This project was built and designed by Jon Peters of Longview Woodworking.
It combines thoughtful design, simple joinery, and a few well-chosen router bits to create a practical outdoor shower accessory that’s both functional and refined.
Jon’s goal wasn’t just to build a shelf—it was to show how a few common router bits can elevate a basic piece of wood.
The result is a small, durable shelf with a built-in hose holder, ideal for anyone wanting to add function and polish to an outdoor space.
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A Simple Build That Teaches a Lot
The project consists of a vertical backer board, a shelf for shampoo bottles, and a curved hose loop below. The parts come together using a dado joint, basic edge treatments, and a flush-trim template technique to shape the hose holder.
This isn’t a complicated build, which is exactly what makes it approachable. It’s flat-panel construction with one dado and a few curved profiles, showing how much impact you can get from clean edges and thoughtful shaping.
Just Four Router Bits for the Entire Project
Jon emphasizes that you don’t need a drawer full of router bits to make polished projects. This build uses only four:
- Round-over bit to soften edges and eliminate sharp corners
- Chamfer bit to clean up the visual profile of the backer
- Cove bit to lighten the shelf and add shadow detail
- Flush-trim bit to follow a simple template for the hose loop
These bits handle nearly all edge work, giving the project its finished feel without requiring exotic tools or joinery.
Preparing the Parts
Each piece is milled and cut to final size before assembly. Jon starts by routing the round-overs and coves early—before the shelf is glued in—so that every edge is accessible.
For the hose holder cutout, he bends a thin strip of MDF into a gentle arc to create a flexible template. The shape is rough-cut with a bandsaw and cleaned up using a flush-trim bit. This ensures a consistent, repeatable curve and helps the project look professional.
Working with Router Profiles
The round-over bit is used generously—on the front face of the backer, along the shelf top, and at all mating edges.
This gives the piece a softer touch and helps avoid splintering or sharp corners near the hose.
A small chamfer is cut along the outer edge of the back board. This removes the blocky appearance of square stock and adds a subtle visual detail that reads as deliberate and finished.
The underside of the shelf is routed with a shallow cove. This removes some visual weight, gives the shelf a lighter look, and adds a shadow line that helps it stand out from the backer board.
Clean Assembly with a Table Saw Dado
The shelf is attached using a single dado joint, cut on the table saw. This provides strength, clean alignment, and an easy glue-up. The dado hides fasteners and adds long-term durability, keeping the piece tight over time and in outdoor conditions.
Jon assembles the parts after routing is complete, which avoids having to reach into tight corners later. After final glue-up, a round of hand sanding removes any sharp transitions and preps the piece for finishing.
Tips from the Shop
Jon includes a few simple workflow suggestions that save time and prevent mistakes:
- Route any hard-to-reach profiles before assembly.
- Test bit height and profile depth on scrap before cutting the final piece.
- Make multiple shallow passes rather than deep ones to prevent tear-out and strain on the router.
- Use a compact router for profile work—it’s easier to control and ideal for jobs like this.
- Take time to sand after routing. Crisp edges become even better with a few careful passes of sandpaper.
Built for the Outdoors
To protect the wood from sun and moisture, Jon finishes the piece with an exterior oil that brings out the grain and adds weather resistance. It’s a low-maintenance option that holds up well near water and outdoor use.
When installing the finished piece, the hose loop should be mounted securely to handle repeated pulling. The dado joint takes care of the shelf’s structural needs, but reinforcing the hose holder is key for long-term function.
Design That Balances Looks and Use
Every routed profile on this shelf has a purpose. Round-overs prevent hoses from catching. The cove under the shelf keeps it from looking bulky. The chamfer breaks up hard lines and adds detail without complexity.
The end result is a compact utility shelf that feels well-made and easy to replicate. It’s a great example of how simple shop techniques can produce polished results—even on a weekend build.
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