How to Build a Bathroom Towel Rack

wooden towel rack with white rolled up towels
  • 2-3 hours
  • Beginner
  • 30-50
What You'll Need
Safety goggles
Table saw
Drill
Wooden rod
3'x12" Board
What You'll Need
Safety goggles
Table saw
Drill
Wooden rod
3'x12" Board

Towel racks are a necessity in the bathroom. They keep your towels off the floor, give you easy access to a fluffy dry, and allow them to air out post-shower. Building your own bathroom towel rack is a pretty straightforward process if you follow these steps.

Safety Tips

Before you start the project, make sure you have safety googles or glasses. You should also wear ear protectors when using noisy power tools. When you are sanding and sawing, use a respirator or face mask. Make sure to roll up your sleeves, tie up your hair, and do not wear jewelry.

You should also make sure all your tools are in good condition before you start a project. Make sure the blades on your tools are sharp. Discard or repair tools with cracks in the handles or chips in the metal. Before you start to drill or saw something, make sure it is secure.

Pick Your Wood

In most woodworking projects you'll need to decide between hardwood and softwood. Hardwood is more durable and less likely to get dented. It is also more expensive. Softwood, like pine, is more prone to dents and scratches. It is, however, much less expensive.

Step 1 - Cut the Wood to Size

towel rack diagram

For your towel rack, you will need to cut two sides, two shelves, and backs for the shelves. Cut the wood using a table saw and a stop block. Follow the measurements in the diagram. Measure from the rip fence to the inside of the saw.

Step 2 - Cut the Dadoes for the Shelves

towel rack diagram

A dado is a channel cut across the board. Use a table saw’s dado set to cut the board. Use a miter gauge with an extension fence and stop block to ensure you are cutting the wood correctly. Start the router away from the wood.

Step 3 - Cut the Curve

towel rack diagram

Before you cut the curve, measure and mark the wood how you want it to look. Use a band saw or a jigsaw. Cut two straight marks first. Then cut the curve, moving slowly. Repeat this process on both ends.

Step 4 - Drill the Holes for the Towel Rods

towel rack diagram

Look at your plans for hole locations. Mark them with a pencil. Use a drill to make the holes. You can make a depth gauge with a piece of tape wrapped around the bit to make sure you are not drilling too deep.

Step 5 - Assemble the Bathroom Rack

Before you begin to assemble the rack, sand all the pieces you have just cut. You wouldn’t want to get a splinter! Line the pieces up to make sure they are all the right size. Then, you can start applying wood glue to the edges and rod ends. Use clamps to hold it while it is drying. While it is drying, apply finishing nails. Sand the rack and then apply a finishing product.