Tuesday, December 6, 2016

DIY Bath Shelf Towel Bar


Sufficient storage is the arguably one of the most important factors in any bathroom.

If you are lacking enough space to store all those bathroom must-haves like blow dryers, brushes, towels, and lotions, then today I have a solution for you.

A simple and inexpensive shelf with bar idea that will  help you keep your bathroom free of clutter.

DIY Bathroom Shelf with Towel Bar




Materials


2 - 1x4s

1 - 2x4

1" Dowel Rod

NOTE: All board lengths are 8' long unless otherwise noted.

Choice of Stain




Cut List

3 Back Pieces @ 3.5" x 30"

1 Top Piece @ 3.5" x 30"

1 Front Piece @ 3.5" x 30"

1 Shelf Piece @ 3.5" x 27.5"

2 Vertical Side Pieces @ 3.5" x 15.25"


Cutting Diagrams


1x4s



2x4s




Step 1

Simple 2x4s make up the sides.  Measure up from what will be the bottom of the side 5.5".  Route a 1/4" dado.

It will be easier to mark and drill for the dowel hole before you cut an angle into the front bottom of the side.

Measure 1.5" from what would be the back of the side.  Then measure a cross mark 2" up from the bottom.  Drill for the dowel.

Now you can cut the angle into the front.  Be sure to leave at least a half inch of material between the dowel hole and the front edge of the side.




Step 2

Glue the shelf piece in place and clamp with straight clamps and 90 degree clamps.

These style clamps are handy to have in the shop for projects that involve a glue like this.



Step 3

Since the top piece will not be subjected to twisting forces, only downward force, a simple glued but joint is going to be fine in this situation.



Step 4

In the interest of full disclosure the back pieces could be omitted.  The wall would act as the back.  However, if you are going for a rustic look or some other look that you want to consistant from one end of the project to the other then you're probably going to want these.

If cost is your main concern then leave them out and it saves you the cost of an entire 1x4.

Mounting the project would be exactly the same and I'll talk about that in the "Final Thoughts" section below.



Step 5

To keep items placed on the shelf from falling to the ground a front lip can be added.

A simple glued butt joint and for effect a few 1/4" dowels could be added as well.



Step 6

Glue the dowel rod in place and sand everything flush.  You don't have to use a 1" rod for this.  A smaller diameter such as 1/2" would work fine.


Final Thoughts

Once the project is dry it can come out of the clamps and be sanded down.  A few coats of your choice of stain along with a few more coats of a project sealer such as some polyurethane will complete this awesome gift giving idea.

Mounting the project would be just as easy with the use of a key hole bit.  Route a couple of these into the back of the project, one on each side.

Screws with drywall anchors will allow your new storage shelf to be merely slipped onto the wall.

I hope you enjoyed our 6th Day of 12 DIY Christmas Gift ideas.

Don't forget to stop by again tomorrow for another great project to help you with your gift giving dilemma's.


Until then!






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