Tired of rummaging through cluttered cabinets for that elusive spice jar? A DIY pull out spice rack might be the perfect solution! At Robert Kline Art, we’re passionate about smart, beautiful DIY solutions, and this project ticks all the boxes. It’s practical, stylish, and completely customizable to your needs. Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or just starting, this guide will walk you through creating a pull-out spice rack that’s as unique as your spice collection.
3D drawing of a navy spice cabinet with shelves.
Why Choose a DIY Pull Out Spice Rack?
Let’s face it, pre-made spice racks often fall short. They lack the flexibility to accommodate different jar sizes and can become just as disorganized as the cabinets they were meant to fix.
A DIY approach offers several benefits:
- Customization: Tailor the size, number of shelves, and even the style to match your kitchen and spice collection.
- Cost-effective: Building your own is often more affordable than buying a pre-made option.
- Sense of accomplishment: The satisfaction of creating something beautiful and functional with your own hands is priceless.
Common Spice Rack Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
Before we dive into the how-to, let’s address some common pitfalls of spice rack design:
The “Vertical Stack” Trap
Many vertical spice racks stack shelves on top of each other, making it impossible to see what’s on the lower levels without a game of spice jar Jenga.
Solution: Opt for a design that allows clear visibility of all your spices at a glance.
Kitchen with white upper cabinets and blue lower cabinets and skinny spice cabinet next to stove.
The “Wasted Space” Dilemma
Some pull-out spice racks don’t utilize the full depth of the cabinet, leaving valuable space unused.
Solution: Maximize storage by designing your rack to fit the entire depth of your cabinet.
DIY pull out spice cabinet made from plywood.
Designing Your Dream Spice Rack
1. Measure Twice, Cut Once
- Cabinet Dimensions: Measure the width, depth, and height of the cabinet space where your spice rack will go.
- Spice Jar Inventory: Take stock of your spice jars to determine the number and height of shelves you’ll need.
2. Choose Your Materials
- Plywood: A durable and affordable choice for the rack’s structure.
- Drawer Slides: Choose slides that are rated for the weight of your spice jars and provide full extension for easy access.
- Wood Glue and Screws: For assembling the rack.
- Sandpaper: For smoothing out rough edges.
- Paint or Finish: Protect your spice rack and match your kitchen decor.
Drawing of large base cabinet with retrofit pull out spice cabinet on one side.
3. Plan Your Layout
- Shelf Spacing: Ensure enough clearance between shelves for your tallest spice jars.
- Shelf Depth: Make the shelves deep enough to hold your spice jars securely.
- Accessibility: Consider adding features like tiered shelves or a lazy Susan to improve visibility and access to spices at the back.
Spice rack cabinet insert exploded with all the parts labeled.
Building Your Pull Out Spice Rack
1. Cut the Pieces
Using your measurements and chosen design, cut the plywood into the required pieces for the rack’s sides, top, bottom, and shelves.
2. Assemble the Rack
- Attach the sides to the top and bottom pieces using wood glue and screws.
- Install the shelves according to your planned layout, securing them with glue and screws.
3. Install the Drawer Slides
- Attach one part of the drawer slides to the sides of the spice rack.
- Attach the other part of the drawer slides to the inside of the cabinet.
4. Finishing Touches
- Sand down any rough edges and wipe away dust.
- Apply paint or a finish of your choice to protect the wood and enhance its appearance.
Drawing of the spice rack cabinet showing the top of the plywood spice rack.
Tips for Spice Rack Organization
- Label Clearly: Use uniform labels on the tops of your spice jars for easy identification.
- Categorize: Group similar spices together (baking spices, herbs, etc.) for efficient cooking.
- First In, First Out: Rotate older spices to the front to prevent spoilage.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve just created a beautiful and functional DIY pull-out spice rack. Now you can say goodbye to kitchen chaos and hello to perfectly organized spices. At Robert Kline Art, we believe that everyone can tap into their creative side. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this project your own.
Share your creations with us! We’d love to see your finished spice racks and hear your organizational tips.
Looking for more handmade gift ideas and DIY inspiration? Explore the unique creations on our website and discover the perfect handmade touch for your home.