I love taking baths and have used one of those inexpensive big-box store metal bathtub trays over the years. I threw the last one I had away because it start falling apart.
About a month ago I had the idea of making a new bathtub tray in anticipation of fall and winter which is when I enjoy a soak the most. After purchasing all the supplies I took everything with me when we headed to Alabama a couple weeks ago to visit my husband’s brother. I love visiting my brother in-law because he lives on a farm, has horses and an awesome 4-wheeler which I could spend hours on. He also happens have every wood working tool known to man so I knew I’d have everything I needed to make my tray. Here are some simple steps to make your own:
Supplies you’ll need:
1″ x 3″ Pine Wood Boards ($1.35)
1″ wide decorative cabinet trim ($7.00)
2″ x 2″ x 36″ wood square end baluster ($.97)
Wood Glue
Nail Gun (courtesy of brother-in-law)
Drawer Pulls (optional). I added some to make taking the tray on and off the tub easier. ($2.47 ea)
Stainable wood filler to fill any seams and nail holes.
Wood Stain in your desired finish. A small can is all you need.
Measure the width of your tub and cut the 1 x 3 board into three pieces at that width. Next, cut your baluster into three pieces that are 3″ shorter than the combined width of the pine boards.
Once the boards and baluster are cut, place the boards together side by side. Glue the three baluster pieces onto the long wood pieces (see below), one piece in the center and a piece about 8 inches to the left and right of the center piece. Let the glue dry. Once the glue is dry, flip the board over and reinforce the baluster with nails using your nail gun.
Once I had the tray assembled, I decided to add a hole to hold a wine glass. I measured the base of a standard wine glass and my brother-in-law drilled the hole for me.
Next you add trim. We cut it to size, mitered the corners and attached it around the edge of the tray edge using the nail gun (boy did I love that nail gun).
The last step before staining was to add the handles.
A then a few coats of stain and your tray will be complete and ready for you to enjoy.
upclose detail of tray edge
tip: add rubber bumpers along the tray sides to prevent any scratching on the edge of the tub
I am thrilled to pieces at how my tub tray turned out. I’m hoping to get some R & R this weekend and it just might involve a soak in the tub.
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The DIY Show says
Love it!!
ConfettiStyle says
Thanks so much Dannielle!
Have a great weekend.
Shelly
marshatjones2014 says
Shelly, this tray is so cute and the best part is you remembering to add a place for a glass of wine. Perfect. I hope you have lots of relaxing soaks.
Thanks for sharing.
ConfettiStyle says
Thanks Marsha.
Hello to Donald and enjoy your weekend. Hope you find some goodies if you go thrifting.
Shelly