There is something special about creating your own decor pieces. You get to see something plain and imagine what it could become. Today I’m sharing ten easy farmhouse tiered tray and riser DIYs you can make with simple materials. Some are old favorites I’ve remade in new ways, and others are brand new ideas I’ve been excited to try.
These are quick projects that look high-end but cost very little. You can find almost everything at Dollar Tree, Walmart, or around your home. I love the rustic charm of farmhouse decor. The colors, textures, and layers always make a room feel cozy.
Most of them take under an hour to complete, and you can mix and match them for any season. Let’s get started with the first one.
1. Galvanized Pie Pan Riser
Start with a Dollar Tree pie pan. Remove the sticker and any glue on the back. To get that galvanized look, use gray chalk paint with a touch of white. Lightly dab the paint with a soft brush so that some of the metal still peeks through. Let it dry, then flip it over and paint the inside. The goal is a soft, worn finish that still looks like real metal.
Once the paint dries, you can attach the base. I used a candle holder from Target’s dollar section. Add a little E6000 glue along the rim and a few dots of hot glue for a temporary hold. Center the candle holder on the bottom of the pie pan and press it firmly. When it’s dry, it looks like something from a farmhouse boutique, strong, rustic, and perfect for your kitchen or living room.
2. Wood Bead Riser
This project uses two small round wood plaques and a bag of wood beads. Glue the beads along the outer edge of one wood round, keeping the holes facing up so they don’t show. Add the second wood round on top and glue it down carefully so it lines up.
Paint the entire piece with white chalk paint, then use antique wax to give it depth. Wipe off the extra wax with a cloth. The color will sink into the grooves, making it look aged. You can leave it as is or go back with a dry brush of white for contrast. This riser looks beautiful under a candle or vase.
3. White Distressed Version
Take that same wood bead riser from the last project and give it a new look. Once it’s dry, use a dry brush and a bit of white chalk paint.
Lightly drag the brush across the surface so the paint catches only on the edges. This softens the dark color and gives it that farmhouse-style, worn look. You can add as much or as little as you want, depending on how rustic you like it.
4. Hexagon Wood Riser
Grab two hexagon-shaped wooden signs. Sand off any stickers and smooth the surface. Paint the entire top and sides with white chalk paint. You may need two or three coats for good coverage. Once it’s dry, glue six small wood beads to the bottom as legs.
I like using Gorilla Glue for a strong hold. Place something heavy on top until the glue sets. For the base, paint a Dollar Tree glass candle holder in the same white chalk paint so everything matches.
Once dry, glue it to the bottom of your hexagon piece. The shape alone makes this stand out. It’s a fun twist on the usual round riser and works great for plants or candles.
5. Layered Wood Round Stand
Use a large wooden round from Dollar Tree’s plus section and glue four beads on the bottom as feet. Once it dries, sand the surface smooth. Stain the piece with antique wax using a brush, then wipe it with a damp cloth to blend. It brings out the natural grain and gives a rich farmhouse color.
You can leave it as is, or combine it with another riser. I stacked mine by gluing the hexagon riser from the last project on top. It created a tall, two-tiered stand that looks like something straight from a high-end store. It’s perfect for displaying candles, small plants, or kitchen decor.
6. Tiered Tray with Paint Sticks
For this tray, use three wooden trays from Dollar Tree and four paint sticks. Sand the trays smooth and paint them with two coats of white chalk paint. Leave the outer edges raw for a natural contrast. Mark where you want your trays to sit, then glue the paint sticks in each corner with wood glue. Use clamps to hold them while they dry.
Once set, stack the trays, one at the bottom, one in the middle, and one at the top. Paint over any glue marks and let it dry. This creates a tall tray that can hold mugs, snacks, or decor pieces. It’s both decorative and practical.
7. Framed Wood Tray
Find a large frame with a nice shape. Remove the backing and glass, clean it well, and replace the backing with a piece of wood cut to fit. Use E6000 glue to attach it to the frame. Once it’s dry, secure it with a few staples for extra strength.
You can paint it white, stain it brown, or even use a mix for a weathered finish. For handles, small drawer pulls or cabinet handles work great. Attach them on each side for a serving-tray look. This piece is so versatile that you can use it on your coffee table or kitchen counter.
8. Double-Framed Tiered Tray
Using the larger frame from the last project, add a smaller frame on top to create two layers. Paint both in white chalk paint. Fill any seams with caulk for a smooth finish, then let it dry. Once dry, distress lightly with antique wax on the edges.
To connect the two frames, use a candle holder as the center post. Glue it securely with E6000 and hot glue. Stack the smaller frame on top, press down, and let it dry overnight. The mix of shapes gives this tray a unique look. It’s elegant yet simple enough to fit any farmhouse space.
9. Rustic Wood Crate Tray
This one uses a scrap piece of thin wood (luan) and 1x3 furring strips. Cut the strips to size for the sides and ends, then glue them onto the luan base. Once glued, secure them with a few brad nails. Sand the surface smooth and paint it white.
When the paint dries, distress it with a bit of black chalk paint using a chip brush. Lightly brush over the corners and edges to highlight the wood grain. Add a vinyl decal to the center if you want, or leave it plain for a classic farmhouse look. It’s great for kitchen counters or as a display tray.
10. Two-Panel Farmhouse Riser
Use two wood panels from Dollar Tree’s plus section. Glue four small beads to the bottom of one panel to act as feet, and let it dry. Paint both panels with white chalk paint, two coats each. Once dry, use a touch of gray or mineral paint to distress the edges.
For the stand, use a candle holder between the two panels. Apply E6000 glue to attach it and press firmly until it sets. Once it dries, you’ll have a strong two-tier riser that looks custom-made. You can decorate it with greenery, jars, or seasonal items.
Finishing Touches
When all your pieces are done, seal them with a clear matte varnish. It helps protect the paint and makes the surface easier to clean. These trays and risers look amazing together or on their own. You can mix them throughout your home, in the kitchen, living room, or entryway.
Each one has its own charm. Some are sleek and simple, others are rustic and weathered. That’s what I love about farmhouse style. It’s personal and never too perfect. A little uneven paint or a streak of wax only adds to the story.
If you decide to try any of these projects, take your time and enjoy the process. DIY isn’t about rushing or making it flawless. It’s about creating something that feels like yours. Each piece you make adds a little more warmth to your home.
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