A custom bath caddy should rest securely across your bathtub without sliding, rocking, scratching the rim, or blocking the faucet. To achieve that fit, you need more than the tub’s advertised width.
Measure the bathtub at the exact point where you intend to use the caddy. You will need a tape measure, painter’s tape, paper, and a few clear photographs.
Choose the Caddy’s Position First
Bathtubs are not always the same width from one end to the other. This is particularly common with oval and freestanding tubs. Sit in the empty tub and choose a comfortable position for the caddy. It should be easy to reach without restricting movement or making it difficult to enter or leave the tub.
Mark this position on both rims with painter’s tape. Take every measurement along this line. Also check whether the chosen location is close to:
- A faucet or handheld shower
- Built-in controls or jets
- A wall or tiled ledge
- Grab bars
- A shower screen
Bathtub installation styles also affect the available supporting surface. Alcove, drop-in, and freestanding tubs have different rim and surrounding-deck configurations.
Take the Four Essential Measurements
Use inches and record each measurement to the nearest 1/8 inch.
1. Outside Width
Measure in a straight line from the outside edge of one rim to the outside edge of the opposite rim.
This establishes how far the caddy needs to span. Do not follow the tub’s curve or add your own allowance for overhang.
2. Inside Opening
Measure from the inside edge of one rim to the inside edge of the other.
This measurement helps the woodworker position underside stops or non-slip supports that limit side-to-side movement.
3. Individual Rim Widths
Measure the left and right rims separately, from the inside edge to the outside edge.
Do not assume they are equal. A tub positioned beside a wall or within a deck may have considerably more supporting space on one side.
4. Side Clearance
Measure the available space beyond each outside edge.
This reveals whether an extended caddy would strike a wall, ledge, faucet, or shower screen. It also indicates how easily the tray can be lifted into position.
Document the Rim’s Shape
Measurements alone cannot show whether a rim is flat, curved, rolled, or sloped. These details affect how securely the caddy can rest on the tub.
Photograph both rims from above and from the side. If one appears higher than the other, place a straightedge across the tub and photograph the resulting angle or gap.
Do not calculate shaped supports yourself. Send the rim photographs to the maker so the construction can be adapted to the tub.
Measure Items That Need Dedicated Holders
The caddy should be planned around what you will actually use. Measure any item that requires a slot, recess, or support:
| Feature | Measurement Needed |
| Tablet slot | Width and thickness with the case |
| Phone recess | Length and width with the case |
| Book rest | Open-book width and height |
| Mug holder | Diameter of the base and room for the handle |
| Wine-glass slot | Stem and base dimensions |
| Candle recess | Diameter of the container |
When ordering a custom bath tray, also specify your preferred front-to-back tray width. A narrow tray may suit a drink and candle, while books, tablets, and several accessories require more usable surface.
You can test the layout by cutting a piece of cardboard to the proposed size and arranging your items on it.
Check Faucets and Nearby Fixtures
If the caddy will sit near a faucet, measure:
- The distance from the faucet to the marked tray position
- How far the faucet extends over the water
- The space required to operate its handles
- The width of any fixture located between the rims
An overhead photograph showing the faucet, rims, and marked caddy position will help explain the layout more clearly than measurements alone.
Send a Complete Measurement Package
Before ordering a handcrafted bath caddy in Cumming, send the maker:
- Outside tub width
- Inside opening
- Left and right rim widths
- Side clearances
- Faucet and fixture distances
- Preferred tray width
- Accessory dimensions
- Overhead and side photographs
- Bathtub manufacturer and model, if known
Measure every dimension twice. If the results differ, measure again rather than averaging them.
If you want to buy a wooden bath caddy online in Lawrenceville, Holly Springs, or anywhere in the USA, do not rely only on a standard bathtub size or product listing. Actual measurements and photographs allow the caddy to be planned around your specific tub and preferred features.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size bath caddy do I need?
Choose a caddy that spans the bathtub’s full outside width at the position where it will be used. For a custom caddy, also provide the inside opening and both rim widths.
Do bath caddies fit all bathtubs?
No. Standard caddies may not fit extra-wide, curved, freestanding, or uneven-rimmed tubs. A custom design can be sized around the tub’s actual shape and dimensions.
How do I stop a bath caddy from slipping?
A properly fitted caddy may use underside stops, non-slip pads, or shaped supports. Their placement depends on the tub’s inside opening and rim profile.
Can I use a bath caddy on a freestanding tub?
Yes. Measure the tub at the exact intended position because many freestanding tubs curve and change width from one end to the other.
How wide should a wooden bath caddy be?
The front-to-back width depends on what you want it to hold. A book, tablet, drink, and candle will need more usable space than a simple tray for toiletries.
What information does a maker need for a custom bath caddy?
Provide the outside width, inside opening, individual rim widths, side clearance, rim photographs, nearby fixture locations, and dimensions of items needing dedicated holders.
Sign in to leave a comment.