I love a good bath – the warm water, bubbles, a large glass of wine, and a candle are the perfect way to unwind from the day. I’ve been on the hunt for a bath tray and couldn’t find anything I loved. So in true DIY fashion, I decided to make one myself! With the stress of the upcoming holidays, I’ve partnered with my favorite wine company, Cakebread Cellars to build this tray for under $45!
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Supplies/Tools:
- 1×2 – 8ft
- 1/2×3/4 – 24 ft
- Wood Glue
- Wood Filler
- Stain
- Gloves/stain rags
- Brad Nailer or Hammer/Finishing Nails
- Miter Saw or Hand Saw
Cut List:
- 1 x 2 x 31 (2)
- 1 x 2 x 9.5 (2)
- 1/2 x 3/4 x 9.5 (25)
TIP: While you can use a handsaw, your cuts may not be as clean. Pre-plan your measurements and have your local hardware store make the cuts for you!
After you’ve gathered your materials, you’ll want to start with making your cuts. I took measurements of our tub and landed on 31 x 11, with 4 inch gaps on each end for “handles”. For the slats, I mimicked the 1/2 in measurements for the gap between each slat. Sanding is a really important step. You can see the before and after of sanding your edges in the last photo. Prep work will certainly make your job look more professional.
I always like to test out my cuts prior to securing the pieces. You can see I used the slat pieces for spacers in the middle of the tray. I also cut a piece of scrap to space out the sides – this prevents your pieces moving around while nailing. Once I confirmed everything was a fit, I stained each piece individually. With as many gaps and spaces, it was easiest to stain prior to assembly. Once finished with staining, I first assembled the outside frame of 1×2’s. Using wood glue at every joint. Once securing all of your pieces, you will need to use wood filler for the nail holes. Although small, with this many holes, it will be noticeable. Keep in mind you can stain right over the filler after sanding!
Once everything is assembled, you’re ready to enjoy your new tray! Nothing pairs better with a bath than a bottle of wine and Cakebread wines are a go to! A nice red in the winter is such a treat and perfect for unwinding. If you’re looking for a gift for yourself or a gift pairing for a loved one, DIY this beautiful tray and add a bottle of Cakebread – it will surely impress!
