Projects / Bathtub tray

Bathtub tray

A board that spans the tub, with cleats underneath so it can't slide off.

Beginner1½ hours3 parts1× board
1×6 · 5½″ × 36″A Tray1×2 · 1½″ × 24″B CleatB Cleat

Cutting diagram

1×6 · 5½″ × 36″A Tray1×2 · 1½″ × 24″B CleatB Cleat

Bright pieces are your parts; the dimmed wood is left over. Every cut allows ⅛″ for the saw blade.

Cut list

PartQtyWidth × lengthCut from
ATray15½″ × 30″140 × 762 mm1× board
BCleat21½″ × 6″38 × 152 mm1× board

How to build it

  1. Measure across your tub and adjust the 30″ length so the tray overhangs each side by 2″.
  2. Cut the tray and cleats and round all the edges.
  3. Glue the cleats across the underside so they sit just inside the tub walls.
  4. Sand to 220 grit.
  5. Apply at least three coats of spar urethane. It needs to stay waterproof.