How to Make an Adjustable Silverware Tray | I Like To Make Stuff

We made a sliding silverware tray that is adjustable to fit your stuff!
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Our first task in making an organized silverware tray was to determine what kitchen utensils needed to be store in the drawer. My whole family use forks, spoons, and knives every day and we use larger serving and cooking spoons pretty frequently. Other rarely-used tools can be stored in another drawer. Armed with this line-up, I began to make arrangements to properly store each group of items in two separate trays. My plan is for the more-frequently used items to ride on top of a larger tray underneath.
The construction for this entire project began at the home center where I purchased 1/4" thick poplar boards. This method made be a bit more expensive than buying thicker stock and re-sawing it into thinner pieces, but these were ready to go. I made a simple box frame using the Incra Box Joint Jig and fit the four sides of the upper drawer together. I also cut the sides for the larger bottom drawer, but I added some thin dado slots for the moveable dividers to fit into. The bottom box was fit together using box joints as well.
For the vertical dividers, I cut more strips of the 1/4" poplar. These silverware walls could simply be spaced inside the drawer frames to match the utensil width, but in order for you to grab the forks and spoons comfortably, I needed to add a cutout. I marked out a cove on one of the pieces and tape all of the rest of the dividers to it. Doing this, I could then cut out the same curved shape on all of the pieces at once. I cut out the rough shape on the band saw, and sanded them together on the belt sander.
The walls on the upper tray were glued in place and the walls for the lower tray were fit inside the appropriate dado slots. The bottom shelf didn't actually need a bottom because it would sit directly on the cabinet drawer. To make a simple bottom for the upper tray, I glued on a panel made from the same 1/4" poplar.
I know I'm not the only person who is irritated with the odd organization in their silverware drawer. I hope this project inspired you to go get some simple materials to make a custom solution to a common problem.
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About I Like To Make Stuff:
We have lots of projects including woodworking, metalworking, electronics, 3D printing, prop making and more!
These videos are our attempt inspire and empower others to make the stuff that they want to have. Hopefully you'll see something here that will inspire you to make something that you're passionate about!
How to Make an Adjustable Silverware Tray | I Like To Make Stuff
• How to Make an Adjusta...
I Like To Make Stuff
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[@vinceearl4240]

Huge projects are always fun to watch, but I think these smaller, high-use projects are just as awesome. It's cool to see little things we can build that will get tons of use and make every day just a little bit easier.

[@janiesimpson2820]

I don’t

[@keithviolette5870]

Great job Bob. I had done a similar project, but used full extension drawer slides on the sides and notched out the rear of the original drawer.. This allows the entire top tray to be the size of the drawer. If you need to access below, you slide the upper tray back into the cabinet, allowing full access to the entire underside of the drawer. When you close the drawer, the rear of the upper tray contacts the rear of the cabinet, moving it back to it's original position, so the next time you open the drawer, the top tray is back in it's original position like a magic trick.

[@Korvar]

I really appreciate that you show the times where things don't quite go to plan, and how you fix them. Good to be reminded that you don't have to be perfect first try, and there's (almost) always a way to rescue any situation!

[@crystalsoulslayer]

I really enjoy these practical projects. A big part of why I'm so interested in making things is that you can get something that improves your life, without having to go through endless product listings or custom-order something. It's something humans evolved to do that we've become increasingly disconnected from. Connecting to that, even if only vicariously, is deeply satisfying. Also, I know I say this a lot, but the extra effort you put into your music is definitely worth it.

[@willmccorriston5204]

Going to be totally honest. I’m just a 16 year old kid who doesn’t build stuff, but watching these videos are so satisfying and I can’t stop. Thanks for the content Bob! Keep it up!

[@tripartrip3528]

I like your videos better than some other makers simply because you show your mistakes, such as forgetting to put the curve in the dividers, and what you do to fix them. It definitely helps me to think more about things like order or operations. Keep up the great videos.

[@intent2modulate]

I don't know why I haven't watched your videos before, but after seeing your interview on Evan and Katelyn's podcast, I thought, "That guy seems knowledgeable and disciplined. He probably makes good videos." I like how you explain things simply and clearly, you explain why you did things, and you suggest alternate methods for people with limited tools. Subscribed!

[@Mcphilsmith]

Been in the house for 5 years, been meaning to make something like this for a while. Feeling a bit more motivated now. Thanks, guys.

[@flyerminer]

I love how helpful your videos are to people who don't know a lot about woodworking. You include tips throughout the whole video, and your narration during the video is top tier. Makes me think of how The King of Random used to make videos. I prefer that format. This is totally something I could see myself doing for a kitchen I own one day.

[@kcb5336]

Really appreciate that you didn’t stop the video for the VPN commercial. That was good to put it up to side.

[@Tinchor.15]

Hi there, Bob. I love your videos. They have something, don't know what it is, that calms me down. Whenever I'm stressed out or furious, I watch them to relax. This is one of them. Plus, I love when you show bloopers at the end!

[@roberthoyle6442]

Great video, wish you had published it yesterday. Last night I made a sliding draw system with dividers for a drawer under my new work bench. I think I reinvented the wheel. I will definitely use your process for my kitchen drawers that I am going to build. Thanks Bob

[@Mike.C.]

love the rhythm editing on 12:42 . the little things that make your video better. good job, thanks!

[@monsignormustache316]

Just a little tip. Jimmy diresta uses a utility blade to score at the height of the finger joint cuts on the back. That prevents the tearout and leaves you with a smaller piece to have to handle in your jig. Seems to work well for me! Keep up the awesome channel man. Love all the projects.

[@steventhehistorian]

monsignor mustache this tip is on point.

[@monsignormustache316]

steven reddick Thanks man. It was a life changer

[@jelle902]

I am 16 years old and I never actually made anything from wood, apart from some school projects. Still I love watching you make awesome stuff and I hope to do projects like this some day when I have the money and space to do it.

[@ajdavidson604]

If your trying to get dry glue off of a boat d one of the best ways to do it is to take hot water and a soft bristled brunch and rub it off it doesn’t ruin the wood or anything but it’s a great method you should try it Bob

[@chriswisselo4329]

Hmm. Things I learned from this video... - Measure twice, glue once. - Dry fit pieces before you do final assembly (those dado's are scary thin!) - Check the plans/ design. Just kidding. Those little things made it very human and natural! Not cutting out all the little imperfections. Love the idea and how it turned out. Surely going to make this for my own pile of stuff drawers and get some organizing going in them. Keep up the nice work and thank you for sharing!

[@SCHUYLERDR]

Awesome project Bob! I watch your show with my son and he loves it at 7 years old and it makes him want to try your projects you do in here!

[@JointerMark]

Hello Bob, I have found that welders chalk/soapstone works really well lubricating wood on wood slides. I think it works better than paste wax as it does not attract dust and feels more slippery than paste wax. Thank you for posting this and all the videos you produce.

[@26debsterdots]

I learned a lot. Just starting to do a little wood working. Learning that tools have a name and not everything is called a do-dad or thingies ;) Husband is helping me build up my my own tools and box. So this is pretty dang cool ! I love the way you have done the tutorials. Easy to understand and learn. Tanx Man !

[@MsDayzie]

That you for sharing this. This version is the most doable I have watched in the last year. I have 3 drawers I really needed to try this on and now I have a great method to reference. Thank you!

[@JoshMakesStuff]

On the Incra Box Joint Jig, you can slide the MDF backer to the side by using those screws or flip the whole piece around to get a fresh face to cut through. It can move around to give you a fresh backer board each time you use it. FIRST!

[@eminodinofrapgod5641]

1 week ago?

[@jelle902]

Did you time travel?????

[@suit1337]

i'm impressed how much consistent content you deliver - an you don't get arrogant like other youtubers with those big subscriber counts you kept beeing a maker and a nerd - keep it up an thanks for you great content

[@HowlingCake]

I subscribed to this channel to learn how to decorate and boy is it cool to see and know what I like. I like learning about projects that might take a few days and learning more about wood glue.

[@CGagnon5]

More videos like this please. Super practical. I want to go to this to all my drawers now for organization.

[@enriquegarciacota3914]

I live in an apartment and don't have most of the power tools you used. However I think I could make something like this with just hand tools (and patience). Thanks for the inspiration!

[@linkinprk1981]

Hey Bob -- on the Incra iBox jig -- the MDF backer can be flipped around and shifted left or right to get fresh zero clearance back support to help minimize the blowout. The 2 screws are into nuts in a channel to allow movement.

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Ah, good call! Thanks!

[@JasonACadder]

Terrific build! The only thing I can add to this is swapping out the drawer slides for full extension slides. Then again, I recommend full extension slides for all drawers and rollouts. It makes them infinitely more usable. You could possibly also use this sliding tray design to turn another drawer into a spice drawer.

[@anzen64]

Great design with the double stack. I have built a similar drawer organizer and after time with closing the drawer the knives and forks slide forward into the top part of the divider and eat away the wood. I installed small pieces if Formica on this surface to prevent this from happening. I used samples of Formica form the home improvement store.

[@craigjsanderson]

Nice video - I like the detailed explanations on things and the insights into why you do things the way you do (like explaining the way you’re leaving the glue so it’s easier to pop off) That being said - my kids and I love to watch all your videos, thanks Bob (and Josh)

[@christofix]

This project is again something that will inspire many people here! the result is awsome, its a low cost project and easy to build! Great job man!

[@chekthem]

Thank you again Bob, I learn so much from your videos. I remember the time when I never touched any of my fathers tools and now I'm watching videos like this and make my own stuff. It's fantastic to learn by doing, but when you have no idea where to start it's pretty hard to create something nice. With these videos, you see how other people do it and you can adjust a few things for your own projects. I started watching your videos after some research on a home spray booth. Then I saw you had more interesting videos and I think I've seen all of them right now haha. Keep up the good work.

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Thanks so much!!

[@torreydenton4150]

Awesome looking drawer, just thought, maybe you could mount a block inside the cabinet at the distance from the front of the drawer that is the length of the silverware tray, that way every time you close the drawer it will slide the silverware tray, which is probably most used, back to the front of the drawer. Keep up the awesome work!

[@jeffs-reviews]

The one you can buy at Menards that is over sized and you cut down would work but the sides and top/bottom you cutt off sit at the top of the tray and wastes any space beyond it. I love this idea.

[@susancarpenter1692]

This strikes me as the sort of project that lots of people would enjoy doing: more than would be likely to have all the equipment you showed. Something to consider next time for this type of project is the use of much simpler tools and techniques. As an example, the best I'd be able to bring to finger jointing is a jigsaw and some wood chisels.

[@monikamccartney7096]

Thanks so much for the detailed explanation. We'll be needing a tray like this, and watching it done builds our confidence. If not competitive drive. Haha. As complete novices a couple years ago, we've come to really enjoy woodworking. The savings verses buying finished products is a great bonus. And the quality we prefer is coming along with practice. We definitely subscribed.

[@rosakarla94]

I made something like this! But I used a plastic cutlery tray from ikea for the top part that has almost exactly the same width as my drawer. Then I designed and 3D printed some parts to hold the tray and to be able to slide it back and forth in the drawer :)

[@Smex9680]

That's slick. Hey your old silverware tray looks like ours. I better get to work. Thanks for sharing. The simple things make the difference. Nice.

[@glrogers67]

For the glue squeeze outs in tight areas, I like to use a straw with a 45 degree cut at the end and scoop out the glue like a shovel. I think I’m going to make some dividers tomorrow. Thanks for the idea of double drawers

[@imr0216]

Been meaning to have the same made for our silverware drawer. I had a plan in mind but I wanted to hear Bob's challenges, tips, and tricks first. Great video, Bob. I always look forward to your videos.

[@nathanaelmccooeye3204]

I'm learning a lot about some basics and less basics of woodworking and building and stuff, so thanks! Personally, I would like to see more of your fam jam in the videos if possible! :)) Thanks for the videos! One of my favourite channels

[@soniaf7794]

'This is a very simple project" for a carpenter with all the power tools!

[@Caruth]

CLAMP CHAMP!!

[@flipperbooch2194]

Michael Caruth I have to do timelines in my woodworking class and whenever we use the clamps I always write ‘clamp champ’ on it

[@amandalukaszeski6811]

I loved this episode. Please add more of these. Great ideas for people with small spaces.

[@jonsmith3441]

Interesting and informative. As you mentioned this is not structural and the box end joints are over kill.

[@frankrodrigues5305]

I pretty much saved all your videos to my new folder, "House To-do" because a lot of these are going to be needed in the new house that we just bought lol! Thanks, Man! These will be great help!!

[@osareafallire]

I searched for this project specifically since I'm planning a silverware drawer build of my own. I really like the small functional decisions you made including the finger joints, groove in the walls of smaller slots, choice of finish, and the room-saving ideas. Fun project. You've given me some great ideas on how to implement my plan better. Thanks a ton... in little individual sliding compartments.

[@austinroberson8]

Those look great. I’m planning a kitchen remodel and wanted a couple of these because they are just really convenient, till I saw the cost. They are $299 each. I think I’ll save myself the $600 and buy $25 in wood and make them myself. Awesome job!!!!

[@phunkissartisticcreations2316]

Great project bob, our favorite part was when you had to take apart the dividers to cut in the recesses for reaching the silverware. We appreciate you leaving that in, since we've had to stop mid-project so many times to add/modify something we forgot. Thanks!

[@selmaave9145]

Nicely done. My experience was awful with this upgrade. I bought one of these, pre-installed, with my kitchen cabinets. I hated it so much that I took the top tray out b/c the silverware was constantly snagging on the cabinet face as it went back into the cabinet. Silverware never lays the way you want so it would often get stacked too high and wind up getting stuck as the drawer went in and out.

[@kraiken04]

I work at a DIY store I'm Portugal called AKI, and a learned so much about tools and stuff watching your videos. Keep it up brotha 👌

[@seanedging6543]

Hell yeah. I was just thinking how much I disliked the layout of our silverware drawer. I’ll need to revamp the plans a bit as I don’t have a table saw, but it looks super doable! Awesome project - thank you!

[@TheSNIPERmac]

What a simple idea, I plan to make use of this as my draws are full of kitchen junk, thanks for the video, nicely done..

[@rtanderson2]

I'm so glad you said something about the depth of those dados. My first thought was, "Eek... that's a bit extreme." Pretty sure I'm going to do this for our kitchen drawer now, too. We have the same problem you solved.

[@davidcarr286]

I really like this. I've been looking for an idea for my really small shop. So small I have to go outside to change my mind. I'm thinking of using this for drill bits and driver heads. Thank you.

[@craigyarmulasr1845]

I'm definitely going to try those finger joints. Never worked with wood that thin. Looking to try it out. Stay safe my friend.

[@muthusamydon8616]

why all your equipment & tools are so easy to use and seems practical enough plus they all line up nicely. i'm so envy seeing all this!

[@MrJKellerLewis]

I’ve been apprehensive about panel glue ups with such thin material. Seeing you do it with cheap harbor freight aluminum clamps made me more confident doing it. Thanks for the video

[@sophiestepney7148]

I’m taking a Wood Technology GCSE and all your videos help me and encouraged me to take that subject and to do more adventurous things like finger joints in my work! Thanks Bob! 👍🏻

[@brodieman11]

This one couldn’t have come at a better time - I have a very similar project coming up and needed ideas on modular trays with 1/4 inch material. Thanks, Bob!!!

[@dereksmalls6238]

We're renovating our kitchen this Summer and I'm definitely doing this for our drawers!

[@GCaF]

I've watched this video three times and I think I'm ready to make mine. It's been a long time coming, but I had to get some materials and tools first :) - thanks for sharing!

[@KrazeeKraftZ]

I have a plastic sliding 2 level cutlery drawer but it's not the same size as the drawer and the cavities are just not quite big enough, it does slide left to right rather than back to front though. So maybe il tackle this project one day and leave it in the house if I ever have to leave - rental property so you never know!

[@McSlashr]

Thanks Bob, today I learnt how to make a present for my mrs for mothers day! She can have the top part for her birthday 🤣🤣🤣

[@bytesizedengineering]

This is such a relatable project. I share that same frustration of the silverware trays never being the right size and slipping around inside the drawer. I really like how you made this a two story slider to utilize the vertical height inside the drawer. I like the look of that poplar! It looks like it was pre milled. Where did you buy it? Thanks for sharing, I really enjoyed watching this video!

[@Iliketomakestuff]

I got it at Lowe’s 👍🏻

[@byromscustomwoodworks]

I swear I learn something new every time I watch one of your videos Bob. Great tips on the finger boints

[@Iliketomakestuff]

That's awesome to hear, thanks!!

[@spockis51]

Exactly what I needed to see. Well-paced and full of useful detail. Thank you.

[@johnsholian4318]

I learned to make sure that you are really and truly ready to glue in the dividers!

[@bunnywarren]

You can use UHMW tape on the bottom of the sliding bit. It's very low friction but high wear resistance meaning it's great for those type of situations. You also don't have to worry about bits falling off like paste wax.

[@ckemak]

Bob, I just watched this video and thought of a little hack you could do to improve the design. Fasten a small block on the underside of the counter, inside the drawer cavity at the depth of the top insert, and it will always slide it to the front for the next time you open the drawer.

[@Arterexius]

This was gorgeous and I'm definitely going to hack my own kitchen further with things like this! I actually just went out there to see what I could and couldn't hack xD Thanks a lot Bob! From one maker to another: You are one of the only makers I regularly watch, as you produce pieces of high quality and that's the difference between a maker with honor and a jack of all trades in my book. Stay awesome!

[@raimundofeliciano2225]

Great and utility work. I need to try this because is use every day and add a nice touch to the kitchen drawers. And other rooms of the house. Thanks. 👍🏼🙏🏻

[@cameronchild6146]

I have that same Incra finger joint jig, it actually has a built in backer board that you can move around, and they also sell replacement backers (they’re easy to make as well)

[@ChrisWiedel]

I've been watching your channel for a few years, and I love this new format. Thanks for going into extra detail.

[@tomtruesdale6901]

Pretty slick drawer organizer. I really like the two level design.

[@_Nyxus_]

Learned new stuff? Coming from someone who has never done or heard of any of this (desperately wants to), I'm learning all kinds of things! Keep making awesome videos!

[@EShopHero]

This project is very simple and pretty cool. Thanks for the tips on finger joints. I'll keep watching if you keep Making.

[@cudazi]

I was JUST mocking one of these up in Sketchup today… perfect timing! I was even looking at 1/4 poplar. I've heard oxalic acid is good for getting poplar color more subdued. Great work Bob

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Cool! I've never heard of using an acid to change the color, that's interesting. Personally, I like the variation in poplar, but it'd be cool to play with that.

[@Juhuuu]

You often mention and use the finger joint jig but I've never seen you explain how it works. Maybe a bits video on different table saw jigs could be useful.

[@callumbrophy9965]

Juho Leiniö a finger joint is good because the glue has more surface to stick to

[@buzzly108]

@@callumbrophy9965That wasn't his question. He wants to know how to build the jig, and how it works.

[@artiet5982]

Great idea for bits video 👍🏻

[@phyton87]

i would like that too, maybe one jig for the router too. Here in Europe the dado doesn't too easy to find.

[@kornaes]

Nice idea (tuon torin)

[@CeramicJim]

Just dropped in after being away for a while. Your videos keep getting better, Bob. I love the variation of B roll in between talking segments.

[@f3n1xplat3ad0]

Projects that can make a difference every day in your life are essential! Its the little things, such as a nice shower head or sliding trays in the kitchen drawers that make your house unique.

[@guyver9948]

That's cool, I have not seen finger joints before! I have to do something along those lines for my house.

[@dday8321]

Cool tray! you can use that for a kitchen, bath or in your shop. Time to get building...

[@FranksDIY]

Been wanting to make one . I really hate the plastic ones. Everything seems to cling to it and I'm forever cleaning it do to my ocd lol.Wood wood be a better alternative and to make it to fit and the way I need it is a bonus. Thanks for sharing Bob

[@fantasticfilmfactory6812]

Thats one tasty idea, making a two floored tray... I definitely have to try that one out. Thanks for the thought!

[@chrisnash2154]

Damn nice… Just had new cabinets installed and for once I want custom utensil trays. This is the perfect project for me!

[@nooniegeorge3695]

Ive never seen finger joins done before ive heard of them and i love your projects so good work and good luck

[@christopherwilson6724]

a nice upgrade to the cut-off/chopsaw is to attach a thin wood piece to the fence. Then you know exactly where the cut will be on either side.

[@adelbert7162]

I always learn new stuff when watching your videos

[@Flmarques]

I’m glad you did this video. I was missing some of your videos that we could build simple stuff for daily bases. Good job.

[@jonnitin]

Another great video as always! As far as something learned, I would have to say it wasn't really something learned, but more confirmation that I was doing something correctly in the first place. I build a bench with the same finger joint idea, and ended up with the same large fingers protruding from the edges of the piece. This has at least shown me that I'm on the right track and can continue to refine it until it's something that looks good and I'm proud of. Thanks as always for the inspiration!

[@ledro42]

I've learned abou the beeswax and mineral oil, and the but join was nive to see too. Lots of learning in one video!

[@johnwhitley2898]

Very cool 👍. I'm glad this popped up... I welcome projects that keep me in the shop right now, and "that" drawer is a serious issue at the moment!!! 😲😲😬😆😆

[@paulwilson2204]

I've made my own draw organiser too but I made my dips in the walls really deep, about 3/4 down to the bottom. The tops and bottoms of the utensils stop it from overflowing to the other sections and it really makes it easier to get in there when you're grabbing a stack. Nowhere near as complicated as this one though.

[@twincities69]

As always, another AWESOME video. Sometimes I go back and rewatch your earlier ones.

[@waxmasterX666]

You have not idea how much i need this. My drawer it's a freaking garbage and need to be organized. Awesome video. I will made it but need to figure out how since i do not have that much equipment.

[@bigbawls81]

I always learn stuff from you Bob. Thanks

[@PaulCherepnin]

I love the idea how to utilize internal drawer volume. Awesome!

[@biglosman]

Man, get out of my head. Damn near everytime I think to make something you come out with a video for it. Can't wait to get this one done. Keep making stuff.

[@jonny555ive]

Cool idea, one thing is.... you could explain how to offset the corner finger joints, I'm sure it's probably an easy thing to figure out but how you said to do it they wouldn't line up right. Just my 2 cents. Thanks for a great idea for my house. 👍👍