DIY Bath Tray
Level:
Advanced
How-To:
Health & Beauty
MATERIALS:
- ¾” Plywood
- 1” x 2” wood
- Craft basswood in two widths
- Handle x2
- Wood glue
- Stain in various colors and rags
- Drill
- Screws
- Nail gun
OPTIONAL:
- Handsaw
- Miter-saw
- Silicone caulking
INSTRUCTIONS:
- You can have everything cut for you or cut it yourself but determine the measurements of the tray based on your tub and cut the wood to size. You don’t want it to be wider than the outside edges of the tub. You will also need two “runners”, small pieces of 1” x 2” cut to about 5” long that brace the tray in the tub from underneath so it won’t slide in. PRO TIP: If you want to have this cut for you at the hardware store, the corners of the tray will have to be butt joints, not 45-degree miter joints.
- Frame the plywood with the 1” x 2” pieces. Add some wood glue to the sides of the plywood then use a nail gun on the corners to secure in place.
- Now it’s time to add the runners to keep the tray secure. Measure the width of the interior of your tub, from the center of your tray, this is how far apart your runners should be from the outside edge of each piece. Screw them in place from the top of the tray through the bottom and into each runner in two spots. NOTE: If you put the runners on the outside of the interior measurement, they will just sit on top of the sides of the tub.
- Cut the craft basswood down to size for the tray. This can be done with a handsaw or very tediously with an X-Acto knife if necessary.
- If you want to create the staggered pattern, cut each piece of basswood in one place then stain the pieces in a variety of colors. Stain the rest of the tray if desired. Allow the stain to dry completely. NOTE: Each piece you cut into two will have to be laid next to each other, so use alternating colors of stain on each set.
- Add the decorative basswood to the tray, apply a generous amount of wood glue all over the top of the tray and place the pieces. Allow the glue to dry for 24 hours before use.
- Attach a handle to each end and enjoy! PRO TIP: Add silicone caulking in the edges if you’re worried about water damage seeping into the corners.
