This project was built and designed by Stan Sullivan from Simply Easy DIY. It’s an affordable, low-material solution to a common household problem: keeping towels organized and dry in a busy bathroom.
With a few furring strips and some basic tools, Stan shows how to create a towel holder that’s not only functional but looks great too. It’s fast to make, easy to mount, and holds multiple towels without taking up much wall space.
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Why a Towel Holder Like This Works
In households with several people, towel clutter can quickly take over. Traditional rods or hooks often don’t provide enough space, and wet towels end up crumpled on the floor.
Stan’s design solves that problem by creating multiple hanging levels in one simple fixture. It’s designed for real use, especially in families with young kids, and built from materials that are easy to find or already lying around the shop.
Materials and Tools
The main material used is furring strips, which are inexpensive and widely available. These strips are light but strong enough to support wet towels and make the build simple for any skill level.
The project uses a basic toolset: miter saw, table saw, router, drill, and optionally a drill press. Stan sets up a mobile work area to keep the project flexible and fast to complete.
Cutting and Shaping the Frame
The build begins by cutting the furring strips to the desired lengths. These become the two upright side pieces of the holder, which will later receive notches for the crossbars.
Stan trims the rounded edges from the strips to create flat glue-up surfaces. Once cut and glued, the pieces are clamped until dry to ensure they remain square and strong.
Making the Crossbars
Crossbars are then cut from additional furring strip pieces and sized to fit across the two uprights. These horizontal pieces are what the towels will hang from.
To make them safer and more visually finished, Stan rounds the edges of each crossbar using a router. This also helps reduce snagging and makes them more comfortable to handle.
Precision Fitting
Next, the side pieces are marked where the crossbars will connect. Using a drill press, Stan removes most of the material needed to seat each crossbar into the sides.
Once drilled, he refines the notches with chisels for a snug fit. This ensures that once assembled, the towel holder feels sturdy and won’t wiggle or sag under weight.
Assembly and Fine-Tuning
After dry-fitting all parts, Stan assembles the towel holder by inserting the crossbars into the side slots. The fit is tight, and no screws or nails are used—just good joinery and clean fitting.
He rounds over the outside edges of the side pieces one final time. This smooths the profile of the towel holder and removes any hard corners that could pose a hazard in a family bathroom.
Finishing the Wood
To enhance the look and improve moisture resistance, Stan uses a finishing technique called “shugan.” This treatment gives the wood a darker, more uniform appearance and helps seal the surface against bathroom humidity.
He then applies several coats of satin polyurethane, allowing each one to dry fully. The result is a smooth, semi-gloss finish that holds up well in a damp environment and adds a nice visual texture to the piece.
Wall Mounting Details
To keep the towel holder secure and flush against the wall, Stan adds keyhole slots to the back of each upright. This makes the unit easy to hang while maintaining a clean, no-gap profile.
The slots allow it to be lifted on and off screws with ease, so it’s also simple to remove if needed for cleaning or repainting.
Affordable, Practical, and Reusable
This project cost less than $3 in materials, using leftover and salvaged wood. It’s a great example of what’s possible with a bit of planning and a few shop staples.
More than just a quick fix, this towel holder is also a learning opportunity. It introduces measuring, cutting, joinery, shaping, and finishing—all packed into a small, useful build.
A Useful Weekend Project
Stan’s approach keeps things simple and efficient. This towel holder solves a common issue in a creative and sustainable way while leaving plenty of room for personalization.
If you’re new to woodworking or just want a fast project with practical results, this one is worth a try. It’s a satisfying reminder that even small builds can make a big difference at home.
Get Stan’s plans: https://www.simplyeasydiy.com/2016/07/diy-towel-holder.html.