As an artist who has spent countless hours on DIY projects, I know the importance of having the right tools and equipment. So when it came time to tackle a full kitchen remodel in my latest flip house, I knew I needed a reliable drying rack for the newly painted cabinet doors and drawer fronts.
Spreading out all those doors could easily have turned into a logistical nightmare. That’s when I decided to build a simple, budget-friendly drying rack that could handle the load. Dowels were my first thought for the arms, but those can get pricey fast. Since this rack was meant for a single project, I opted for readily available and inexpensive 1x2s.
This clever DIY solution cost me less than $40 and only took an afternoon to build. I’m excited to share this step-by-step guide, which kicks off a series of upcoming kitchen renovation tips and tricks. Let’s get started!
Planning & Preparation:
Before you jump in, gather your materials and tools:
Materials:
- (1) 3/4″ x 2′ x 2′ Plywood
- (1) 2x4x8′
- (1) 1x2x8′
- 1-1/4″ Wood Screws
- 2″ Wood Screws
Tools:
- Drill
- Circular Saw
- Square
- Tape Measure
- Pencil
- Safety Glasses
- Hearing Protection
Cut List: This project requires a few precise cuts. Refer to the detailed cut list provided in the original plan to ensure accuracy.
Building Your Drying Rack:
Step 1: Make the Cuts:
Using your circular saw and speed square, cut the plywood and lumber pieces according to the cut list. Remember, accuracy is key here for a sturdy and stable drying rack.
Pro Tip: When cutting the plywood supports, draw a diagonal line from corner to corner to create an “X”. This will guide your saw for perfect triangle cutouts.
Step 2: Position the Arms:
On each of the 66″ long 2x4s, mark a line every 5″ starting from one end and stopping at the 60″ point. These marks will indicate the top edge of where you’ll attach the 1x2x48″ arms.
Step 3: Secure the Arms:
Align each arm with your pencil marks on the 2x4s and secure them using two 1-1/4″ wood screws per arm. Using wood glue at this stage provides added strength.
Step 4: Attach Feet and Supports:
Using five 1-1/4″ wood screws for each, attach the triangular plywood supports to the 36″ 2×4 feet and the 66″ upright supports.
Step 5: Final Assembly:
With both sides complete, connect them using two 18″ long 2x4s, secured with two 2-1/2″ wood screws at each end.
Expert Tip: For enhanced stability, consider installing the connecting 2x4s vertically rather than horizontally.
Conclusion:
And there you have it – a simple yet effective DIY drying rack for your kitchen cabinet doors. This project proves that you don’t need expensive materials or fancy tools to achieve professional-looking results.
Now, it’s your turn! I encourage you to give this project a try and share your experiences in the comments below. And don’t forget to check out my other handcrafted treasures on Robert Kline Art for unique gift ideas and more DIY inspiration. Happy crafting!