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Learn how to make a luxury wooden bath tray!
I’ve always loved a nice long soak in the bathtub to rewind from life, but I could never bring myself to bathe in apartment tubs. That’s why when we started looking for houses, a nice bathtub was my number 1 priority.
As we got closer to moving into our new home, Andrew and I agreed to get each other housewarming gifts to celebrate our first home. Andrew surprised me with the best gift: a DIY wooden bath tray!
He had all the ideas for this project: candle holders, a book holder, and even a wine glass holder. If that doesn’t scream luxury, I don’t know what does!
Alright, let’s start DIYing!
This post contains affiliate links for your convenience (which means if you make a purchase after clicking a link, I earn a small commission, but it won’t cost you a penny more)!
Tools
What You’ll Need
- (1) 1x6x8 pine boards
- Spare 1×2 pine board piece (8.75″ or longer)
- Space 1×3 pine board piece (22.5″ or longer)
- Spare 1×4 pine board piece (10″ or longer)
- 1.25″ Kreg screws
- Screws
- Sandpaper
- Stain (we used Dark Walnut)
- Polyurethane (or you can just use outdoor stain)
How to Make a DIY Wooden Bath Caddy
New to DIY? Download our free 5 Steps to Getting Start with DIY guide!
Step 1: measure your tub
Measure your tub, end-to-end and the distance between the inside edges.
Step 2: make your cuts
Cut your 1×6 into two pieces that are 12″ shorter than the total width of your tub from end-to-end. Then cut two 11.25″ boards from the 1×6.
Cut (2) – 11.25″ pieces from your spare 1×3 board. If you want to add a book holder, go ahead and cut your 1×2 to 8.75″ and your 1×4 to 10″. If you don’t have a 1×4, you can substitute with a 1×3. Cut one of the long sides of the 1×4 at a slight angle so that it will be slightly tilted back when attached to the base.
STEP 3: drill pocket holes
Determine which sides of the 1×6 wood pieces you think is prettier. Once you’ve decided, flip those pieces over. Drill pocket holes into the back sides of your long 1x6s.
Step 4: add your candle and wine glass holders
If you are adding candle holders, grab your paddle bit and drill into each of the 11.25″ 1x6s using a wood paddle bit. Be careful not to go all the way through your boards!
If you want to add a wine glass holder, break out your jigsaw and draw a line that is big enough to slide your wine glass stem through. Drill a hole and cut your line from there.
Step 5: sand and stain
Sand all of your pieces, wipe them down, and stain them. We used Minwax Dark Walnut.
Step 6: assemble
Screw the long 1x6s into the 1x6s with the candle holders. There will be a small gap between the long 1x6s for added style.
Screw your support boards to the back of your bath caddy. You want the measurement from the outside edges of the support boards to match (or be slightly smaller than) the distance between the inside edges of your tub. These boards will prevent the caddy from sliding and falling into the bathtub.
step 7: add a book holder
If you want to add a book holder, glue your 1×2 onto one of the long 1×6 boards. Then glue your 1×4 about 1-2″ behind the 1×2.
Step 8: seal your bath tray
Seal your bath tray with polyurethane so that it is able to hold up to some water and humidity.
There you have it! You now know how to make a bath caddy that screams luxury! If you need a Valentine’s Day gift or maybe something for Mother’s Day, this is an excellent handmade gift!
As always, we would LOVE to see your photos. Send us (or tag us in) a picture of your bath tray on Instagram and feel free to reach out with any questions!
