There’s something mighty satisfying about turning a weathered old board into something useful, especially for summertime living. This poolside sunscreen station is one of those practical little projects that keeps the patio tidier, keeps sun care close at hand, and adds a bit of rustic charm at the same time. By mounting mason jars onto reclaimed barn wood and adding brass hooks underneath, you get a neat spot for sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses, hair ties, and even a hand towel.
Projects like this remind me of the kind of make-do handiwork I grew up around, where nothing good was wasted if it could be given a second life. If you’ve got a small stretch of wall or fence near the pool, porch, or back door, this is an easy weekend build that looks handsome without requiring fancy tools or perfect lumber.
Materials
1 reclaimed barn wood board, 1 inch thick x 8 inches wide x 30 inches long
Instructions
1. Brush the barn wood clean and remove any loose dirt or splinters, then sand the face and edges with 120-grit followed by 220-grit so it stays rustic but won’t snag hands or towels.
2. Seal the front, back, edges, and ends of the board with a thin coat of exterior matte sealer, then let it dry completely according to the product directions.
3. Measure and mark a straight centerline down the board, then mark three jar positions evenly spaced across the upper two-thirds of the board, leaving about 6 inches between jar centers.
4. Wrap one pipe clamp around each mason jar to size it, then remove the jars and place the clamps back onto the board at the marked positions with the tightening screws facing to one side for easy access.
5. Predrill small pilot holes and fasten each pipe clamp to the wood with exterior wood screws, using enough screws to hold each clamp firmly without splitting the board.
6. Mark a row for the brass hooks about 3 inches up from the bottom edge, spacing the four hooks evenly beneath the jars, then predrill and screw them in securely.
7. Slide the mason jars into the mounted clamps and tighten each clamp until the jars feel snug and level, but not so tight that the glass is under strain.
8. Mark mounting holes near the top and bottom of the board, then drill and attach the station to a fence post, exterior wall, or patio support using mounting screws and anchors or studs for a secure hold.
9. Fill the jars with sunscreen bottles, lip balm, aloe packets, or bug spray, and use the hooks for towels, goggles, or sunglasses so everything stays handy by the pool.
Variations & Tips
Add a shelf: If you want room for larger sunscreen bottles, attach a narrow 3-inch-deep shelf under the jars and keep the hooks below that.
Use plastic liners: For extra protection from drips, tuck a small removable plastic cup inside each mason jar so you can lift it out and wash it easily.
Choose the right hardware: I like stainless or brass-toned hardware for outdoor projects because it holds up better around humidity and splashing water.
Keep reclaimed wood safe: Old barn wood can be brittle in spots, so always predrill before adding screws, and avoid boards with active rot or deep cracks around the mounting points.
Make it family-specific: You can dedicate one jar to sun care, one to swim goggles, and one to little extras like hair ties or clothespins for wet towels.
Mount with care: If this will hang near a pool, place it high enough to stay out of standing splash water but low enough that children and guests can reach what they need.