DIY Sofa Armrest Tray - Simple & Flexible

Create a Flexible Sofa Tray for Armrests

This guide provides instructions for building a practical and flexible sofa tray that attaches to armrests, solving the problem of limited surface space when relaxing on the sofa.

Materials Needed:

• Beech wood spatulas, 258x16x3 mm
• Double-sided adhesive tape, 12 mm wide
• Felt sheet, grey, 60x90 cm, 1 mm thick
• Sandpaper, 220 grit
• Clear wood oil
• Long ruler
• Cotton cloth
• Cutter or utility knife
• Glue

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Wood Spatulas:

   • Lightly sand all wood spatulas with fine-grit sandpaper.
   • Wipe away any dust with a clean cloth.

2. Oil the Wood:

   • Apply clear wood oil to the spatulas using a cotton cloth. This protects the wood, prevents cracking, and is easier to repair than varnish. Alternatively, wood wax can be used.
   • Allow the spatulas to dry for at least one hour before proceeding.

3. Assemble the Tray Surface:

   • Arrange 25 oiled wood spatulas side-by-side, ensuring an attractive arrangement for the tray’s surface.
   • Flip the spatulas over so the decorative side faces down.
   • Using a long ruler, align the spatulas in a straight line.
   • Carefully fix the spatulas in place with double-sided adhesive tape. Apply tape lengthwise, starting in the center and adding two strips above and two below the central tape for stability.

4. Attach the Felt Base:

   • To protect sofa upholstery from the wood edges and provide a neat finish, cut a piece of felt to match the underside of the assembled spatulas.
   • Remove the backing from the adhesive tape on the wood spatulas.
   • Apply glue to the wood, especially along the edges.
   • Press the felt piece firmly onto the glued underside. Ensure the felt is adhered securely.

Tips for Use and Maintenance:

• Flexibility: The segmented design allows the tray to be adjusted to different armrest widths by folding the sides inward.
• Repairs: If the oiled wood surface develops wear marks or scratches over time, simply sand down the affected area until the damage is removed, then reapply a layer of wood oil.
• Felt Attachment: It is crucial to glue the felt to the back of the tray. Avoid using a stapler, as the metal staples could damage sofa upholstery.