How to Make Your Own Dice Tray: A DIY Guide

Quick Answer

To make your own dice tray, you'll need a shallow box or frame, felt or fabric, adhesive, and scissors. Cut the fabric to fit, secure it inside, and you're ready to roll. This simple project takes under an hour and saves money while customizing your gaming setup.

Rolling dice on a hard table can be noisy, and dice often scatter or knock over game components. A dice tray solves these problems by providing a soft, contained surface. While you can buy one, making your own is straightforward and lets you match your style or game room décor.

This guide walks you through building a DIY dice tray from everyday materials. You'll also learn how to choose the right size and what to look for if you decide to upgrade to a commercial tray later.

Materials and Tools You'll Need

Start by gathering your supplies. You'll need a shallow wooden box, picture frame, or even a sturdy cardboard box with low sides. The base should be flat and slightly larger than your typical dice roll area. For the lining, choose felt or a similar soft fabric that won't let dice bounce too much. You'll also need scissors, a ruler, spray adhesive or craft glue, and a utility knife if you need to trim the frame.

If you want a more polished look, consider adding a wooden or plastic tray from a craft store. Many frames come with a removable back that you can replace with your fabric. The key is to have a surface that is at least 1 inch deep to keep dice from rolling out, but not so deep that it's hard to reach in.

• Choose a tray with sides at least 1 inch high to prevent dice from escaping.
• Use felt or neoprene for a quiet and cushioned rolling surface.

Step-by-Step Assembly

First, measure the interior of your tray. Cut the fabric to that size, leaving about an inch of extra on each side to fold over the edges. Apply adhesive to the tray's bottom, then carefully place the fabric, smoothing out wrinkles. If your tray has a removable base, you can wrap the fabric around it like a present and secure it with glue or staples.

Once the glue dries, trim any excess fabric from the edges. If you're using a picture frame, replace the backing and secure it. Test your tray by rolling a few dice. If the dice bounce too much, add an extra layer of felt. If they slide too much, you might need a rougher fabric like suede or cork.

• Let the adhesive dry completely before using the tray to avoid shifting.
• For a foldable option, use a leather or fabric mat with raised edges.

Choosing the Right Size and Style

The size of your dice tray depends on how many dice you typically roll. A tray around 8x8 inches works for most RPG sessions, while a larger 12x12 inch tray is better for games like Zombicide that involve many dice at once. If you play on a crowded table, a smaller tray that sits beside you might be more practical.

Consider the height of the sides as well. Low sides (1-2 inches) are easy to reach over but may let dice fly out if you roll aggressively. Higher sides (3+ inches) contain dice better but can block your view. Think about your rolling style and table space when deciding.

• If you often roll many dice, opt for a larger tray to keep everything contained.
• A tray with a non-slip bottom will stay in place during intense sessions.

Dice Trays and Accessories to Consider

While DIY is fun, sometimes you want a professionally made tray or matching accessories. For example, the Gamegenic Dice Tray line offers sturdy, portable options with a soft interior that protects your table. If you're a fan of Marvel Champions, the Marvel Champions Game Mat – Hawkeye provides a large, cushioned surface for cards and dice, though it's not a tray itself.

If you're looking for dice that stand out, consider the PolyHero Rogue 3d20 Gems. This Level Up pack contains three 20-sided gem dice in blue, green, and red, perfect for adding a touch of style to your rolls. For a complete set, the Embraced Series - Death Valley - RPG Dice Set (7pcs) includes all the standard polyhedral dice with a unique design inside each die.

• A high-quality dice set can make your homemade tray feel more premium.
• Game mats are a good alternative if you need a larger rolling surface.

DIY Dice Tray Steps

1. Gather materials: Collect a shallow tray or frame, felt or fabric, scissors, ruler, and adhesive. Choose a tray with sides at least 1 inch high to keep dice from rolling out. Check that your tray is clean and dry before starting.
2. Measure and cut fabric: Measure the interior base of the tray. Cut the fabric to that size plus an extra inch on each side for folding over edges. Use a ruler and mark with a pen for a straight cut.
3. Apply adhesive and place fabric: Spray adhesive or brush glue evenly on the tray's bottom. Carefully lay the fabric, smoothing out wrinkles from the center outward. Let the adhesive dry completely before trimming excess fabric.
4. Trim and finish edges: Once dry, trim any excess fabric with scissors. If using a frame, replace the backing and secure it. Optional: add a non-slip pad to the bottom. Test the tray with a few dice to ensure it rolls well and contains them.

Product Facts

• PolyHero Rogue 3d20 Gems: The PolyHero Rogue 3d20 Gems Level Up pack contains three 20-sided gem dice for use with tabletop role playing games. One in blue, green, and red. These dice are perfect for players who want a matching set of high-visibility d20s for their new tray, adding a touch of color to every roll.
• Embraced Series - Death Valley - RPG Dice Set (7pcs): This dice set contains a D4, a D6, a D8, two D10 (10 and 00), a D12 and a D20. All dice are round-cornered and manufactured at a premium level. The Embraced Dice have an interesting item inside the cube and will make your game night a critical hit. They are packed in a window cardboard box that displays all dice at the front. A full set of dice ensures you have the right die for any situation, and the round-cornered design feels comfortable in hand, making it a great companion to your DIY tray.

Making your own dice tray is a rewarding project that adds a personal touch to your game nights. With just a few materials, you can create a functional and stylish accessory. And if you're looking to upgrade your dice collection, consider the PolyHero Rogue 3d20 Gems or the Embraced Series dice set to complement your new tray. Happy rolling!