Brian Ng'aru handcrafted a beautiful and practical wooden bathtub board for Peter, transforming a simple idea into a relaxing and elegant bath experience. What's your wish?
A request by Peter from Marburg, Germany
Dear Ms. Oriku, dear team,
I recently found your wood workshop online and would like to have a custom-made bathtub board made by you! In the attached *.pdf you will find a sketch that would fit our bathtub. Please let me know if this is possible and how much the order would cost. I look forward to your reply, best regards from Marburg!
– Peter Düsel
The Journey of Creating Custom Made Wooden Bathtub Board
Negotiation & Planning
Hi Peter, my name is Paul
Thank you for reaching out from Marburg! I'm excited to hear about your interest in a custom-made bathtub board. I've gone over the sketch you've provided, and it seems we have all the necessary details to get started on your unique piece.
To ensure the board is perfectly tailored to your bathtub, could you let me know the material you'd prefer it to be made from? Local options include Mahogany and Mvule which are long lasting hardwoods. Also, if you have any specifications regarding the finish or any additional features like handles or slots, feel free to mention them. Once I have these details, I'll be able to provide an accurate quote for your project.
Looking forward to your thoughts!
Hi Paul, thanks for the quick reply!
Here are my main thoughts on the project:
- Mahogany would be great for the board.
- The surface would have to be finished so that it is well protected against moisture, as the board is to be placed on a bathtub and will be exposed to a lot of moisture.
- It would also be good if the edges and corners were slightly rounded.
- I hope it was clear from the sketch that the board should have a cut-out - 50mm wide with a 50mm gap to each edge, parallel to the diagonal edge.
- Do you have the option of adding two layers of rubber as shown in the sketch to make the board non-slip on the edge of the bath? I would be interested to know what kind of material you use for this.
If there are any further questions, I would be happy to make more sketches. Otherwise, I look forward to an offer and the next message. All the best!
- Peter (Automatic translation)
Hello Peter,
I hope you are doing well.
Mahogany is indeed an excellent choice. For the finish, I recommend a clear varnish to protect the wood from moisture while enhancing its beautiful grain.
To ensure we have the correct dimensions, does the sketch suggest that the board should have an asymmetrical shape? Also, with the cut-out area measuring 50mm in width, could you confirm the intended length? This will help us ensure perfect alignment with your bathtub specifications
Good morning Paul,
thanks for the quick reply again! Varnished mahogany sounds wonderful, I'm looking forward to seeing what the board will look like in the end.
Yes, the board is indeed asymmetrical, which is why I have sketched views from the left and right. I'm sending along two more pictures of the bathtub, which I hope will help you understand why the shape is so strange - the bathtub is very wide and has an unusual shape.
And yes, that is correct: the cut-out slit should be 50 mm wide and 50 mm away from the edges of the board. Thank you for asking so carefully!
Once again, my question about the rubber layers: in the original sketch, two strips are drawn underneath the board to make it non-slip on the edge of the bathtub. Do you have a way of attaching a suitable material here? I would be interested to know what you use for this.
Otherwise, have a good start to the week! Best regards,
- Peter (Automatic translation)
Hello Peter
I hope you are well.
Thank you for sharing the photos as they've made me understand the project much better.
I'm still trying to figure out what material to use but the first thought that came to mind was using tyre tubes cut into two strips of the appropriate length and stuck under both undersides of the ends of the board as per your measurements.This way we can give the material a new lease of life and protect the environment by reusing and recycling.
Also are the measurements "e" and "f" inclusive of the 30mm for the thickness of both boards on each end or are they inside measurements?
Hello Paul,
thanks for your input and please excuse the late reply, the last few days have been very busy here. Regarding the questions: The dimensions E and F are internal dimensions. As far as the rubber coating is concerned, it's probably better if we apply it afterwards, that way we can first test whether the material rubs off or stains the bathtub. In this respect, please ignore the idea of the rubber and leave these parts of the sketch out. Otherwise, have a nice rest of the Sunday!
- Peter (Automatic translation)
Hello Peter, I hope you are well
.Thank you for clarifying about the dimensions. Regarding the rubber I will keep an eye out just in case I find a more suitable material and let you know.
In the meantime, I think we can proceed with the project and I will keep you updated as we progress.
Hi Paul,
great, then everything can start from my side, just to be on the safe side - please don't bother with the rubber, we have already found a good material here that we can attach when the board is here. I'm looking forward to the next steps. Best wishes to Nairobi!
- Peter (Automatic translation)
Hello Peter
I hope you are well... that's great to hear
I'll keep you updated on the progress and aim to deliver a piece that meets your expectations beautifully, let's get started 😊
Crafting Process
How to make a Custom Made Wooden Bathtub Board – work in progress
Hello Peter, I hope you are well.
Here is the mahogany wood I will be using to make the bathtub board.
Beautiful! Thanks for showing me the material, I'm curious to see how it will transform! (Automatische Übersetzung)
Hello Peter
I hope you are well.
Here are the pieces cut to size.
My apologies for the time taken to respond. I'm currently also working an office job and do the woodwork during my free time.
Hey Paul, sorry for the late reply, and thanks for the pictures! I'm struggling with a cold here, so unfortunately I don't get to write as often as I'd like. Just carry on at your own pace, there's no rush as far as I'm concerned, the main thing is that you enjoy the project! Best regards,
- Peter (Automatic translation)
Hello Peter
I hope you get well soon. I am also recovering from a bad cold but will continue to update once I'm feeling better. I will definitely enjoy the process.
All right, then get well soon! (Automatic translation)
Thank you Peter, I am recovered now and back to work. I hope you are too.
Hey Paul, glad to hear it! Looking forward to the next update. Until then! (Automatic translation)
Hello Peter, I hope you are well.
This was a challenging but fun build.
Here's the bathtub table fully assembled.
Hi Paul, first of all please excuse the late reply, I was out of town last week and couldn't access my emails. The board looks very good, I admire the great workmanship and the interlocking of the individual elements! Thank you for putting so much effort into the project.
There is one small thing I notice in the photos, but I can't judge it very well because of the perspective: it looks a bit as if the edges B and G (or C and G) are not parallel. Could you please send another view from directly above? Then it would be easier to judge. Otherwise, have a good start to the week! (Automatic translation)
Hello Peter, I hope you are well.
From the measurements the edges "b" and "g" and "c" and "g" are not parallel since "e" is shorter than "f" making the two walls labelled "I" tilt slightly inwards on the side "e" along with d and g that are attached on top of the two I's. Since I made d and g as rectangles they turn inwards towards e as well.
Hello Paul,
thanks for the pictures, you can see the problem more clearly. I have marked where the error occurred in a new upload of the sketch: the angles between e and i as well as between f and i on the left side are right-angled in the top view from above. This means that all outer edges remain parallel. I'm sorry that there was a misunderstanding here, I couldn't see the mistake earlier in the previous photos! Some of the cuts should hopefully still be usable, but the middle panel and probably also the connecting pieces will not fit. Please write to me if you have any further questions about the sketch or the dimensions! Kind regards,
- Peter (Automatic translation)
Hello Peter, I hope you are well.
My apologies for the late reply.
Due to the nature of the angles on the left being 90° the project would have to be started from scratch since I will be unable to salvage the base board in the middle.
Hello Paul,
thanks for the answer! Unfortunately, as it currently stands, the board is not usable for us. It's a shame that nothing can be salvaged from it. With regard to the sketch, are there perhaps any other questions we should go through? It is important that sides B (=D+E+G) and C (=D+F+G) are parallel at the end. Kind regards!
- Peter (Automatic translation)
Hello Peter. I hope you are well.
This is well noted.
Hi Paul, all right, thanks for the care. All the best! (Automatic translation)
Hello Peter, I hope you are well.
Due to the mix up with the angles on the sketch and being unable to reuse the materials on the already finished board I will have to restart the project.
Unfortunately I lack the funds required to restart the project and was hoping you would be able to assist by partly covering the cost of redoing the project.
Hello Peter, I am taking over your order due to personal circumstances. I will redo the bathtub table with the provided information and finish it with clear varnish. I have uploaded some images of your design in 3d from different angles, please check if it aligns with your idea. I can start working on it immediately you give the go-ahead. Hello Peter,
I am taking over your order due to personal circumstances. I will redo the bathtub table based on the information you've provided, and I will finish it with clear varnish.
I've uploaded 3D images of your design from various angles. Please review them to ensure they align with your vision. I can begin work immediately you confirm.
Thank you.
Hi Brian, thanks for the quick message and for taking on the project!
I had a look at the 3D sketches, I noticed one mistake: the length of one of the sides marked "g" in the sketch is wrong, 230mm instead of 325mm. I have uploaded a file to mark it. The sides marked in red should then be parallel. Many thanks for the corrections and best regards from Marburg!
- Peter (Automatic translation)
Hi peter, thanks for the correction, I will keep that in mind. I have managed to purchase wood for the project, see the image I have uploaded. I will keep you posted as I work on it.
Hey Brian, very nice wood, thanks for the photo! Good luck and have fun with the project, please let me know if you have any questions. Best regards, Peter (Automatic translation)
Hi peter, so far I have prepared the wood and attached it to achieve the required 35cm width. I have uploaded some update pictures too. I will now plane and cut the wood into the different pannels. I will send you an update of the final shape for aproval before gluing the joinery.
Hey Brian,
thanks for the pictures! Looks exciting, I hope the next steps work well. Good luck and best regards!
- Peter (Automatic translation)
Hi peter, I have done the joinery and am now adding wooden dowels to strengthen the joinery. I will then round all edges so it has no sharp edges. I have uploaded an update picture. After sanding and planing, we will lose 2mm in thickness of the wood, I hope that will not be an issue.
Hello Brian,
thanks for the update, it looks good! I'm curious how it will look after sanding. A few millimeters is perfectly fine, as long as the material thickness doesn't deviate drastically, that's no problem at all. All the best!
- Peter (Automatic translation)
Hello peter, I have rounded, sanded and sealed the table. See 5he photos I have uploaded. The last step is varnishing then I can present it to the local manager for quality assessment.
Hey Brian, thanks for the photos! This looks excellent! I'm impressed by the beautiful curves, thanks for the good work. Best regards,
- Peter (Automatic translation)
Hey peter, your order is ready for delivery to the local manager for quality check and shipping. I have uploaded some pictures of the final product. It was a pleasure realizing your idea.
Hello Brian,
thanks for the pictures! The final product looks really great, the varnish gives the wood a great color. Many thanks for the quick and professional work! Best regards,
- Peter (Automatic translation)
Hello Peter,
This is Vicky, the local operations manager. I’ve completed a quality check of your custom mahogany bathtub board and I’m pleased to confirm that the artisan has followed your specifications closely and delivered a beautifully crafted final piece.
The board matches the asymmetrical shape provided in the final sketch, including the correct parallel alignment of sides B and C as defined by dimensions D, E, F, and G. The cut-out slot has been positioned and sized as requested—50 mm wide and set 50 mm from each edge and is 270mm long.
The artisan used mahogany wood, as specified, and finished it with a clear varnish to protect against moisture. The grain of the wood is enhanced beautifully by the varnish, and the entire surface has a smooth, polished feel. All edges and corners are slightly rounded, and the finish is even throughout, with no rough spots, sanding marks, or unsealed areas.
In terms of dimensions, the board aligns well with the design intentions. The measured values are:
a: 345 mm
b: 1160 mm
c: 1245 mm
d: 120 mm
g: 315 mm
h: 50 mm
i: 100 mm
Thickness: 30mm (uniform across the board)
Overall, the board is not only structurally sound but also visually appealing—a thoughtful execution of both form and function. Kindly review the attached photos and let us know if everything meets your expectations so we can proceed with next steps.
Best regards,
Vicky Achieng
Hello Vicky,
first of all, thank you very much for the detailed report and the good informative photos! The board is really beautiful, I am very impressed with how quickly Brian made it. Thank you also for your care, I'm looking forward to putting the board in its place here! Best regards from Marburg!
- Peter (Automatic translation)
Final Delivery – The Completed Piece in Photos
Customer Photos After Delivery
The Finished Unique Piece – Individually Handmade
Reference: ON-AI-000063D-77600
Detailed Cost Breakdown
| Price | |
|---|---|
| Cost of material |
49.77
|
| Cost of labour |
54.44
|
| Cost of packaging |
7.78
|
| Cost of delivery to local operations manager |
4.67
|
| Subtotal – payout to artisan |
116.66
|
| Customer acquisition costs (advertising etc.) |
11.67
|
| Handling fee Urban Change Lab |
11.67
|
| Shipping costs from Kenya to Germany* |
175
|
| VAT (Germany)* |
59.85
|
| Total |
374.85
|
*Shipping costs and VAT vary depending on your location.
Each price shown is based on a unique, custom request. Final prices may vary depending on materials, effort, and delivery location.
