Creating a wooden bath tray with slots for a book and a candle is a rewarding project that can elevate your bath time experience. This DIY project is perfect for beginners with basic woodworking skills. The result is a beautiful, functional tray that can hold your favorite book, a candle, and perhaps a glass of wine or a cup of tea while you relax. Here’s a step-by-step guide to building your own wooden bath tray with slots for a book and a candle.
Materials Needed
- Wood boards (preferably cedar or teak, as they are water-resistant)
- Saw (circular saw or miter saw)
- Measuring tape
- Pencil
- Wood glue
- Wood clamps
- Sandpaper (medium and fine grit)
- Wood stain or finish (optional)
- Candle holder
- Drill and drill bits (for holes)
- Screws or nails (optional, for additional reinforcement)
- Wood finish (for water resistance)
Step 1: Measure the Dimensions
Start by measuring your bathtub’s width to determine the length of the tray. Most bathtubs are between 28 and 32 inches wide, so a bath tray should generally be around 30 inches long. The width of the tray should be 8 to 10 inches, depending on how much space you want for your book, candle, and other items.
Measure carefully, and don’t forget to leave extra space for any protruding handles or features.
Step 2: Cut the Wood
Once you have the measurements, select your wood and cut it into the following pieces:
- Base piece: The main tray piece, typically 30 inches long by 8 to 10 inches wide.
- Side rails: Two strips that will attach to each side of the base. These should be around 2 inches wide and the length of the tray’s width.
- Book and candle slots: These can be cut from a separate piece of wood, or you can carve out slots directly from the base, depending on the design. The slots should be wide enough to hold a book and a candle securely.
Step 3: Assemble the Base and Side Rails
Use wood glue to attach the side rails to the base. Apply the glue evenly along the edge of the base, then press the side rails in place. Use clamps to hold them in place while the glue dries. If you want extra reinforcement, you can also add screws or nails at the joints. Allow the glue to dry for a few hours, or as recommended by the manufacturer.
Step 4: Create the Slots for the Book and Candle
Now, it’s time to cut the slots for the book and candle. If you are using a separate piece of wood for the slots, cut it to fit the width of the base and glue it into place.
For the book slot, measure how wide the slot needs to be to fit a typical paperback or hardcover book (around 1.5 to 2 inches wide). Use a drill and a circular saw or jigsaw to carefully cut out the slot. Sand the edges of the slot to ensure a smooth, clean fit.
For the candle slot, the slot should be large enough to hold a standard candle securely. Measure your candle’s diameter and create a circular slot with a drill and a hole saw attachment. If you’re using a candle holder, measure accordingly to make sure it fits snugly.
Step 5: Sand the Tray
Once all the pieces are assembled, carefully sand the tray with medium-grit sandpaper first, followed by fine-grit sandpaper. This will remove any rough spots and give the tray a smooth, polished finish. Be sure to sand the edges to prevent any splinters.
Step 6: Apply Wood Finish
To protect your bath tray from water damage, apply a wood finish, such as a waterproof polyurethane, to seal and protect the wood. You can use a clear wood finish to preserve the natural color of the wood or apply a stain to give the tray a rich color. Allow the finish to dry completely between coats, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Step 7: Add Candle Holder
Once the finish has dried, place a small candle holder in the slot designated for the candle. Make sure it fits securely so that the candle won’t tip over in the bath. If the slot is too wide, you can add felt or rubber padding at the bottom of the slot to help secure the candle.
Step 8: Final Touches
After the tray has dried and the candle holder is in place, check to ensure that the book slot is wide enough for your book to slide in and out easily. Test the tray in your bathtub to make sure it fits comfortably and can hold your items securely.
Optional: Add Handles
For easier handling, you can add handles on either side of the tray. Simply cut two small strips of wood (around 2 inches wide) and attach them to each end of the tray. These handles can be made in a simple design or a more decorative style, depending on your preference.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve created your very own wooden bath tray with slots for a book and candle. This project is not only practical but also adds a touch of elegance to your bath time. Whether you’re relaxing with a book, candle, and glass of wine, or just enjoying the ambiance, this tray will enhance your bath experience.
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