How to Build a Hair Dryer Caddy

A hair dryer caddy is quick to build if you have the right tools. When you build a hair dryer caddy, you need to keep in mind that not all hair dryers are the same size. If you find that your hair dryer barrel is larger than the dimensions listed, simply make the hole for it larger. Even though these instructions call the boards 1-by-6 inches and 1-by-3 inches, those are not the true measurements. The 1-by-6 board measures 3/4 by 5 1/2 inches. The 1-by-3 measures 3/4 by 2 1/2 inches. The length is always correct.

Things You'll Need

• 1-by-6-by-4 1/2 inch board 1-by-3-by-4 1/2 inch board Measuring tool Router 1/4-inch cove bit Pencil Clamp Power drill No. 6 countersink drill bit 2 1/2-inch hole saw drill bit Number 6 wood screws Sandpaper Stain Polyurethane satin sealant Saw toothed hangers

Instructions

1. Purchase a 1-by-6-by-4 1/2 inch board and a 1-by-3-by-4 1/2 inch board. You can use any type of wood you want. If this is your first project, you'll probably want to use pine since it's less expensive.

2. Use a router with a 1/4-inch cove bit on three edges of the wider board--the two shorter sides and one longer one--to create a decorative edge with a narrow flat face above and below the rounded area.

3. Line up the wider board to the bottom wide edge of the narrower board so it's perpendicular. Line the side edge up on the left and mark where the right edge of the wider board hits the narrower one. You'll need to cut the excess away so the edges on both sides are even. Set the narrower board on its 3/4-inch edge when you do this.

4. Butt the long 3/4-inch side of the wider board against the bottom of the narrower one. Clamp the two together. Drill a starter hole about 3/4 inch from the left edge and 3/8 inch from the bottom using a No. 6 countersink drill bit. This is for a No. 6 1 1/2-inch wood screw.

5. Find the center of the top surface of the wider board. If your dimensions are true, you can make a light mark in pencil 1 1/2 inches from both the top and bottom. Also, make a mark 1 inch in from each side. The head of the bit fits in this area when you center it. Attach a 2 1/2-inch hole saw bit to your power drill. Center the bit on the mark and cut the hole for the hairdryer. Erase the marks.

6. Sand the boards smooth, including the interior of the hole for the hair dryer. Stain the wood any color that you wish. Allow the stain to dry and finish it with a polyurethane satin sealant. Be careful not to get it into the pre-drilled holes. Put a toothpick in the holes to help and pull them out after a few minutes drying time.

7. Connect the two pieces together with screws at the pre-drilled holes with No. 6 1 1/2-inch wood screws. Attach two saw-toothed hangers to the back and your homemade hair dryer caddy is ready to hang.