I have been looking for a nice three tier stand for my table for a long time. I have always liked the way that they look and I love that they can be customized to match the seasons or holidays that might be coming up.  While I have found some nice pre-made ones in my travels they were always too expensive or just not quite what I was looking for. Clearly, it was time for a DIY project and what better place to get the supplies for it then your Local Dollar Tree?

The Dollar Tree is my go-to spot for home decor on a budget. It usually requires a bit of crafting, but to be honest I tend to consider that more of a pro than a con. I might have a craft addiction problem but these Dollar Store DIY posts are one of my favorite monthly features.

This DIY three tier stand from the Dollar Tree is beyond simple to make. If you can use a glue gun then you can make this stand. Deciding on exactly how you want to decorate your stand after you make it is more difficult than making the stand.

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DIY Three Tier Stand

Supplies From the Dollar Tree

• Glue Sticks
• Three Plates or serving trays of differing sizes – If you can find three of the same color then bonus! If not you might have to paint them.
• Two or Three objects to separate the tiers – There are so many options for this! I used three candle holders but there are so many choices to make yours unique! – Mugs, Wine Glasses, Candle Stick holders, Terra Cotta Pots!
• Florals and Decorations of your choice

Supplies from Home/Elsewhere

• Glue Gun
• Acrylic Paint – If you can’t find all your supplies in the same color you might have to paint them. I tried using poster paint from the Dollar Tree first but it was far to thin. Acrylic worked just fine though and is fairly cheap!
• Clear Protectant Coating – I picked mine up from Amazon but it can also be found at Michaels, Hobby Lobby or Walmart. It’s not very expensive and adds a bit of shine to your acrylic paint as well as help keep it from chipping. If you don’t have to paint your project or you like a more matte rustic look then you won’t need this.

Total Cost – $14 from the Dollar Tree, $23 if you need to add the paint and clear coating.

Three Tier Stand – Directions

I told you this craft is beyond easy and I’m not kidding! If you need to paint your trays then this will be your first step. Since my trays were of three different materials and three different colors they needed painting. It took me about four coats before I was happy with the results, however, if you like the whitewashed look it will take far less. I personally love the whitewashed look – it just doesn’t match my current decor! Just keep adding paint coats until you like it. Even a small bottle of Acrylic paint goes a long way so you shouldn’t run out! Once you like the paint coverage give your creation a coat or two of protectant sealant if you want it to be shiny. Leave it off if you want it matte but beware the paint might chip easier!

Once your paint and clear coating are dry it’s time to start assembling your three tier tray! I found it easiest to use a ruler to measure out the center point of my trays but you can just eyeball it if you like. Heck, you can make it asymmetrical if you feel like it! That would certainly be eye-catching and unique! Just make sure it’s well balanced so your trays won’t tip over.

Starting with the largest tray use your glue gun to attach your chosen separator followed by the medium tray, another separator and then the smallest try. The top separator is completely optional. I added it for decoration purposes. Since this is only a decorative piece for me hot glue was sufficient. If you need something stronger you might consider super glue.

It’s probably best if you only move your three tier tray by picking it up from the bottom, I do not think hot glue alone is strong enough to hold the weight should it be moved from the top! Once your trays are assembled and the glue is dry feel free to decorate it as you see fit!

You can glue your decorations down if you want but I left mine loose so that I can change them out for the seasons and holidays! This will probably mean I will need to adjust it from time to time thanks to the kids messing with it but that’s a small price to pay for more decorating fun later on!

Updated for a Fall Look!

I told you it was easy! Let me know if you give this a try!