DIY Lazy Susan: A Step-by-Step Guide to Building Your Own Rotating Tray
Creating your own DIY lazy susan is a fun project that adds convenience and style to your kitchen, office, or any area needing better organization. In this guide, you’ll find clear steps, a list of essential tools and materials, and plenty of tips to help you build a rotating tray that fits your space perfectly. Whether you’re new to DIY projects or have some experience under yuide walks you through the process in an easy-to-follow, engaging style.
What Is a DIY Lazy Susan?
A DIY lazy susan is a rotating tray designed to improve access to items stored on a shelf or table. It’s great for organizing spices in the kitchen, condiments on the dining table, or even office supplies on your desk. By having a rotating platform at your fingertips, you can quickly reach items from all sides without the hassle of rearranging clutter.
- Better Organization: Items are easily accessible without having to rummage through a cabinet.
- Custom Fit: Build your lazy susan to match your specific space and style.
- Budget-Friendly: Save money by crafting your own instead of buying a pre-made product.
- Creative Outlet: Enjoy a hands-on project that lets you add personal touches along the way.
Materials and Tools Needed
Materials
- Wood or MDF Board: Choose a board that fits your budget and aesthetic. You can start with a pre-cut round piece or cut a board into a circle.
- Lazy Susan Bearing/Mechanism: Find a reliable mechanism online or at your local hardware store.
- Wood Screws: To secure the bearing firmly to your board.
- Wood Glue: For any extra bonding if you’re assembling pieces.
- Sandpaper: To smooth all edges and surfaces.
- Wood Stain or Paint: For finishing the lazy susan with the look you love.
- Clear Sealant or Polyurethane: To protect the finished surface from spills and wear.
Tools
- Circular Saw or Jigsaw: For cutting the board into the desired circle.
- Drill/Driver: To create pilot holes and attach the lazy susan mechanism.
- Measuring Tape and Pencil: To mark out your circle accurately.
- Clamps: To hold pieces together during the gluing process.
- Paint Brushes or Rags: For applying stain and sealant.
- Router (Optional): To smooth out edges or create decorative details.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Planning and Design
- Measure Carefully: Use a tape measure to set the dimensions.
- Sketch Your Idea: A simple drawing helps you visualize the final product and decide on any special touches.
- Choose Your Finish: Decide whether you want a natural wood look with stain or a bold, painted finish.
2. Preparing Your Materials
- Mark the Board: Use a measuring tape and pencil to draw a perfect circle on your board. A common method is to tie a pencil to a string, anchor the string at the center, and swing it around to mark the circle.
- Cut Out the Circle: Carefully cut along your marked line with a circular saw or jigsaw. Aim for a steady hand to create a clean edge.
- Sand the Edges: Use sandpaper to smooth all edges and surfaces. This step not only improves the appearance but also ensures safety by removing any rough spots.
3. Attaching the Lazy Susan Mechanism
- Find the Center: Flip the board over and mark its exact center. This is where your mechanism will go.
- Place the Bearing: Center the lazy Susan bearing on the board. Most bearings come with pre-drilled holes that help with alignment.
- Drill Pilot Holes: Create small pilot holes for your screws. This prevents the board from splitting and makes it easier to drive the screws.
- Secure the Bearing: Fasten the bearing to the board with wood screws. Ensure it is tightly secured so that the tray rotates smoothly without wobbling.
4. Finishing Touches
- Apply Wood Stain or Paint: Choose a finish that complements your space. For a natural look, use a wood stain; if you prefer a pop of color, go with paint. Apply evenly and let dry thoroughly.
- Seal the Surface: Once the stain or paint is dry, protect your work with a clear sealant or polyurethane. This step helps prevent spills and wear from everyday use.
- Let It Cure: Allow your lazy susan to cure for the recommended time. Patience here ensures a durable finish.
5. Customizing Your Lazy Susan
- Stencils and Decals: Apply stencils or vinyl decals to create a unique design.
- Inlays: Add contrasting wood inlays for extra visual interest.
- Carved Details: Light carving or engraving can give your lazy susan a personalized touch.
- Double Layers: Build a two-tier lazy susan to separate items for better organization.
- Edge Lip: Consider adding a small lip around the edge to keep items from sliding off.
- Storage Compartments: Incorporate small compartments to hold utensils, spices, or office supplies.
6. Real-Life Examples
- Kitchen Organization: One home cook transformed a plain wooden board into a vibrant, rotating spice rack. Customizing the size and adding a protective finish allowed for efficient storage of spices.
- Office Use: A creative professional built a lazy susan to hold office supplies, decluttering their desk and making items easy to reach.
- Handmade Gifts: A friend built a personalized lazy susan with custom engraving and stain for a loved one. The unique design turned a practical item into a memorable gift.
FAQs
What can I use instead of a lazy Susan?
If a traditional lazy Susan isn’t the right fit, consider alternatives such as a rotating serving tray, a swivel plate, or even a repurposed record turntable. These options provide similar functionality by offering a smooth rotation for easy access.
How do I make a lazy Susan out of Dollar Tree materials?
For an ultra-budget-friendly version, you can start with an inexpensive round or oval tray from Dollar Tree. Pair it with a basic swivel mechanism (which you might need to modify or combine with a repurposed bearing system) to create a functional rotating tray. Online tutorials can guide you through adapting simple plastic or wooden trays into a working lazy Susan.
How do you make a lazy Susan with marbles?
Using marbles as ball bearings adds a creative twist. The idea is to create a shallow, even recess in your base and fill it with marbles. When you place the top surface over the marbles, they allow for smooth, rotating movement. Make sure the recess is level and that the marbles are distributed evenly for best results.
What is the difference between a lazy Susan and a super Susan?
A lazy Susan is typically a basic, rotating tray designed to improve access in small spaces like cabinets or tables. A super Susan, by contrast, is usually larger and built to support heavier items or offer multi-tiered storage. Essentially, a Super Susan is an upgraded version that provides extra durability and capacity.
Final Thoughts
Building a DIY lazy susan is a rewarding project that combines practicality with personal creativity. By following this guide, you can create a rotating tray that not only organizes your space but also reflects your unique style. Enjoy every step of the process, and don’t hesitate to experiment with new ideas along the way. Whether you use it in the kitchen, on your desk, or as a gift, your handmade lazy susan is sure to impress.
Now that you have all the details, it’s time to start your DIY lazy Susan project! Gather your tools, follow the steps, and let your creativity shine as you build a rotating tray that fits your space. Share your finished project with friends or family, or even give it as a thoughtful, handmade gift.
