Building a wooden poolside towel rack with a storage bin is a practical and stylish addition to your outdoor space. It’s an ideal project for anyone looking to organize towels while adding a functional and decorative element to their pool area. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating a custom poolside towel rack with a built-in storage bin.
Materials and Tools
Materials:
- Wood boards (e.g., cedar, redwood, or pressure-treated lumber) for durability in outdoor conditions
- Wood screws (2.5 to 3 inches)
- Wood glue
- Sandpaper (medium to fine grit)
- Outdoor paint or wood sealant (optional)
- Hinges (if creating a lid for the storage bin)
- Basket (optional for interior storage)
Tools:
- Saw (circular saw or miter saw)
- Drill and drill bits
- Screwdriver or electric drill
- Tape measure
- Carpenter’s square
- Wood clamps
- Paintbrush (if sealing/painting)
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Designing the Towel Rack and Storage Bin
The first step in building a wooden poolside towel rack with a storage bin is to design your piece. Keep in mind the available space by the pool and how many towels you need to store. A typical towel rack has multiple horizontal bars for hanging towels, and the storage bin can be used to store beach toys, extra towels, sunscreen, and other poolside essentials.
A basic design could have a top section with hanging bars for towels and a bottom section for the storage bin. You can customize it to any size or design to fit your space. For example, a simple 4-feet wide rack with 3 bars will provide ample hanging space.
2. Cutting the Wood
Using your design measurements, cut the wood pieces:
- Vertical Supports (2 pieces): These will form the sides of the rack and should be cut to your desired height (usually about 4-5 feet tall).
- Horizontal Bars (3-4 pieces): These will act as towel holders and will be placed at intervals along the vertical supports.
- Storage Bin Panels (4 pieces for the box): You’ll need four pieces to form the bin (two sides, one front, and one back). You can also add a bottom piece to the bin for stability.
- Storage Bin Lid (optional): If you want a lid for the bin, cut an additional piece for this, along with hinges.
Tip: Use a miter saw or circular saw to ensure clean and precise cuts.
3. Assembling the Towel Rack Frame
Start by assembling the frame for the towel rack:
- Attach the two vertical supports to the horizontal bars using wood screws. Space the horizontal bars evenly. You can drill pilot holes to prevent the wood from splitting.
- Secure the horizontal bars with wood glue for added stability, then screw them into place.
Pro Tip: Use wood clamps to hold everything in place as you drill the screws in.
4. Assembling the Storage Bin
Next, create the storage bin:
- Attach the four side panels using wood screws or nails to form the box shape.
- If you’re adding a lid, attach the hinges to one of the panels and then secure it to the top of the bin. Make sure the lid opens and closes easily. The hinges should be outdoor-rated to withstand the elements.
Optional: You can install a liner or basket inside the storage bin for better organization.
5. Attaching the Towel Rack and Storage Bin
Once both the towel rack and the storage bin are assembled, it’s time to attach the bin to the bottom of the rack:
- Position the bin so that it sits securely beneath the towel rack frame.
- Use wood screws to attach the storage bin to the bottom horizontal bars of the frame.
6. Sanding and Finishing
Sand the entire rack thoroughly to remove any rough spots or splinters. Start with medium-grit sandpaper and finish with fine-grit sandpaper to smooth the surface. If you plan to leave the rack outdoors, it’s essential to finish the wood to protect it from weather damage:
- Apply a coat of outdoor wood sealant or paint to enhance the wood’s durability.
- Be sure to choose a product that’s water-resistant and specifically designed for outdoor furniture.
7. Mounting or Positioning the Rack
Once your towel rack with a storage bin is assembled and finished, you can either mount it to a wall or simply place it beside your pool.
- If you prefer a more permanent solution, mount it to a wall using heavy-duty screws or anchors.
- If you want a movable rack, you can simply place it in a corner of your pool area.
8. Final Touches
You can add additional features such as hooks for hanging small items, like pool floats or swimwear, or even decorative accents like coastal-themed handles for the storage bin. You can also add labels or signs to organize the items inside the bin.
Tips for Maintaining Your Poolside Towel Rack
- Cleaning: Regularly wipe down the towel rack and storage bin to prevent dirt, mold, and mildew buildup, especially in humid environments.
- Protection: If your rack is in direct sunlight, consider using a UV-resistant finish to prevent the wood from fading over time.
Building your own poolside towel rack with a storage bin not only helps keep your outdoor area neat and tidy but also adds a personalized touch to your poolside setup. With a little effort and creativity, you can make a practical piece of furniture that will last for years to come.
If you’re looking for more woodworking projects to tackle, consider exploring Ted’s Woodworking Course for more detailed plans and step-by-step instructions to enhance your skills. Check it out here: Ted’s Woodworking Course.