How I Test Tiered Tray Stands – Scoring & Tools

I’m Wayne Kocher, woodcraft enthusiast in Eugene, Oregon. I test tiered tray stands the same way I build them—methodically. Below is the exact process I use for stability, build quality, materials & finish, assembly, capacity, safety, and value. You can repeat these tests at home.

Last updated: October 24, 2025
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My Scoring Rubric (100 Points)

Weights — Wooden Stands

CategoryWeightWhat I measure
Stability25Wobble, racking, tip angle, base width
Build Quality20Joinery/hardware fit, tolerance, hole alignment
Materials & Finish15Species, defects, finish hardness, food-safe claims
Assembly15Tools needed, clarity, time, spare hardware
Capacity & Ergonomics10Usable area, tier clearance, lift points
Safety10Edges, stability under load, heat/moisture resistance
Value5Price vs performance and warranty/support

Weights — Metal / Ceramic Stands

CategoryWeightWhat I measure
Stability25Wobble, racking, tip angle, base width
Assembly15Hardware fit, tool access, instructions
Materials & Finish15Gauge/thickness, coating quality, chip resistance
Build Quality15Threads, inserts, tier flatness, tolerance
Capacity & Ergonomics15Usable area, tier clearance, carry points
Safety10Edge finishing, stability under load, thermal behavior
Value5Price vs performance and warranty/support
Scores are rounded to the nearest whole number. When a model comes in multiple sizes, I test the most popular size first and note differences. Stay connected with TrayEdit for more information.

Test Conditions & Tools

Bench & Environment

  • Flat reference surfaces: granite slab and cast‑iron table (verified within ±0.2 mm using feeler gauges).
  • Room conditions: 64–72 °F (18–22 °C); 35–55% RH when feasible.
  • Wood acclimates 48–72 hours before testing.

Measurement Tools

  • Digital calipers (±0.02 mm), tape measure, steel rule.
  • Bubble level and digital angle gauge (tip‑angle test).
  • Torque screwdriver (cap‑nut torque), spring scale (load tests).
  • Pencils (6B–9H) for finish hardness, microfiber/tack cloths.

Reference Guides

Procedures (Step‑by‑Step)

1) Stability

  1. Flat‑surface check: Place the stand on granite; identify any rocking corner. Log pass/fail.
  2. Racking test: With an empty stand, push the top tier laterally ~1 in; note flex and recovery.
  3. Tip‑angle test: Tilt the base until a tipping point; record angle with a digital gauge.
  4. Base ratio: Compare base width to bottom‑tier diameter; target ≈60–65% for daily use.

2) Build Quality

  1. Hole alignment: Check if tiers sit level within ±1° without shims.
  2. Hardware fit: Thread engagement, washer seating, insert integrity; record any cross‑threading.
  3. Joinery/adhesive: For wood posts/tiers, inspect glue lines and alignment under light load.

3) Materials & Finish

  1. Species/gauge: Verify claimed wood species or metal gauge by measurement and visual inspection.
  2. Finish hardness: Pencil test (stops at first scratch mark); note H/B rating.
  3. Moisture & stain: 10‑minute water bead and coffee spot; check for raised grain or staining.
  4. Food‑safe claims: If marketed for direct food contact, check labeling; I don’t certify food safety.

4) Assembly

  1. Time to assemble: From open box to stable stand (minutes).
  2. Instructions: Clarity, diagrams, language quality, spare parts included.
  3. Tooling: Required tools; check fit on common hex keys and screwdrivers.

5) Capacity & Ergonomics

  1. Clearance: Measure vertical space between tiers; mugs (≈4 in) and jars (≈6 in) fit notes.
  2. Usable area: Effective diameter after accounting for posts and lips.
  3. Carry points: How safe/easy it is to move when loaded lightly.

6) Safety

  1. Edges: Check for sharp edges/burrs; require safe deburring.
  2. Load: Distributed load test (e.g., 8 × 12 oz cans) on the bottom tier; observe deflection/tip.
  3. Heat/moisture: Brief warm‑plate proximity and damp wipe; watch for coating issues.

7) Value

  1. Price vs peers: Compare to similar size/material models.
  2. Warranty/support: Note stated warranty and support channels.

I avoid destructive tests that would create unsafe conditions for future use. If a unit arrives damaged or defective, I request a replacement before final scoring.

How I Convert Results to Scores

Examples (Wooden)

  • Stability 25: no wobble (10), racking minimal (8), tip angle ≥ 18° (7) → 25/25.
  • Build Quality 20: level within 1°, clean threads, aligned holes → 18–20/20.
  • Materials & Finish 15: hardwood, no voids, ≥HB hardness, no stain after 10 min → 13–15/15.

Deductions

  • Unlevel tiers > 2° without fix: −3 to −5.
  • Cross‑threaded inserts or crushed washers: −2 to −4.
  • Flaking/chipping finish under light contact: −2 to −5.
Full category breakdown appears at the top of each review.

Photos, Notes & Replication

Photos & notes. I photograph assembly steps, alignment checks, and any defects. See the Gallery for build and teardown shots.

Replicate my tests

Print the sizing charts and drilling/circle templates, then follow the steps above.

Policies

Independence

  • I buy most products at retail. If a sample is provided, I disclose it in the review.
  • No manufacturer preview or approval of my text, scores, or photos.

Affiliate Disclosure

Some links may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you. See my Affiliate Disclosure.

Updates & Retests

  • I correct factual errors promptly.
  • I revisit scores when designs change or after longer‑term use.

Contact

Questions about a score or want me to test your stand? Contact. I’m happy to explain any result.

Example Reviews Using This Method

Scores in these reviews were produced with the procedures and weights above.

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