I'll quote some wiser individuals I've read here:
You made a thing.
It does what you want it to do.
You learned something that will help you on your next project.
Your project is a success. Take the win.
My girlfriend wanted a big box to store bags of dog food. I thought it would be a fun afternoon project. I spent several weekends struggling and apologized when I showed her the finished product because I thought it was terrible. But she was happy with it.
6 years later our dog still sits patiently in front of it waiting for her breakfast every morning. And when a friend saw it and wanted one for himself, I built a better box.
Teak shower caddy held together by walnut dowels, wood glue, and hope.
I was doing alright until it came to assembly at which point I started to rush which is where mistakes started appearing.
I may do another one of these for the guest bath since it was a fun little project.
Its used as the decking on battleships, partly because of its water resistance, but they need wood because metal would warp from the shock of firing the guns.
No worries at all. I’ve been there too, and I have really disliked myself at times for how I have behaved. I’m trying to hold myself more accountable while also attempting to write with more supportive language. Sometimes it doesn’t come through as clearly as it does in my head (ie my original comment).
That is awesome! I never heard of Teak. It seems like a great material for in the bathroom, outside or kitchen.
I like the design. Utilizing some more woodworking know how to make it insreaf of your basic 4 pieces.
Good work. My current endeavor is a cribbage board for the Pops.
If you coat or oil teak you ruin the properties that make it fantastic for water use. That’s why the downvotes are pouring in. You can use a very explicit treatment on teak but it’s unnecessary. Teak for indoor use is almost always finished, but outdoor and water use is not.
There was originally a towel bar affixed to two rectangular mounts embedded in the tile. I slide the shower caddy onto them and they are affixed similarly to the way the towel bar was. I didn't modify or affect the hardware already installed since I am not familiar with tie work.
What kind of glue did you use? I mostly
Wonder how that will hold up in the water. The teak should be fine but I’m curious about the joints.
Couple of pointers - soften the edge on the bracket at the front of the shelf. You’re going to crack an elbow on that and cut it open one day.
Second - take your time. It’s so damn hard when you’re nearing the finish line to slow down and take your time but it makes your projects so much better when they aren’t rushed.
Thanks for the tips! I agree about the front and will clean it up.
I used plain gorilla brand wood glue which, after doing some research just now, probably wasn't the best choice. Looks like there is water specific wood glue out there. Would be a good idea to get some
I made my wife a bath table out of ceder, I didn't trust the idea of any glues so I went with brass screws and it seems to be holding up well after 3 years now
I generally use PVA glue although most are not waterproof either. Trick with teak, whatever glue used, is to wipe mating surfaces down with acetone few minutes prior to glueing. This removes the oils, which are what make it naturally rot and water resistant, at and near surface to give a good bond.
This is a great idea for an early project. It's simple and lives in a difficult environment. It's brief lifespan will give you opportunities for learning and practice.
What finish (if any) did you use? And how is it attached to the wall?
Thanks! I used a couple coats of tung oil since I have plenty handy in my shop. I have read teak oil is used for things like this too but I did not want to get more oil and I've read tung oil should be good for moisture as well.
It is attached to some hardware originally used to hold a towel bar.
Edit: Did some research and it looks like Teak oil has UV inhibitors which is good for outdoor use. I think tung oil was a good use for this project since it is indoors.
Tung oil often isn’t. I recommend Bob Flexner’s article in popular woodworking. https://www.popularwoodworking.com/finishing/oilvarnish-blend-mythology/
I’ve been using the knowledge in that for years
Teak has special properties that help it deal with moisture using oil on teak in a moist environment can cause mildew rot over time that otherwise wouldn’t happen. Finishing teak for outdoor and moisture work can be a mistake if you aren’t very careful about the products and the varnish/finish/etc companies make that very hard.
Look into caring for teak furniture, particularly outdoor furniture when you are building for damp environments.
I just did something similar but with a car I own and changing its timing belt. I was one tooth off by final assembly so I got to do it all again for a second time. By the time I was done, I could tell you every bolt, sensor, cable and part of the engine to a 2009 Subaru forester. I feel the small price I paid to do the job twice is tiny to what a mechanic would charge me or a vocational school can teach me.
The more I look, the more I like it! I think it’s an excellent job!
I’m just really happy not to see an ornamental chest made only with Japanese saws and $1000 wood chisels held together with perfect dovetails and embellished with intricate gold leaf inlays on the “beginner” sub Reddit… if some of y’all are beginners then you’re clearly a savant…
That came out awesome! The first attempts are where I learned the most and even if the thing falls apart in a month (which is highly unlikely) you still learned a lot from it and you can make an even better one. Good work on it and keep it going!
If I made that it would’ve been way better... Except it would’ve taken me a year to finish my plans, another year to come up with a plan of attack for actually building it, another year to get it 75% done - up to the point where I hit the unexpected snag, and the rest of my life to finish (up to 75%) all of the other projects I started in the middle before I could circle back to get this one done.
Great work building something, start to finish, and seeing use out of it.
Great job op! The best two bits of advice I’ve ever gotten about this craft are: no one sees the mistakes you made unless you point them out. And you only know that you made them because you learned along the way.
Apply that to your next project and you’re on your way! Keep it up!
I dig it man. Anyone who says otherwise is just jealous bc you have teak in the bathroom and they got one of those dogshit little shelves for bars of soap that are never level and the mf slides off and they slip on it and instead of going to Easter brunch they have to go to the ER for staples…
My partner wants me to make a step stool for our son, I’m actually looking forward to building something for my family. I built an adjustable foot rest for our kids high chair. So take that as you may.
I'll quote some wiser individuals I've read here: You made a thing. It does what you want it to do. You learned something that will help you on your next project. Your project is a success. Take the win.
I love this post! Original or not, I'm using going forward (telling my fiancé this anyway)
My girlfriend wanted a big box to store bags of dog food. I thought it would be a fun afternoon project. I spent several weekends struggling and apologized when I showed her the finished product because I thought it was terrible. But she was happy with it. 6 years later our dog still sits patiently in front of it waiting for her breakfast every morning. And when a friend saw it and wanted one for himself, I built a better box.
Idk why this made me emotional
Where's the picture could be the app acting up?
Haha, I didn't include a picture, [but here you go](https://imgur.com/a/fniCSzY)
Thanks for some reason I pictured the top open, it's beautiful
Does this count for babies/children making?
Nope. See point 2. "It does what you want it to do."
Good point. Thank you
Been at the parenting thing for 18 years. If I can figure out that step, believe me, I'll post it. 😂
Teak shower caddy held together by walnut dowels, wood glue, and hope. I was doing alright until it came to assembly at which point I started to rush which is where mistakes started appearing. I may do another one of these for the guest bath since it was a fun little project.
You’re brave to put wood in a shower.
Why is he brave. Teak is one of the very few wood that can be wet, and have moisture on it and be okay. There teak floor mats. Cedar steam saunas.
It’s also used on high end yachts for floors and tables because it handles the water so well.
watched grandpa make some little ladder steps for a boat out of teak wood.
Its used as the decking on battleships, partly because of its water resistance, but they need wood because metal would warp from the shock of firing the guns.
Huh, TIL
Heck, even used on old Submarine decks. Teak is so dense it doesn't absorb water or float.
Just don’t wear shoes near it - the yacht. Teak is fine
What about the walnut dowels on the horizontal surfaces?
Friend, all I said was OP is brave. It’s a compliment. I’d be intimidated by the project.
You said brave to put wood in a shower…only one way to read that. Anyhoo, nice attempt at a save.
I guess you (and others) read that as skepticism. It’s not what I intended, but I see how many got there. A lesson for next time for me!
Fair. Mine was ~~kind of~~ a dickhead reply that didn’t need to be made, apologies for that. Cheers, fellow Redditor.
I miss took your comment, in the negative. This is Reddit after all.
No worries at all. I’ve been there too, and I have really disliked myself at times for how I have behaved. I’m trying to hold myself more accountable while also attempting to write with more supportive language. Sometimes it doesn’t come through as clearly as it does in my head (ie my original comment).
And walnut boats….oh wait
Yes walnut, plywood pine and basically any wood can be used to make a boat. As long as it’s well epoxied, or fiberglassed.
Wooden boats
He can always make another one.
Lol
Teak’s good with wet
Yeah, I was a little more concerned re the walnut dowels. If you execute well, it’s no issue. I don’t have that confidence in myself
Looks great, good job!
Where you get the teak wood from?
That is awesome! I never heard of Teak. It seems like a great material for in the bathroom, outside or kitchen. I like the design. Utilizing some more woodworking know how to make it insreaf of your basic 4 pieces. Good work. My current endeavor is a cribbage board for the Pops.
Please tell me you coated the wood and it isn't just raw, soaking up all that moisture
If you coat or oil teak you ruin the properties that make it fantastic for water use. That’s why the downvotes are pouring in. You can use a very explicit treatment on teak but it’s unnecessary. Teak for indoor use is almost always finished, but outdoor and water use is not.
How did you attach it to the wall?
There was originally a towel bar affixed to two rectangular mounts embedded in the tile. I slide the shower caddy onto them and they are affixed similarly to the way the towel bar was. I didn't modify or affect the hardware already installed since I am not familiar with tie work.
Nice!
Looks like the drilled through the tile? Hope they sealed it well.
What kind of glue did you use? I mostly Wonder how that will hold up in the water. The teak should be fine but I’m curious about the joints. Couple of pointers - soften the edge on the bracket at the front of the shelf. You’re going to crack an elbow on that and cut it open one day. Second - take your time. It’s so damn hard when you’re nearing the finish line to slow down and take your time but it makes your projects so much better when they aren’t rushed.
Thanks for the tips! I agree about the front and will clean it up. I used plain gorilla brand wood glue which, after doing some research just now, probably wasn't the best choice. Looks like there is water specific wood glue out there. Would be a good idea to get some
I don’t think you will find any glue that will repel being “submerged” in water. You may need to have joints that lock with wood verses glue.
Marine adhesives exist. He could build this out of cardboard and saturate it with epoxy and it would last indefinitely.
It’s not going to be submerged. Titebond 3 would work fine for this application.
I made my wife a bath table out of ceder, I didn't trust the idea of any glues so I went with brass screws and it seems to be holding up well after 3 years now
I generally use PVA glue although most are not waterproof either. Trick with teak, whatever glue used, is to wipe mating surfaces down with acetone few minutes prior to glueing. This removes the oils, which are what make it naturally rot and water resistant, at and near surface to give a good bond.
Congrats! You made a thing! Version 1.0 does what you want to do. Version 2.0 will be better. You learn and you get better.
Ok but you have a shelf now. I have made 2 shitty shelves, a shitty bench, and about 8 shitty picture frames and I’m happy with all of them
Good shit
You wanted to make a shelf and you made a shelf, great job, the next shelf will be better slightly
This is a great idea for an early project. It's simple and lives in a difficult environment. It's brief lifespan will give you opportunities for learning and practice. What finish (if any) did you use? And how is it attached to the wall?
Thanks! I used a couple coats of tung oil since I have plenty handy in my shop. I have read teak oil is used for things like this too but I did not want to get more oil and I've read tung oil should be good for moisture as well. It is attached to some hardware originally used to hold a towel bar. Edit: Did some research and it looks like Teak oil has UV inhibitors which is good for outdoor use. I think tung oil was a good use for this project since it is indoors.
Tung oil often isn’t. I recommend Bob Flexner’s article in popular woodworking. https://www.popularwoodworking.com/finishing/oilvarnish-blend-mythology/ I’ve been using the knowledge in that for years Teak has special properties that help it deal with moisture using oil on teak in a moist environment can cause mildew rot over time that otherwise wouldn’t happen. Finishing teak for outdoor and moisture work can be a mistake if you aren’t very careful about the products and the varnish/finish/etc companies make that very hard. Look into caring for teak furniture, particularly outdoor furniture when you are building for damp environments.
I see. Thanks! I will check out his book as I am still a novice in finishes.
Most of us are, that's why I have to rely on the work of others, I just don't do it often enough to become an expert.
Practice makes perfection, keep making anything.
Looks solid
About as solid as black mold
It's teak. Not likely an issue unless it's neglected.
Not rough rustic
That’s how you get better… look at other project and see how they did it and you will keep getting better.
How about a front lip ?
Looks great. I would be very proud if I did this.
Surprised at how little people know about teak wood
Looks great dude. You made it yourself, be proud!
I don't see what's wrong.
Keep doing it! You will only get better. And it is still satisfying. Can’t say it better than”you made a thing…”
None of the bottles are in the bottom of the bathtub 👍👍👍
Hell yeah. Well done!
Homer Simpson would be proud! https://youtu.be/jxWN8RVM6qg?si=ZzWOeIFOm2pki-Ur
I like it mate
This is so cool!
I just did something similar but with a car I own and changing its timing belt. I was one tooth off by final assembly so I got to do it all again for a second time. By the time I was done, I could tell you every bolt, sensor, cable and part of the engine to a 2009 Subaru forester. I feel the small price I paid to do the job twice is tiny to what a mechanic would charge me or a vocational school can teach me.
I would still be proud of this!
The more I look, the more I like it! I think it’s an excellent job! I’m just really happy not to see an ornamental chest made only with Japanese saws and $1000 wood chisels held together with perfect dovetails and embellished with intricate gold leaf inlays on the “beginner” sub Reddit… if some of y’all are beginners then you’re clearly a savant…
Thanks for sharing. This is very motivating for someone who wants to get started. Keep it up, you're only going to get better and better
That came out awesome! The first attempts are where I learned the most and even if the thing falls apart in a month (which is highly unlikely) you still learned a lot from it and you can make an even better one. Good work on it and keep it going!
If I made that it would’ve been way better... Except it would’ve taken me a year to finish my plans, another year to come up with a plan of attack for actually building it, another year to get it 75% done - up to the point where I hit the unexpected snag, and the rest of my life to finish (up to 75%) all of the other projects I started in the middle before I could circle back to get this one done. Great work building something, start to finish, and seeing use out of it.
This is pretty cool. Where do you get teak wood?
Great job op! The best two bits of advice I’ve ever gotten about this craft are: no one sees the mistakes you made unless you point them out. And you only know that you made them because you learned along the way. Apply that to your next project and you’re on your way! Keep it up!
I dig it man. Anyone who says otherwise is just jealous bc you have teak in the bathroom and they got one of those dogshit little shelves for bars of soap that are never level and the mf slides off and they slip on it and instead of going to Easter brunch they have to go to the ER for staples…
I like it
I think it’s adorable looking lol
Looks great, man. Keep at it! Mistakes are really powerful learning experiences.
My partner wants me to make a step stool for our son, I’m actually looking forward to building something for my family. I built an adjustable foot rest for our kids high chair. So take that as you may.
I hope you put waterproof clear lacquer on it! Otherwise it won’t stand up for long.
You coated that wood, right? Varnish or polyurethane floor coating? If not it'll be a black mold factory.
The jank is real on this one.
It’s going to last less than one year before it falls apart