Quick Answer
Puzzle sorting trays keep your pieces separated by color, shape, or edge type, so you can work faster and avoid losing pieces. They also stack neatly, letting you pause a puzzle mid-build without mixing everything up.
What Are Puzzle Sorting Trays?
Puzzle sorting trays are shallow, often stackable containers designed to hold and separate jigsaw puzzle pieces during assembly. Unlike a flat table or a single pile, they let you group pieces by color, pattern, or edge type without them rolling away or getting mixed up. Cobble Hill's sorting trays, for example, come in a set of six that nest together for compact storage.
How Do You Use Puzzle Sorting Trays?
Start by emptying your puzzle bag into one tray and gently shaking or sifting to remove excess puzzle dust. Then, sort pieces into separate trays by whatever system works for you—border pieces in one, sky pieces in another, and so on. When you need a break, simply stack the trays on top of each other; they nest neatly, so the pieces stay in place. You can also slide a tray under a sofa or bed if space is tight.
Can You Clean Puzzle Sorting Trays?
Yes. Most plastic sorting trays can be wiped clean with a damp cloth or mild soap. Avoid abrasive cleaners that might scratch the surface. If you've sifted puzzle dust into a tray, empty it over a trash bin before washing. Let the trays dry completely before stacking them again to prevent moisture from sticking to the pieces.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many trays do I need?
For a standard 500–1000 piece puzzle, a set of six trays gives you enough space to sort by broad categories (edges, sky, water, etc.). For larger puzzles, you may want two sets or a combination of trays and bags. Start with six trays and add more if you find yourself running out of sorting space.
Can I use sorting trays for other things?
Absolutely. They work well for organizing craft beads, LEGO bricks, or small hardware like screws and nails. Just clean them thoroughly between uses to avoid cross-contamination. Puzzle trays double as general-purpose organizers.
Do sorting trays work with any puzzle brand?
Yes. Sorting trays are brand-agnostic. Cobble Hill's trays accommodate pieces from any brand, as long as the pieces are standard size (most jigsaw pieces are). Oversized or mini puzzles may require a different tray depth. They're compatible with virtually all standard jigsaw puzzles.
Product Facts
- Puzzle Sorting Trays: Cobble Hill's six stackable sorting trays let you sift puzzle dust, sort pieces by colour or shape, and stack neatly for breaks. This means you can start a puzzle, pause it anytime, and resume exactly where you left off—no mixing, no lost pieces, and less mess.
