How to Create a Wooden Soap Dish with Water Drainage Slots
A wooden soap dish is a simple yet elegant addition to any bathroom or kitchen. It helps prolong the life of your soap by allowing water to drain properly, preventing it from becoming mushy. Making one yourself is a great woodworking project that requires minimal materials and tools. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of crafting a wooden soap dish with water drainage slots.
Materials and Tools Needed
Materials:
- A piece of hardwood (e.g., teak, cedar, oak, or walnut)
- Wood glue (optional)
- Wood finish (beeswax, tung oil, or food-safe polyurethane)
Tools:
- Table saw or handsaw
- Drill with a forstner or spade bit
- Chisel
- Sandpaper (80, 120, and 220 grit)
- Clamps (if using wood glue)
- Ruler and pencil
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Choose and Prepare Your Wood
Select a durable hardwood resistant to moisture. Teak, cedar, or oak work well since they naturally resist water damage.
Cut a piece of wood to your desired soap dish size. A standard size is 4″ x 3″ x ¾”.
Use sandpaper (80-grit) to smooth out the edges and surface before cutting drainage slots.
Step 2: Mark the Drainage Slots
Use a ruler and pencil to mark evenly spaced lines across the width of the soap dish. The slots should be around ¼” to ⅜” wide and spaced ¼” apart. Ensure they run across the full width of the dish to allow water to drain properly.
For a decorative look, you can also drill circular drainage holes instead of straight slots.
Step 3: Cut the Drainage Slots
There are multiple ways to cut the slots:
- Using a Table Saw: Set the blade to cut about ¼” deep and carefully make multiple passes along the marked lines.
- Using a Drill and Chisel: Drill evenly spaced holes along your marks, then use a chisel to connect and refine the slots.
- Using a Router (Optional): If you have a router, use a straight bit to carve out the drainage channels smoothly.
After cutting, use sandpaper to smooth out rough edges inside the slots.
Step 4: Round the Edges and Sand the Surface
To give the soap dish a finished look, use sandpaper (120 to 220 grit) to smooth out all surfaces.
For a more comfortable feel, slightly round the corners and edges using sandpaper or a router with a round-over bit.
Step 5: Apply a Water-Resistant Finish
Since the soap dish will be exposed to moisture, applying a protective finish is essential.
- Beeswax and mineral oil mix (food-safe and natural)
- Tung oil (provides a durable waterproof coating)
- Polyurethane (stronger finish but takes longer to cure)
Apply the finish using a clean cloth, let it absorb for a few minutes, and then wipe off any excess. Allow it to dry completely.
Final Thoughts
Congratulations! You’ve successfully made a beautiful and functional wooden soap dish with water drainage slots. This simple woodworking project is an excellent way to practice your skills while creating something useful for your home.
If you’re interested in more woodworking projects, check out Teds Woodworking Course for detailed plans and ideas:
👉 Click Here to Access Teds Woodworking Course