Building a wooden bath caddy with a phone slot is a fun and practical project. Not only will you have a custom piece to enhance your bath experience, but it’s also a great addition to your home decor. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create one.
Materials Needed:
- 1 x 6 or 1 x 8 wood board (depends on the size of your tub and design)
- Sandpaper (medium and fine grit)
- Wood glue
- Wood screws or nails
- Wood finish or sealant (waterproofing is recommended)
- Measuring tape or ruler
- Saw (a miter saw or circular saw works best)
- Drill with bits
- Clamps
- Pencil
- Square (for accurate angles)
- Optional: Wood filler (to fill any gaps or holes)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Measure Your Bathtub
The first step is to measure the width and length of your bathtub. This will give you the dimensions for your caddy. Most bathtubs are around 30 inches wide, but it’s best to measure for a custom fit.
2. Cut the Wood
Once you have the measurements, cut your wood pieces to size. You’ll need:
- Two longer pieces for the sides of the caddy (the length should match your tub width).
- Two shorter pieces for the ends of the caddy (these can be as wide as you like but should complement the design).
- A thinner piece for the phone slot (this will go on one of the side pieces or across the middle, depending on your design). The slot should be deep enough to hold your phone securely but not too wide. A 2-3 inch width is often ideal.
Use a miter saw or circular saw to make sure your cuts are straight. For a more professional finish, use a square to ensure your cuts are at right angles.
3. Assemble the Frame
Now, you’re ready to start assembling the bath caddy. Lay out the side and end pieces on a flat surface. Apply wood glue to the edges where the pieces meet. Then, attach the side pieces to the end pieces using screws or nails, ensuring the caddy frame is square.
Use clamps to hold everything in place while the glue dries (usually about 30 minutes to an hour).
4. Create the Phone Slot
For the phone slot, you have a couple of design options:
- Vertical slot: You can create a vertical slot by cutting a groove in one of the longer side pieces. To do this, use a router to carve out the slot. It should be wide enough to fit most smartphones, around 3 to 4 inches wide, and deep enough to hold the phone in place while you relax in the bath.
- Horizontal slot: If you want the phone slot to go across the middle of the caddy, measure and cut a smaller piece of wood to attach as a support. You’ll need to drill a hole through the piece, then use a jigsaw to cut out the slot. Again, make sure the phone slot is wide enough to hold the phone securely.
Sand the edges of the slot well to remove any splinters or rough spots.
5. Add Optional Features
You can customize your bath caddy further by adding additional compartments or slots for things like candles, bath products, or a wine glass. Use extra pieces of wood to divide the caddy and create small sections. Secure them with glue or nails.
6. Sanding and Finishing
Now that your caddy is assembled, it’s time to smooth out any rough edges. Sand the entire surface of the caddy with medium grit sandpaper first, then finish with fine grit for a smooth surface.
Once sanded, apply a coat of wood finish or sealant. This step is especially important for waterproofing the caddy since it will be exposed to water. If you want a natural look, use a clear polyurethane finish. If you prefer a color, choose a stain or paint that matches your bathroom decor. Be sure to let the finish dry completely, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
7. Final Touches
Once the finish has dried, inspect the caddy for any imperfections and do touch-ups if necessary. You can also add rubber pads on the underside of the caddy to prevent it from scratching your bathtub.
8. Place Your Caddy in the Tub
Now, your wooden bath caddy with a phone slot is ready to use. Simply place it across your bathtub and enjoy your bath time with your phone within reach.
Tips for Success:
- Choose the right wood: For durability, hardwoods like oak or maple are excellent choices. If you want something more cost-effective, pine can work as well.
- Waterproofing: Make sure to use a high-quality wood finish that can handle exposure to water without degrading.
- Phone protection: If you’re concerned about your phone getting wet, you can line the phone slot with a thin layer of foam or felt to add cushioning.
By following these steps, you can create a bath caddy that not only provides functionality but also adds a touch of elegance to your bathroom. It’s a satisfying project that offers both practicality and a sense of accomplishment.
If you’re interested in exploring more woodworking projects, check out Ted’s Woodworking Course here: Ted’s Woodworking.