Make a bathroom duckboard

A timber duckboard is a terrific solution to the perennial problem of soggy bath mats. An occasional airing and scrub clean are all that are needed.

 

 

 

 

Before your begin, decide what size you want the duckboard to be. Our mat measures 45cm x 58cm. Remember, when planning a larger or smaller size, to allow a 2cm gap between each piece of timber for the plastic tubing.

 

YOU WILL NEED:

10 lengths of sanded pine -  each 4cm wide x 2cm thick and 45cm long*

1m of plastic/silicone tubing x 12mm diameter -  same as used in fish tanks/ponds

2m of nylon rope

Drill/Drive plus 14mm spade bit

Pencil

Tape measure

 

Note: Don't reduce the thickness or the wood will not be able to take any weight.

 

 

 

HERE'S HOW:

1. Have the timber cut to size or use a circular or jigsaw to cut yourself. Sand smooth with fine grit sandpaper.

2. Line up the lengths side by side on their 2cm sides and rule a line 10cm in from each end across all the timber sides. Turn the timber over and repeat on the other side for accurate drill positions. Mark the halfway point in the length of each piece of timber on this line.

3. Drill right through each timber piece at the centre marking using the spade bit. To prevent any cracking at the drilled holes, stop drilling when you see the tip of the spade bit appear and continue through the opposite side.

4. Cut the plastic tubing into 5cm lengths. These will be used to separate the timber pieces. Starting at one end, thread the rope through one piece of timber and then one length of plastic tubing, then the next piece of timber and another piece of plastic tubing. Work along one row of holes, out the opposite end and back through the remaining holes on the other side.

5. Knot the ends of the rope securely, holding the knots over a lighted match to melt and fuse the ends and stop them from fraying.