How to Build a DIY Bathroom Organizer

A well-organized bathroom can transform your daily routine, making it more efficient and enjoyable. One of the best ways to achieve this is by creating a custom storage solution that fits your needs. In this article, we’ll guide you through building a bathroom organizer that combines a freestanding rack for essentials with a tilt-out hamper for laundry. This project, demonstrated by Jenn Largesse from House One, results in a stylish and functional addition to any bathroom.

Materials and Tools Needed for a DIY Bathroom Organizer

Before diving into the construction process, gather the following materials and tools:

• (2) 1/2″ x 2″ x 4″ plywood
• (5) 1” x 2” x 8” boards
• 1 1/4″ and 1″ pocket screws
• Chain (optional)
• Circular saw
• Drill/driver
• Face clamp
• Jigsaw
• Miter saw
• Piano hinge
• Pocket hole jig
• Rust-Oleum Chalked Paint in White Linen
• Sanding sponge
• Square
• Synthetic bristle brush
• Varathane Premium Fast Dry Wood Stain
• Varathane Triple Thick Polyurethane
• Wood glue

Preparing the Bathroom Organizer Frame

The first step in creating your bathroom organizer is to prepare the frame. This structure will serve as the backbone of your project, supporting the shelves and the hamper. Make sure to download the cut list before getting started.

Cutting the Frame Pieces

Use a miter saw to cut all the frame pieces to the specified sizes. Set your pocket hole jig and drill to a 3/4-inch depth. Create two pocket holes in each end of the frame’s 1-inch by 2-inch front, back, and side pieces.

Prepping the Plywood Shelves

Adjust your pocket hole jig and drill to a 1/2-inch depth. Create three pocket holes along the side edges of each plywood shelf.

Marking Shelf Heights

Stack the frame legs side-by-side. Mark the height of the top edge of the side pieces at 3 inches, 26 inches, and 39 inches. Note that the fourth side piece should be flush with the top edge of the legs.

Assembling the Frame

With all the pieces prepared, it’s time to assemble the frame of your bathroom organizer.

Building the Frame Sides

Follow these steps to build out the frame sides:

1. Lay two 1-inch by 2-inch legs parallel on your work surface.
2. Position four 1-inch by 2-inch side pieces between them, aligning with your marked lines.
3. Apply wood glue to the ends of the side pieces.
4. Use a face clamp to keep the faces flush during assembly.
5. Secure the pieces using a drill/driver and 1 1/4-inch pocket hole screws.
6. Repeat this process for the remaining legs and side pieces.

Attaching Front and Back Pieces

Stand the front and back pieces level with the top and bottom side pieces. Make sure the pocket holes face the same direction (toward the back of the assembly). Attach these pieces using the same method as the side pieces.

Completing the Frame Assembly

Position the front and back pieces between the assembled sides of the frame. Use wood glue and 1 1/4-inch pocket hole screws to attach the front and back boards to the remaining legs.

Largesse emphasizes the importance of proper alignment and secure connections when demonstrating these assembly techniques.

Adding Shelves and Finishing the Bathroom Organizer

With the frame complete, it’s time to add the shelves and apply the finishing touches to your bathroom organizer.

Attaching the Shelves

Place the frame upside down on your work surface. Position the shelves flush with the surface of the side pieces. Use a drill/driver to drive 1-inch pocket hole screws through the shelves and into the side pieces.

Preparing for Stain

Sand all parts of the frame and shelves thoroughly. Wipe away any dust with a lint-free cloth.

Staining the Frame

Here’s how you can stain the frame:

1. Using a lint-free cloth, apply a coat of Varathane stain in the color of your choosing—we used Dark Walnut.
2. Work in the direction of the wood grain for the best results.
3. Let the stain set for 2-3 minutes, then wipe away the excess with a clean cloth.
4. Allow the stain to dry for at least an hour.

Applying Polyurethane

To apply the polyurethane, follow these steps:

1. Use a synthetic bristle brush to apply a liberal coat of Varathane Triple-Thick Polyurethane.
2. Brush in the direction of the wood grain.
3. To prevent drips, pull the brush across the edges at a 45-degree angle to “tip-off” the finish.
4. Allow the polyurethane to dry completely before handling or using the organizer.

Building the Hamper

The tilt-out hamper is a key feature of this bathroom organizer, providing a convenient and discreet way to store laundry. Here’s how to build it.

Creating the Hamper Door

Locate the 1-inch by 2-inch hamper door top piece. Mark a 4-inch-wide by 3/4-inch-tall outline centered on the bottom edge. If desired, angle the edges of the cutout at 45 degrees for a more finished look. Use a jigsaw to cut out the handle.

Assembling the Hamper Door Frame

Create two pocket holes in each end of the door’s side pieces and apply glue to the ends of the side pieces.  Sandwich the sides between the top and bottom pieces. Use a face clamp to keep the faces flush during assembly, and secure the frame with 1 1/4-inch pocket hole screws.

Attaching the Slats

Create two pocket holes in each end of the door’s slats. Position the slats between the sides, using paint sticks to create even spacing. Secure the slats with 1 1/4-inch pocket hole screws.

Completing the Hamper Box

Create three pocket holes along one side edge of the hamper’s plywood sides. Attach the sides to the door, ensuring they’re flush with the bottom edge and 3/4-inch from the side edge. Drill pocket holes along the sides of the hamper base and back, then attach the base and back between the sides using wood glue and 1-inch pocket hole screws.

Finishing Touches

The final steps involve painting the hamper and installing it onto the frame. Sand the hamper thoroughly and fill pocket holes with wood filler if desired. Then, apply two coats of Rust-Oleum Chalked Paint in White Linen to the hamper. Use a sponge brush between the slats to coat the gaps and prevent drips.

Install a piano hinge flush with the front edge of the frame’s lower front piece. Position the hinge on the underside of the hamper, flush with its front edge, and secure it with screws. You could also attach a chain to the side of the hamper and the frame to prevent it from opening too far.