How to Make a Wooden Bathroom Organizer with Compartments
A wooden bathroom organizer is a stylish and functional addition to any bathroom. It helps to keep toiletries, towels, and other essentials neatly arranged, making your space feel tidier and more organized. By creating your own wooden organizer with compartments, you can customize the design to fit your needs and match your bathroom’s aesthetic.
In this guide, we will walk through the process of making a simple yet functional wooden bathroom organizer with compartments. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced woodworker, the project is manageable with a few basic tools and materials. Here’s everything you need to know:
Materials Needed:
- Wood planks (1/2 inch or 3/4 inch thick plywood or softwood like pine)
- Wood glue
- Wood screws (optional for extra stability)
- Wood filler (for smooth finishes)
- Sandpaper (120 and 220 grit)
- Paint or wood stain (optional for finishing)
- Clear polyurethane or lacquer (for sealing)
- Measuring tape
- Pencil
- Saw (table saw or handsaw)
- Drill
- Screwdriver
- Clamps
- Ruler or square
Step-by-Step Guide:
Step 1: Measure and Plan the Organizer
Before you start cutting, plan out the dimensions and the number of compartments you want in your organizer. Consider the size of the bathroom countertop, vanity, or shelf where the organizer will sit. Think about what items you want to store (e.g., toothpaste, soap, lotion bottles, cotton pads) and how large each compartment should be.
A typical bathroom organizer might be around 18-24 inches wide, 8-10 inches tall, and 6-8 inches deep, with 3-4 compartments for easy organization.
Use a pencil to mark the measurements on your wood planks.
Step 2: Cut the Wood Pieces
Using a saw, cut the following pieces:
- Base panel: This will be the bottom of your organizer, typically the width and depth you want (e.g., 18” x 8”).
- Side panels: These will be the sides of the organizer, giving it height (e.g., two pieces at 8” x 8”).
- Back panel: This will be attached to the back for structural support (e.g., 18” x 8”).
- Divider panels: These will create the compartments. Depending on your design, you might need 2-3 dividers (e.g., 8” x 6” each).
Ensure all the cuts are straight and smooth. You can use a table saw or circular saw for precision.
Step 3: Sand the Edges and Surfaces
Smooth all edges and surfaces using sandpaper. Start with 120-grit sandpaper to remove any roughness, then finish with 220-grit for a smooth, polished surface. Sanding will also help to prepare the wood for painting or staining later.
Step 4: Assemble the Base, Sides, and Back
Start by attaching the side panels to the base panel. Apply wood glue to the edges of the side panels and clamp them to the base. For extra stability, you can also drive in a couple of wood screws from the outside of the side panels into the base.
Next, attach the back panel. Apply wood glue to the edges and clamp it to the back of the side panels and base. Again, screws can be added for additional strength, but this is optional.
Step 5: Install the Dividers
Once the sides and back are in place, it’s time to install the divider panels. Measure the space between the side panels and decide where you want to place the dividers.
Apply glue along the edges of each divider and place them inside the organizer. You can use clamps to hold them in place while the glue dries. For a more secure connection, you may choose to drill pilot holes and screw the dividers into the base or sides.
Step 6: Fill Holes and Sand Again
If you used screws, you may need to fill the holes with wood filler. Once the filler has dried, sand the entire surface again for a smooth finish.
Step 7: Finish the Wood
Now that the structure is complete, it’s time to give the organizer a finished look. You can either paint it in a color that matches your bathroom decor or stain it to highlight the natural wood grain. Apply a coat of clear polyurethane or lacquer to seal the wood and protect it from moisture in the bathroom.
Allow the paint or stain to dry completely before using the organizer.
Step 8: Optional – Add Handles or Feet
For a more polished look, you can add small handles to the front of the organizer for easy carrying or access. These can be attached with screws or glue. You can also attach small feet to the bottom to lift the organizer off the surface, giving it a more modern appearance.
Step 9: Organize Your Bathroom Items
Once your wooden bathroom organizer is complete and dry, you can place it in your bathroom. Begin organizing your items by placing them in the compartments. You can store toiletries, cleaning supplies, or even small towels—whatever suits your bathroom needs.
Conclusion
This simple wooden bathroom organizer with compartments not only helps keep your bathroom organized but also adds a natural, rustic touch to the space. With just a few materials and tools, you can create a functional piece that is perfectly suited to your personal style and storage needs.
For those looking to expand their woodworking skills or take on more advanced projects, there’s a wealth of resources available. A great option is Teds Woodworking Course, which offers step-by-step plans and guidance for a variety of woodworking projects. Whether you’re new to woodworking or looking to improve your techniques, Teds Woodworking has something for everyone. Check it out here.