Creating a wooden bath tray for the tub is a great DIY project that combines functionality with a touch of luxury. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you build your own:
Materials Needed:
- Wood (Cedar, teak, or pine are good choices for water resistance)
- Measuring tape
- Saw (Circular saw or hand saw)
- Wood glue
- Clamps
- Screws or nails
- Screwdriver or drill
- Sandpaper (medium and fine grit)
- Wood finish (such as tung oil, teak oil, or waterproof wood sealant)
- Ruler or square
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Measure Your Tub
- Start by measuring the width and length of your bathtub. You’ll need the width for the tray’s length, and a rough idea of the height if you want the tray to sit on the edge.
- If your tub has rounded edges, you may want to design the tray with slightly curved sides to ensure a snug fit.
2. Choose and Cut the Wood Pieces
- Choose your wood based on its durability and water resistance. Teak and cedar are especially good choices for bathroom environments because they are naturally resistant to water.
- Using a saw, cut the wood pieces to the following dimensions:
- Top piece (the main tray part): This should be the width of your tub plus an additional inch or so to overhang.
- Side pieces: These will add stability to the tray. You can cut these to be about 4-5 inches high, or higher if you want a more prominent tray.
- Support beams (optional): If you want extra strength, you can add some horizontal beams underneath the tray to distribute weight and prevent warping.
3. Assemble the Tray
- Lay the top piece flat on your work surface. Attach the side pieces to the long sides of the tray using wood glue. Apply a small amount of glue to the edges of the side pieces and press them into place.
- Use clamps to hold everything in place as the glue dries (usually about 30 minutes, but it’s best to leave it for a few hours).
- After the glue has dried, reinforce the side pieces by screwing them into place from the outside of the tray, making sure the screws are evenly spaced.
4. Sand the Edges
- Sand the entire tray, including the edges, to ensure smoothness and remove any rough spots. Start with a medium grit sandpaper (around 120) and then finish with a finer grit (around 220) for a smooth finish.
- Be sure to round off the corners of the tray to prevent any sharp edges that could damage your bathtub or cause injury.
5. Apply a Waterproof Finish
- Since the bath tray will be exposed to water frequently, it’s important to protect the wood from moisture.
- Apply a waterproof wood finish like tung oil, teak oil, or a polyurethane wood finish. Be sure to follow the product instructions, and allow the tray to dry completely before use. You may need to apply multiple coats for optimal protection.
6. Optional Features
- Handles: Add handles on either side of the tray for easy removal. You can make these from wood or metal, and simply attach them with screws.
- Notches for Phone or Tablet: If you plan to use the tray to hold a phone or tablet, consider carving small notches along one side to hold the device securely.
- Wine Glass Holder: You can also drill a small hole large enough to hold a wine glass stem, so you can enjoy a glass of wine while soaking in the tub.
7. Test Fit and Enjoy
- Once the tray is fully assembled and dried, test it on your bathtub to ensure it fits well. You might need to make minor adjustments to ensure the tray sits comfortably on the edges of the tub.
By following these steps, you can easily create a custom wooden bath tray that adds a personal touch to your bathroom while providing a convenient space for relaxation. Whether you want to enjoy a book, drink, or candles, your new bath tray will make bath time even more enjoyable.
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