Skip to main content
Bunnings Warehouse

How to build a hanging towel rail

By Bunnings Magazine /

Green and white zig zagged towels hanging on a wooden towel rail on a white tiled wall

Overview

Looking for a practical way to keep your towels organised and within easy reach? This lightweight hanging towel rail is both a simple D.I.Y. project and a stylish storage solution. It’s made with durable marine-grade rope, galvanised nails and varnished timber, making it perfect for bathrooms, outdoor showers or any high-moisture environment.

Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (a mask, safety glasses and disposable gloves, for example) and follow the product or equipment instructions.

Steps

  1. 1

    Cut, stain and varnish

    Measure and mark dowel at 600mm intervals, then cut four rails to length with a handsaw. Sand rails with 240-grit abrasive paper. Apply stain to rails with a paintbrush and leave to dry. Lightly sand, then apply a second coat and leave to dry. 

    A paintbrush being used to stain dowel
  2. 2

    Drill holes

    Clamp each rail to the workbench and mark 30mm from the ends. Drill holes using an 11mm drill bit. 

    Tip: To help prevent splitting, drill both holes halfway, unclamp, turn over and clamp again to finish the holes from the other side.
    Drilling holes in a stained dowel
  3. 3

    Create hanger

    Cut a 4m length of rope and hang with the halfway point over a wall hook. Feed rope ends through holes in a rail, leaving a 300mm drop (the distance from the hanger top to the rail centre). Secure a cable tie around the ropes underneath the rail to hold in place. 

    The first rung of a hanging towel rail being attached
  4. 4

    Thread rope

    Thread the rope ends through the remaining rails, spaced at 300mm between each rail, securing with cable ties as you go. Tie off the rope with double knots under the base rail, then trim to leave 70mm tails. Fray the ends to form tassels. 

    Rungs being spaced apart on a hanging towel rail
  5. 5

    Secure rails

    Clamp rails to the benchtop, centre 20mm galvanised clout nails on the dowel and hammer in to secure each rail to the ropes. Remove cable ties with cutting pliers, taking care not to cut the rope.

    Nails being hammered into a hanging towel rail
  6. 6

    Seal holes

    Hang ladder on a wall hook. To seal the holes in the dowel, apply adhesive around the top of each hole. It will seep down and create a moisture barrier. Wipe off excess with a lint-free cloth. Let cure. 

    Adhesive being applied to a hanging towel rail
  7. 7

    Looking for more projects to maximise your bathroom floor space?

    Explore this genius hanging storage solution. 

Logo - Workshop - Bunnings Branded - Transparent
Icon - Website - Workshop lightbulbGet InspiredQuestionsAsk QuestionsSpeech bubblesShare Projects
Bunnings Workshop is an online community for D.I.Y. and gardening discussion. Get your questions answered at workshop.bunnings.com.au
link-outJoin the discussion

Get inspired by projects from the Bunnings Workshop community

Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.