DIY: How to Make a Unique Tub Caddy

Imagine yourself laying in a large soaking tub filled with warm water and lots of bubbles, surrounded by your favorite scented candles.

There’s quiet music playing in the background while you relax and feel the stress of the day slipping away… Ah……

Now back to reality!

I’ve been redecorating our master en suite and have been looking for a tub caddy that would work with our extra wide tub.

No such luck – no one makes a caddy wide enough. Time to make my own!

With just a few supplies and less than 30 minutes, I was able to make a tub caddy that I like way better than any of the ones I found online.

If you’re in need of a new tub caddy, here’s what you do.

What You Will Need:

• Shelf Board (I used a pre-finished white laminated shelf board purchased from a home improvement store)
• Peel and Stick Tiles (I used this set – Vintage Bilbao Black and White Tiles)
• Paint (optional)
• Laminate Tape (optional)
• Iron
• 4 Screws (I used 1-1/4″ long flat-head stainless steel screws)
• Tape Measure
• Drill

What You Do:

1. Cut board to length and/or width, save scrap pieces (you’ll use them later).
   I bought a shelf board in the length I needed, but it was 11″ wide so had to be cut down to 9″ wide in order to match the 9″ tiles I used. A table saw works best for this kind of a cut. If you don’t have access to a table saw, you might be able to have someone at the home improvement store cut the board to the dimensions you need. 
2. Using an iron, adhere the laminate tape to the cut edge of your board to seal/finish that edge.
   Obviously this step is optional, depending on the board you end up using, and if you need to cut a pre-finished board. The other alternative is to paint the unfinished edge of your board with an enamel paint to seal the edge. 
3. Lay out the tiles on the board in the design you prefer.
   Do this by just laying the tiles on the board – not adhering them yet.
   
4. Once you’re happy with the look, start with one corner tile and carefully peel the protective backing an inch or so from the tile.
   
5. Re-position the tile on the board, carefully aligning the paper backing portion into position (hold the exposed sticky adhesion portion off the board).
6. With the tile positioned properly, press the sticky portion of the tile to the board. Then carefully peel the protective backing away while pressing down on the tile to completely adhere it to the board.
   TIP: Lay the paper backing on the surface of the tile and burnish with a plastic squeegee or roller to completely adhere the tiles. The paper backing will protect the surface of the tile from scratches.
   
7. Continue adhering the rest of the tiles to the board.
8. Use the scrap pieces cut from the shelf board to make stops. Measure the inside width of  your tub so you know where to place the stops – this ensures the board won’t slip off of your tub.
   
9. Drill pilot holes into the scrap pieces and then use a countersink bit to allow the screws to sit flush with the stops.
   
10. Screw the stops to the bottom of your shelf board.
11. Place the completed tub caddy on your tub and enjoy!
    I’ll let you in on a secret – I’m actually NOT a tub person at all. I prefer a shower and have actually never even used our whirlpool tub. BUT, I still love the look of the tub caddy! The tiles add just the look I wanted for our bathroom and I love that I can put a plant and candles on the caddy – adding to the decor of the room. So even if you’re not a tub person, you can still enjoy a tub caddy. 😉 
    

There you have it! An easy-to-build tub caddy that you can finish in under 30 minutes. If you make your own tub caddy, share your photos!