DIY Under Table Storage Trays

You can add storage to work tables, such as craft or art tables, by adding a storage tray on the under side of the tabletop. While there are kits you can buy for this purpose, you can make your own under table storage trays with supplies that are readily available at a hardware store. This will allow you to customize the project to your needs. Include storage trays on either end of a table you use for tasks that require supplies readily at hand. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Place the two u-channel sections on a work surface, with the open sides facing each other so that if you put them together lengthwise, they would form a box. A u-channel is a "U"-shaped metal bar that is used for many different building projects. It comes in a variety of metals and finishes. Select a metal and finish to complement the table hardware.

2

Measure 6 inches in from each end of the u-channel sections using a tape measure and mark the measurements with a pencil. Measure and mark the center of each u-channel.

3

Drill through the top surface of each u-channel section on the marked side at each measurement with a 3/8-inch drill bit, using the drill press. Drill through the bottom surface of each channel section with a 1/4-inch drill bit. These are the mounting holes. The screw head will clear the 3/8-inch hole and fasten to the 1/4-inch hole while the shaft will be able to pass through it.

4

Place the u-channel sections parallel to each other on the under side of the table, with the larger hole facing the floor and the smaller hole against the bottom side of the tabletop. The open sides of the channel should be facing each other. The inside edges, from channel to channel, should be spaced 18 inches apart. This will allow the plastic tray to slide along the bottom side of the channel.

5

Drive the wood screws through the mounting holes in the channels, into the under side of the tabletop, with a screw gun to fasten the channels in place.

6

Slide the storage tray between the channels. The lip on the outside of the tray will rest on the bottom side of the channels and allow you to pull the tray in or out to access your storage items.