Inside: Bring on the relaxation by bringing back bath time with this simple DIY bathtub tray perfect for holding essentials.
Along the messy road to adulting, I lost the fun childhood routine of taking a bath. Apparently quick showers are all the rage.
Getting lost in a great novel, the wine and the bubbles sound like the perfect anecdote to a busy stressful day. Are you with me?
It’s time to bring back bath time! I am here to help with this DIY Bathtub Tray that is perfect for holding all of your bath time relaxation essentials. This is a beginner project that costs about $10 for wood. I had all the other supplies on hand.
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*Before you get started make sure you have your Safety Gear. For this project, I recommend safety goggles, ear protection and a P100 mask.
For my bathtub tray, I cut two pieces from a 1 x 6 x 8 board. You can use as many boards as you like. One large wider board works as well as four smaller boards.
Check out this simple project: DIY Modern Farmhouse Wood Tray
TOOLS FOR DIY BATHTUB TRAY
- Tape measure
- Chop saw or miter saw – I use this miter saw
- Sander or sandpaper 60 and 150 grit, I use this orbital sander
- 18G Brad nailer or hammer and nails, I use this 18G Brad nailer
- Old t-shirt or rag for staining
- Paintbrush
SUPPLIES FOR DIY BATHTUB TRAY
- 1 – 1 x 6 x 8
- 2 pieces of wood about half the total width of the tray, I used a piece of scrap plywood (board supports)
- 18G 1 1/4 inch Brad nails
- Wood glue
- Wood stain – I used Antique White, Weathered Gray
- Dark wax – I used Valspar Dark Satin Acrylic Antiquing Wax
- Poly protective sealer – I used Rust-oleum Triple Thick Polyurethane
CUTS FOR THE DIY BATHTUB TRAY
My bathtub tray measured 33 x 10 3/4 inches. Adjust your measurements according to the size of your bathtub. You need your specific bathtub measurements to determine the total length of the tray as well as where to attach the support boards. The support boards are meant to keep the top boards attached as well as prevent the tray from shifting and falling in the tub.
The three measurements needed are the outside of the bathtub, the inside of the bathtub and the thickness of the frame of your bathtub. Keep in mind the thickness of your frame may vary on each side. My bathtub is 31 inches wide. I added an inch overhang on each side.
My cuts:
- 2 – 1 x 6 x 8 at 33 inches
- 2 – scrap wood pieces at 7 inches each
STEPS FOR DIY BATHTUB TRAY
Step 1) To assemble the tray lay the top boards with the bottom side up and line up your boards so they are even. *A straight piece of wood or carpenter’s framing square can help to make the boards even. Mark center on your support board and line it up with the center of the top boards and mark where you plan to attach your support boards. I attached the edge of my support boards 2 1/4 inches from the end of each side. Apply wood glue and nail in place.
Step 2) Sand the entire tray to smooth the wood and soften the edges.
Step 3) Apply stain. I tend to go overboard experiment with stains…so I applied Antique White and wiped it off. Then I immediately applied a dark wax and wiped it off. I wasn’t quite satisfied so I thought on it overnight and the next day I applied Weathered Gray and wiped it off. I like to layer stains because it gives a variety of tones in the wood. After the stains and the wax, the tray was mostly gray with some brown undertones.
Once the stain is dry you can lightly sand the tray if desired. I lightly sanded on the top boards and sanded heavier on the edges to allow some of the wood to show through. This gives it a more rustic look.
Step 4) Apply a sealer. I applied two coats of a Triple Thick Poly to the entire board, both top and bottom, allowing the coats to dry in between.
Finally set up the tray in your bathtub!
Light a candle, read your book, enjoy a glass of wine and take a break from adulting, Yah!
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Tiffany, thank you for sharing! This project would be absolutely perfect…if I had your same bathtub! It is the exact bathtub I want! I apologize for asking about the tub as opposed to asking about the project, but is there any chance you can share the make and model of your tub?
Hi Shanda,
No problem. I love this tub. Here is the link freestanding bathtub.