Simple DIY Bathtub Tray

Simple DIY Bathtub Tray

how to create a bathtub tray in six easy steps!

Hello, friends!

As you know, last week I shared with you all the final reveal of our upstairs full bath. (If you missed it you can read all about that here.)

During the tour of our bath refresh, you’ll see me make mention of a couple of DIY projects I did, including the one I’m sharing in today’s post. (You can also read how I refinished the shower tile here and gave the vanity a modern updated look here.)

I have to say, today’s DIY project is quite a bit simpler than the others!! So simple in fact I almost didn’t even post about it. But, after receiving several emails with questions on the bathtub tray, I decided, why not?

Especially since everyone LOVES simple projects, right?

And if you look around online for a bathtub tray you’ll find the cost is a wee bit on the high side for something so…simple! Now, of course, many of them are a bit more detailed than mine (some have book ledges, and wine glass holders) but I didn’t need either.

All I wanted was something both decorative and yet still functional.

How about budget-friendly too?

Well, this project is definitely that, since it didn’t cost me a dime to make!

That’s right! $0 was invested in this bathtub tray. And as far as time? It took exactly 30 minutes to put together!! (More for drying time, etc.)

(Affiliate links are provided for your convenience. We will make a small commission at no additional cost to you if make a purchase. You can read our full disclosure here.)

Materials/Supplies:

• A piece of wood cut to size (I used a 1″x6″ piece of pine that we had in our scrap pile.)**See full measurements below
• Sandpaper (120 grit)
• Stain brush
• Stain (I used the color Early American)
• Handles ( I used spare cabinet handles we already had)
• Non-Slip Surface Grip Pads
• Wood Sealer

how to make a modern farmhouse bathtub tray

cut your wood to size

As I mentioned in my material list, I had several 1″x6″ pieces of pine in our scrap pile to choose from. To get the exact measurement I wanted, I first need to measure the width of our tub. Usually, a bath tray fits at the ‘mouth’ or widest end of your tub. Some folks like it in the front of the tub, others at the end. Either way, the measurement from the inside of our tub to the outside was 28 1/2″. Since I wanted a bit of an overhang on each side, I added in another inch making my length 29 1/2″ Obviously your measurements may be different based on the size of your tub.

sand your wood piece

I used 120 grit and it worked perfectly to get rid of the rough edges and certain spots on the surface. You’ll want to make sure your wood piece is sanded VERY well. This tray will be in the tub with you after all, and I can’t imagine getting a splinter while bathing would be much fun, LOL!

stain your wood piece

I used my favorite stain (Early American), as I have on many projects. It took a total of three coats, and I was finally able to get the deep rich color I was looking for.

ADD HANDLES

This step is totally optional, but I did it for both function and design. Function, because I thought it would be so much easier to lift the tray and move it if need be. Design, because I just thought I love the industrial look of mixing wood and metal. Since I already had a set of handles in our stash it was a win-win. I simply attached them flush to the back of my wood piece using the screws they came with.** See in the next step on how you can hide the screw holes!

Measure-cut-& apply your non-slip gripper strips

You’ll need these non-slip grippers for two reasons. #1-It prevents your tray from sliding around or off the tub ledge. #2-It protects your bathtub from scratching. To install you simply find where the tray hits the center of your bathtub ledge and mark it. Then cut your strip to match the width. Lastly, just peel off the backing and put the gripper in place. It just so happened that where I needed to place my gripper was right close to where the screws were for my handles! Another win-win!

Apply sealer to protect the wood

This is probably the most important step of all. As we know, wood and water don’t work well together. Without sealant, not only will your piece of wood warp, but over time it could also get moldy. To prevent moisture from ruining your beautiful tray, I recommend you use a good quality waterproof sealant. I gave my tray two coats, allowing 1 hour drying time in between.

And that’s it! Six SUPER easy steps and you’ve got yourself a bath tray!

Oh, and did I mention it DOES hold a book?

AND a glass of wine…

 

And you can even fit both of them at the same time when it’s time for some self-care and a good hot bubble bath!

Did I also mention it was free? And that you can make one for your tub just as easily?

Well, you can. And if you do, I’d love it if you shared it with us!

Speaking of sharing…

I hope you enjoyed today’s DIY project! If we didn’t answer all of your questions, please feel free to email us at palletandpantry@gmail.com!

Here are a few more wood-related DIY projects that might interest you too!

SHOP THIS POST

 

Thank you so much for stopping by!