Creating a wooden bath shelf that fits over a bathtub is a great DIY project that can enhance your bathroom’s functionality and style. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you build a simple, customized bath shelf:
Materials Needed:
- 1 piece of hardwood (oak, pine, or cedar works well) for the shelf (dimensions will vary depending on your tub size)
- 2 pieces of wood for the arms (that will rest on the sides of the tub)
- Wood screws or wood dowels
- Wood glue
- Sandpaper (medium and fine grit)
- Wood finish or sealant (optional, for water resistance)
- Measuring tape
- Saw (circular or miter saw)
- Drill with appropriate drill bits (for screw or dowel holes)
- Clamp (optional)
Instructions:
1. Measure Your Bathtub
- Measure the width of your bathtub from edge to edge (for a snug fit) and the depth you want for your shelf. Typically, a bath shelf should extend over the tub by about 2 to 4 inches on each side.
2. Cut the Shelf
- Using the measurement from the previous step, cut the wooden piece to the desired length for the shelf. The width should be around 8-12 inches, depending on how much space you want for items like candles, soap, or a book.
3. Cut the Arm Pieces
- Cut two pieces of wood (for the arms) that will support the shelf over the bathtub. These should be about 4-6 inches long, or long enough to rest comfortably on the edges of the tub.
- The thickness of these pieces should match or slightly exceed the depth of your tub’s edges to ensure stability.
4. Prepare the Arm Supports
- If you want the shelf to be adjustable, cut small slots on the underside of the arms where they will connect with the shelf. You can use screws or wood dowels to attach them firmly to the shelf. For a more permanent solution, you can use wood glue and screws.
- Alternatively, you can make the arms slightly angled to improve the fit and prevent slipping.
5. Assembly
- Once the arms are cut and prepared, glue and screw them onto the shelf. Ensure they are evenly spaced and aligned with the edges of the shelf. If you’re using dowels, drill matching holes in both the arm pieces and the underside of the shelf before inserting the dowels and gluing.
6. Sanding and Finishing
- Sand the entire piece using medium and fine-grit sandpaper to smooth out rough edges and surfaces.
- If you’d like to protect your wood from moisture, apply a wood finish or sealant. This will help make the shelf water-resistant, which is especially important for a bath shelf.
7. Final Touches
- Once the finish has dried, test the fit by placing the shelf over your tub. Ensure that it sits securely and doesn’t wobble. You can add rubber pads or strips to the underside of the arms to protect your tub and improve grip.
8. Optional Additions
- You can personalize your bath shelf by adding features such as a small wine glass holder, a book rest, or even small compartments for toiletries.
- If you want to make the shelf even more adjustable, you can add brackets or other mechanisms to raise or lower the shelf as needed.
Now you have a custom wooden bath shelf that adds both functionality and a natural touch to your bathroom. Enjoy your relaxing bath with your new addition!