintageStyleLiving.com staff loves your blog! Concrete seems to be so in right now and we loved the look of this centerpiece tray. Especially the look those handles give it. Thanks for sharing!
Debrashoppeno5
This is a great idea. I love trays and will be trying this out.
Katie
Thanks so much!! Good luck with yours!!
Kelley
What kind of concrete did you use? It looks very light (color)
Traci
What type of concrete did you use? Thanks
Lorian Bartle
The iron pipe handles are a nice touch. Looks great!
Lorian Bartle
Rhayza Rosias
What type of concrete was used?
tiko
hi Katie, this is a cool project! i started diy with concrete a couple of months ago, a fire bowl for the cottage. it was fun and hooked me right in. from there it was coasters and candle holders, all of which every lost there initial enthusiasm. i going to start making concrete trays, thank u very much. i like the pipe handle. have u ever done concrete with wood? i see my tray being like that.
one question, your tray looks white. how did u get it like that?
thanks for the inspiration.