There is something especially satisfying about making a simple outdoor piece that solves a real summertime problem. This poolside book holder is a rustic wooden crate fitted with a bent copper pipe bar, and it gives you a tidy place to keep a towel draped over the side while tucking a book, sunscreen, or a pair of sunglasses safely up off the wet ground. It is the sort of practical little project I appreciate more and more these days—handsome, sturdy, and useful without being fussy.
It is a good project for a beginner who is comfortable measuring, drilling, and doing a little careful bending. I like this one because it combines warm wood and bright copper in a way that feels both old-fashioned and fresh, a little like the porches and wash lines I grew up around, only dressed for the patio.
Materials
Instructions
1. Check the wooden crate for loose slats, splinters, or weak corners, and tighten or repair anything wobbly before you begin. Sand the whole crate with 120-grit sandpaper, then smooth it with 220-grit.
2. Apply wood stain or a light wash if you want a more aged, rustic finish, then let it dry completely. Brush on a coat of exterior sealer and allow it to cure according to the product directions.
3. Measure and mark the copper pipe so the finished towel bar will have a center span about 16 inches wide with two side drops about 8 inches each. Leave enough straight pipe at each end to fit securely into the elbow fittings.
4. Use a tubing bender to make the first 90-degree bend, then measure across and make the second 90-degree bend so the pipe forms a squared U shape. Keep the bends slow and even so the copper does not kink.
5. Dry-fit the two 90-degree elbows onto the ends of the bent pipe, then insert short straight sections if needed so the mounting ends sit flat against the crate. Cap the exposed pipe ends for a finished look.
6. Hold the copper bar assembly against one long side of the crate, positioning it about 2 inches down from the top edge, and mark the screw locations with the pipe straps. Make sure the bar clears the crate opening so a towel can hang freely.
7. Drill small pilot holes at the marks, then screw the pipe straps into place to secure the copper assembly to the crate. Test the bar with a gentle pull and tighten the screws if anything shifts.
8. Add adhesive rubber feet to the bottom corners if the holder will sit on a smooth patio surface. This helps keep the crate dry underneath and prevents sliding near the pool.
9. Set the crate poolside with the copper bar facing outward, then place books, rolled towels, or sun care items inside. Drape a dry towel over the copper bar and make sure the setup feels balanced before regular use.
Variations & Tips
Use what you have: If you already have a sound crate in the shed or garage, use it. Old fruit crates and stout storage boxes often have more character than anything from the store.
Choose the right finish: For a true outdoor piece, do not skip the sealer. Around water, sun, and humidity, that protective coat makes all the difference.
Keep copper bright or let it age: I happen to enjoy copper either way. If you like the shiny look, polish it now and then; if you prefer a timeworn finish, let it develop a natural patina.
Make it safer for books: If you plan to keep paperbacks or magazines inside, line the bottom of the crate with a small piece of outdoor fabric or a thin rubber mat to protect them from dampness.
Add more function: A second bar on the opposite side can hold another towel, and small hooks screwed to the ends of the crate can carry goggles or a mesh bag. That kind of practical add-on reminds me of how folks used to keep every porch and mudroom working double duty.
Mind the balance: Heavier items should sit low inside the crate so it does not tip when a wet towel is hanging from the bar. I always give a project like this a little nudge test before calling it done.