Instead of Buying a Bathtub Tray, I Made One From a Construction Wood Plank
I selected a single construction plank and kept its length. The surface was cleaned and sanded to remove splinters and sharp edges. The goal was not to change the shape, only to make it safe to touch and stable when placed across the tub.
Leather strips were added at each end. They are attached with glue, not screws or nails. The leather acts as a grip point and also helps stop the tray from shifting when weight is placed on it. The leather stays visible and untreated, which keeps the contrast between materials clear.
No joints were added. No frame was built underneath. The plank remains one piece from end to end.
The tray rests directly on the tub edges. Its weight keeps it in place.
Why a Construction Plank Works Here
A bathtub tray needs span before it needs detail. The plank already covers the distance from one side of the tub to the other without bending. The thickness prevents flex when objects are placed on top.
Because the board stays flat, items do not roll. Books, candles, or containers sit without adjustment. The width allows space for more than one object without crowding.
Most store trays add rails, slots, or folding parts. This one does not. The surface stays open. The user decides what goes where.
The plank does not try to match bathroom fixtures. It remains wood. That makes it adaptable across different tub styles.
What Changed and What Did Not
The wood still shows its origin. Grain marks and minor imperfections remain visible. The board does not aim for furniture polish. It aims for function.
What changed is use. The plank stops being a leftover building element. It becomes a surface meant for contact and repeat use.
The leather changes how the object is handled. Instead of lifting from the sides, the tray is moved by the straps. This keeps hands away from the wet edges of the tub and makes placement more controlled.
Glue is enough because the leather is not load-bearing. It supports movement, not weight.
This Is the Result
The finished tray sits across the bathtub without hardware or adjustment. It can be placed and removed in one motion. It holds objects without shifting. The leather remains fixed after repeated use.
The tray does not lock into one position. It can slide closer or farther based on need. The surface remains uninterrupted, which allows different layouts each time.
There is no front or back. Both sides function the same way.
Instead of turning the plank into parts, the object stays whole. Instead of hiding the material, the wood and leather remain visible and separate. The result works because the plank already had the right dimensions. The changes only support that fact.