How to Make a Wooden Lazy Susan? | DIY Rotating Tray Build

Making a wooden lazy Susan is a straightforward weekend project that gives you a custom spinning tray for your table or cabinet. The key to a smooth spin is a quality bearing and proper alignment. This guide walks through the entire build, from cutting to hardware installation, with the common pitfalls flagged along the way.

What Materials and Tools Do You Need?

You need wood, a way to cut circles, and a lazy Susan bearing kit. Most builds use a single board or a glued-up panel for the top, with a smaller disc for the base. Popular Mechanics’ DIY guide notes that a 3/4-inch-thick board works well for most projects.

Here’s the essential toolkit:

• Jigsaw or table saw for cutting circles
• Drill with bits for pilot holes and an access hole
• Clamps for glue-ups
• Orbital sander or sandpaper
• Wood glue and a finish of your choice
• Lazy Susan bearing or turntable hardware
• Wood screws (typically #6 x 1/2-inch or 1 1/4-inch)

How Do You Cut the Circles?

Start by milling your stock flat and square — skipping this step leaves an uneven panel that wobbles. If your board isn’t wide enough, glue up two or more boards into a panel first, then cut.

For the cut, mark your circle directly on the wood. A jigsaw works well for most sizes, and you can use a circle-cutting jig for a cleaner edge. Bosch’s DIY guide for a tabletop lazy susan suggests cutting a 470 mm square and a 335 mm square first, then shaping them into discs after. Cut the top board so it’s slightly smaller than the opening it will sit in — an oversized top won’t spin freely.

How Do You Attach the Lazy Susan Bearing?

Attach the bearing to the underside of the top board first, then screw the base disc to the bearing’s lower plate. Centering the hardware is critical — mark the center point on both boards, then align the bearing so the pivot point is dead center.

Bosch’s instructions specify drilling four holes 15 mm from the edge of the smaller disc, then fastening with four screws. Always predrill pilot holes; driving screws directly into hardwood can split it. If your hardware design requires access to the screws from the top, drill an access hole through the bottom board before installing it.

Finishing and Common Mistakes to Avoid

Sand both circles thoroughly before assembly — once the hardware is on, reaching the edges gets awkward. Apply your finish of choice, then install the hardware last so the finish doesn’t gum up the bearing.

Most build failures come down to a few avoidable errors:

• Skipping the flattening step before glue-up
• Mounting hardware before the circle is centered
• Cutting the top too large for its intended spot
• Not predrilling, which splits the wood or misaligns screws

Wear protective eyewear when cutting with a jigsaw, and if you are building a bearing-track style tray, don’t pack the marbles or bearings too tightly — a tight pack makes the spin rough instead of smooth.

Ready to buy instead of build? Our roundup of the best wooden lazy susan options compares top-rated models for every budget.