How to Build a Bathroom Toiletry Organizer Out of Wood

Cut a 1 foot square of plywood. Use a carpenter's square to ensure all corners are 90-degree angles.

Cut the square dowels into two 12-inch, three 10-inch and one 5-inch lengths.

Sand all wood components. Use a tack cloth to wipe off each piece carefully.

Lay the plywood on a flat surface.

Place the 12-inch dowels horizontally in line with the top and bottom edge of the plywood. glue these pieces down. Place two clamps on either end of each dowel to hold it into place.

Place two of the 10-inch dowels on the left and right sides of the plywood square perpendicular to the 12-inch dowels. glue these pieces in place. This completes the outer edge of the tray.

Place the 5-inch dowel horizontally so that the end touches the 10-inch dowel on the right. Insert the final 10-inch dowel vertically in the center of the tray so that it touches the left side of the 5-inch dowel.

Slide the 5-inch dowel up or down to adjust the size of the small compartments formed by the dowels. Make each compartment 4 1/2 inches high if you want them to be even.

Glue down the 5-inch and 10-inch dowels and clamp them into place. Dry the unit overnight.

Remove the clamps and invert the tray so that the cavities are face down.

Place one 1 1/4-inch nail every 1 1/2 inches along the perimeter of the tray. Ensure nails are 1/2 inch from the edge of the plywood sheet.

Invert the tray. Wrap two larger rubber bands around the tray so that they flank the 10-inch long dowel in the center of the box.

Flip the tray over. Drive nails between the two rubber bands to secure the 10-inch dowel.

Place the rubber bands so that they flank the 5-inch dowel. Flip the board over and mark the plywood 7 inches from the side where the 5-inch dowel originates. Drive nails into the dowel from behind using the rubber bands as a guide stop at the 7-inch mark.

Bore holes into the compartments to promote drainage.

Wipe the piece down with a tack cloth.

Fill all holes with wood putty and allow the unit to dry overnight.

Apply two to three coats of varnish. Apply paint after the first coat of varnish if you wish to add a design.