Evelyn Rayner: How to Make a Glass Tile Serving Tray

Making your own glass tile serving tray is simple. Not only does it look elegant it is also inexpensive. Recreate this Pottery Barn inspired tray in an afternoon.

What I love about this DIY project is that you can use items you probably have sitting in your garage.

Currently I have leftover glass tile from our kitchen remodel in our last home. There’s also a bag of grout from a recent bathroom remodel. The only thing I need to make a gorgeous glass tile serving tray is the tray.

A quick trip to the Dollar Store and I’ll be ready to make another tray to give as a gift or keep for myself.

Glass tile serving tray

How to make your own Glass Tile Serving Tray

Supplies Needed:

Wooden Tray (I found mine at craft store for 50% off for a $1.00)
Glass Tile (Found mine on clearance at hardware store for $3.00)
Grout
Wood Glue or other adhesive
Paint (Doesn’t take much.)
Sponge Paint Brush

Instructions:

Paint the bottom side of the tray. Let the paint dry completely.
Turn the tray over and paint the the top. Be sure to catch any drips or runs of the paint.Remember to paint with the grain not against it.
While the painted tray is drying, prepare your glass to fit into the painted tray. Rectangle tiles (like used in this tutorial) are harder to use than square tile. If the tray is not large enough for the tiles, they will have to be cut down. While this is super simple – it does require another tool to cut the glass i.e. wet tile saw or a little tile cutter as pictured below.

Duct tape is great for making lines as a guide to cut the tile to fit the tray.
Score the glass tile so it is easy to break off. We used a dry tile cutter – it just scores the tiles so they can be snapped off.
Snap the tiles off.
Cut the back of the mesh with a razor. Be careful! Those glass tiles are super sharp!
Add the glue to the bottom of the tray.
Lay the glass tile in the tray. Let the glue dry completely.
Mix grout with water until it looks like brownie batter. You’ll only need a small amount of grout.
Apply the grout mixture to the to tile. Popsicle sticks are great spreaders for this small project.
Smother the tile with grout. Be sure to fill in any holes. Wear disposable gloves for less mess.
Use a sponge or old t-shirt to wipe off excess grout.
Let grout dry for a day or so.
Enjoy your new glass tile serving tray.

Other Ideas:

Fill the glass tile serving tray with home baked goodies and give to someone special.
Instruct loved ones to deliver to your bedside with chocolate chip cookies.
Make a different glass tiled tray for every season or holiday.