A wooden bath tray with book and tablet holders is a practical and stylish addition to any bathroom. Not only does it provide a convenient surface to rest items while you relax in the tub, but it also offers a functional solution for holding your book or tablet. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making your own wooden bath tray with built-in book and tablet holders.
Materials and Tools You’ll Need:
- Wood planks (preferably water-resistant woods like cedar, teak, or pine)
- Wood glue
- Wood screws
- Miter saw (for cutting the wood to size)
- Jigsaw (for cutting out shapes for the holders)
- Sanding block or power sander
- Wood finish or water-resistant sealant (optional but recommended)
- Measuring tape
- Pencil or marker for marking cuts
- Drill with bits (for screws and holes)
- Clamps (to hold pieces while gluing)
- Wood stain or paint (optional for a more polished finish)
Step 1: Measure and Cut the Wood
Start by measuring the dimensions of your bathtub to determine the size of the bath tray. Generally, a bath tray should be around 30 inches in length and about 8–10 inches wide, but adjust these measurements according to your tub size.
Cut the main tray: Use a miter saw to cut your wood plank to the appropriate length. A standard bath tray is typically about 30 inches long, but measure the width of your tub to ensure a perfect fit.
Cut the support pieces: You’ll need two smaller pieces of wood (usually 3-4 inches wide and 1 inch thick) to create supports for the tray’s sides. These supports will rest on the edges of your tub, so make sure they are the right length to fit snugly.
Step 2: Create the Tablet and Book Holders
To add a tablet holder and a book holder, you’ll need to cut out specific shapes in your tray.
Book holder: Mark and cut a shallow slot or notch in the middle or side of the tray, depending on your preference. This slot should be about 1–2 inches deep and wide enough to hold the spine of a book. Use a jigsaw to cut the shape carefully.
Tablet holder: For the tablet holder, you can create a similar slot. However, it’s a good idea to make the slot wider and slightly deeper, about 2-3 inches wide, to accommodate a tablet in a landscape or portrait orientation. You could also make the tablet holder adjustable if you want to hold different tablet sizes, but this might require a more intricate design.
Step 3: Assemble the Tray
Now that all your pieces are cut, it’s time to assemble the tray.
Glue and clamp: Apply wood glue to the edges of the supports and attach them to the underside of the tray, ensuring they are positioned evenly. Clamp them into place while the glue dries.
Screw for added support: Once the glue has dried, reinforce the joint by drilling pilot holes and securing the supports with screws. This step ensures that the tray will be sturdy enough to hold your book or tablet without collapsing under weight.
Check the fit: Before moving on, check that the tray fits securely over your bathtub and that the book and tablet holders are the right size for your items.
Step 4: Sand and Finish
Use a sanding block or power sander to smooth all edges and surfaces of your tray. Make sure to sand the area around the slots for the book and tablet to avoid splinters. After sanding, wipe off any dust with a damp cloth.
To protect the wood from moisture, apply a water-resistant wood finish or sealant. You could also use a wood stain if you prefer a darker or richer color. Let the finish dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Step 5: Final Assembly
Once the finish is dry, it’s time for the final touches. If you’d like to add any decorative elements, like handles or an engraved design, this is the time to do it. For example, you can attach handles on the sides of the tray to make it easier to lift.
Step 6: Place Your Bath Tray
After everything is assembled, place the tray on your bathtub. You can now place a book, tablet, candles, or even a glass of wine on the tray while you relax in your tub.
Tips and Additional Features
- Non-slip pads: To keep your tray secure on the edges of the tub, you can attach non-slip pads or rubber feet to the underside of the supports.
- Adjustable arms: Some people prefer adjustable arms that allow the tray to fit different tub sizes. This is a more advanced design and requires additional hardware like sliding mechanisms.
- Personalization: Consider engraving a name, quote, or design into the wood for a personalized touch.
By following these steps, you’ll have a functional and beautiful wooden bath tray that holds your book or tablet securely. The process is simple, and the result will enhance your bath-time experience.
If you’re looking to explore more woodworking projects, you can learn from the Teds Woodworking Course here.