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Remember my master bathroom remodel that I was working on forever? After installing the double vanity, I realized I had no where to mount a hand towel ring. I don't want to drill into the tiled walls, so that left me with a countertop option.
After searching, I found a stainless steel towel holder a few months back. Honestly, it's was total garbage. It was expensive (like $27), not tall enough for a standard towel, and fell over easily. I decided I could make a weighted hand towel holder from wood, cheaper and with good design.
Materials List:
- (1) 1 x 6 x 12" board
- (1) 7/8" x 12" wood dowel
- (1) 3/8" x 12" wood dowel
To make the build more process even more clear, I made a video. Check it out or keep scrolling for the written steps.
1. Laminate the Base
Cut two 5-1/2" x 5-1/2" squares from a length of 1 x 6 board.
Apply glue to adjoining faces and clamp the blocks together and allow the glue to dry.
2. Join Dowels
Cut a 7/8" dowel at 15", creating the vertical rod. Cut a 3/8" dowel at 7", creating a cross-arm.
Measure 5/8" from to top edge of the larger dowel. Carefully drill a 3/8" hole perpendicularly, using a Daredevil spade bit from Bosch.
Like all my favorite drill bits, they come with a hex shank. The Daredevil Spade bits also have a power groove that reduces bit slippage in the drill and makes it handy to use with a variety of drill types, including impact drills.
Slide the 3/8" cross arm into the hole and secure it in place using fast-setting, or CA glue. Hold in place or tape while the adhesive sets (should be a matter of seconds).
3. Cut Base Into Circle
The next step is totally optional.You can make the base any size you'd like, including keeping it square. Using a trim router and a circle jig, cut the base into a circle, making sure to take shallow, 1/4" deep passes.
Sand down the edges to refine the shape.
4. Drill Base
Find the center of the top face of the base.
Using a 7/8" paddle bit, Drill a hole 3/4" deep.
Next, flip the base over and use a 1" spade bit to drill 8, 1-1/4" deep holes just inside the perimeter. Be careful and make sure the center guide point of the drill but doesn't poke through the top face.
5. Add Washers
Use more fast-setting glue and stack the holes full of 1" diameter fender washers.
6. Attach Dowels to Base
Flip the base face-up, apply glue to the end of the vertical rod and insert it into the 7/8" hole. Use a square from multiple angles to make sure the rod is perfectly vertical.
Once the glue is dry, flip over the towel holder and drill a 1/8" hole up through the center. Drive a 2" wood screw to secure the rod in place.
7. Finish
Sand the entire surface up to at least a 220 grit, and apply the finish of your choice. I went with my favorite spray lacquer in satin.
I really like the look of the natural wood, but since this towel holder is going to be in a bathroom and see plenty of wet hands, I'm glad I protected it.
I'm kinda going through a blonde wood phase. Don't get me wrong, I still my dark walnut, but be prepared to see it more in upcoming projects. What do you guys think?
The base weighs about 3-1/2 lbs. Its just right to hold the towel bar in place when you dry your hands. Yeah, just pretend you don't see that gaping mistake on the underside. I accidentally drilled one of my washer holes in the wrong place. Good thing it's on the bottom, right?
If you have more counter space in your bathroom, it would be easy to modify the cross-arm and make the holder accomodate two hand towels. Ya know, go with the whole "his and hers" thing.
This was a fun and quick project! Something you could bust out in a single afternoon. Feel free to pin the image below to save the idea for later!
If you like this project, you'll love these ideas:
Let's be friends! Follow along so you don't miss a thing!
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