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How to make a bespoke boot tray

By Bunnings Magazine/ Winter 2024

Brown wooden tray with gumboots on it, on the ground, with a fence behind it.

Overview

Use durable kwila decking timber to build this simple boot tray with a slightly raised slatted base. Danish oil adds extra moisture resistance and brings out the lovely wood grain.

Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.

Steps

  1. 1

    Cutting list

    From Kwila decking, cut:

    Front & Back 938mm x 140mm x 19mm (2)

    Base Slats 900mm x 140mm x 19mm (4)

    Sides 600mm x 140mm x 19mm (2)

    From Pine, cut:

    Long Rails 900mm x 40mm x 18mm (2)

    Short Rails 564mm x 40mm (2)

  2. 2

    Cut the timber

    Mark and cut the kwila and pine to length using a rafter square and circular saw. Smooth cut edges using 180-grit abrasive paper and a sanding block. Wipe off dust.

    Green Bunnings hammer
    Tip: As you cut each timber piece, label them with painter’s tape: ‘front’, ‘back’, ‘sides’ and ‘slats’.
  3. 3

    Make the frame

    Mark the front and back pieces 10mm from the ends and 20mm from the top and base. Predrill with a countersinking bit, then apply adhesive to the sides and position between the front and back. Clamp and secure with 40mm timber screws. Wipe away the excess adhesive and leave to set.

  4. 4

    Add the inside rails

    Use adhesive to attach the long rails and then the short rails to the inside of the frame, flush with the base. Wipe away the excess adhesive and clamp until set.

  5. 5

    Install the slats

    Position the slats inside the frame on the rails, leaving 5mm gaps at the front and back, and with 10mm spacing between each slat. Secure with adhesive, wipe away the excess and leave to set.

  6. 6

    Sand and finish

    Fill screw holes with timber filler using a scraper and leave to dry. Sand the entire boot tray with 180-grit abrasive paper and wipe away dust. Apply a coat of Danish oil with a paintbrush, leave to dry, then lightly sand and wipe away dust. Apply a second coat and leave to dry. Position the doormat in the tray.

    Work in a well-ventilated area and wear a mask, ear and eye protection when cutting and sanding timber.

    Keep adhesive, Danish oil and any chemicals out of reach of children and pets.

  7. 7

    Continue your entrance upgrade

    Check out these tips for creating a welcoming front path.

    •Timbers vary by region; contact your local store for further information.

     

    Photo Credit: Reuben Looi

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Health & Safety

Please make sure you use all equipment appropriately and safely when following the advice in these D.I.Y. videos. You need to be familiar with how to use equipment safely and follow the instructions that came with the equipment. If you are unsure, you may feel it is safest to consult an expert, such as the manufacturer or an expert Bunnings Team Member.

Grave health hazards are linked to asbestos, which may be in homes built up to 1990. Health hazards may result from exposure to lead-based paints in older materials and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer.