Tools and materials
Clamps Pencil
Combination square Pine timber for caddy top and stoppers
Drill bit set Pliers
Drill with Philips head bit Rags
Dust mask Sanding block
Ear protection Sandpaper – 240-grit and 120-grit
Eye protection Selleys Hold Up
Hand saw Tape measure
Paint brush Tin opener
Paint stirrer Varnish
Pair of handles with screws
1. Measure Up
Before you begin, measure the width of your bathtub – it’s best if you also measure the lip of your bath too, so you know where to place your stoppers. Once you’ve done this, measure the length of your caddy on your designated piece of wood. Grab a square and draw a line across so it’s nice and straight – this is where you’re going to cut.
2. Cut your timber
Grab your timber and secure it to a cutting bench with clamps, then cut along your lined edges with a handsaw – remember to wear your protective gear for this bit. Once you’ve got your offcuts, grab them and sand back with your 120-grit sandpaper and a sanding block – these will be your stoppers.
3. Attach stoppers
Once all your timber pieces are nice and smooth you’re ready to fit your stoppers (the offcut pieces you set aside and sanded). These are what will hold your caddy to the bath. Use the measurements of the bath lip you took earlier as a guide. Mark up where you need these to go, then use Selley’s Hold Up Adhesive to glue them to the timber. Squeeze two lines of the adhesive to the underside of your blocks, then simply stick down to the bath caddy – it’s that easy! Do this on both ends, and press down and hold for a few seconds to securely adhere them to the timber.
4. Give your bath caddy a light sand
Before you apply your varnish, give your caddy an all-over light sand with your 120-grit sandpaper. Once you’ve done this, wipe off any excess dust with a microfibre cloth.
5. You’re ready to varnish!
Once your caddy is nice and smooth you’re ready to apply your varnish – we used Cabot’s Cabothane Clear. Simply remove the lid with an opener and give it a good stir. Don’t worry if it looks a little milky – it will dry to a nice, clear finish. Apply two coats, allowing about two hours for each coat to dry, sanding between each coat. To really allow the varnish to cure, leave it for around 7-10 days before using your bath caddy.
6. Attach your handles
Once your bath caddy is dry, you’re ready to attach your handles. We have a number of different varieties in-store, so pick the style that best suits your bathroom décor. Measure out where you would like your handles to go – it’s a good idea to line them up over the top of your stoppers. Mark with a pencil where you’d like your screws to go, then pre-drill holes for your screws – use a drill bit that is slightly larger than the screws you’re using so they can easily slide through. Attach your handles and tighten.
7. Soak it up!
Check you out – you’re done! And it couldn’t have been simpler. Now all that’s left is to draw yourself a bath, lie back and bask in your awesomeness.
Looking for more bathroom inspo?
Check out Mooch Styles’ bathroom makeover and more simple how-to’s from Make It Yours season one, bathroom episode.
