Hanging Cookware Rack

Hosts Pat Simpson and Jodi Marks show how to build a hanging pot rack using 2x4s and wooden dowels.

All About

Product Ideas

Materials and Tools:

2x4s
miter saw
safety glasses
dust mask
3/4-inch wooden dowel rods
150-grit sandpaper
drill press with 3/4-inch spade bit
tape measure
3-inch wood screws
random orbit sander
spackle
putty knife
paint
paintbrush
eye screws
S-hooks
chain

Steps:

1. Put on safety glasses and a dust mask and use the miter saw to cut 2x4s into two 38-inch long rails and two 25-inch long rails.

2. Cut the dowel rods into three 26-1/2 inch long pieces. Sand the cut edges of all pieces to smooth and remove cut marks.

Figure A

3. Measure and mark the location for the dowels, measuring from the center of each long rail and then to the left and to the right. Use a drill press to drill holes into the long rails to create accurate holes for the dowels. Use a 3/4-inch spade bit to bore 7/8-inch holes into the inside face of each of the long rails. Always wear safety glasses and a dust mask when working with power tools.

Figure B

4. Attach one end of a short rail to the inside face of one long rail using a butt joint. Then drive three 3-inch wood screws to secure the long rail to the short rail.

5. Insert the dowels into the holes and align the short rails with the ends of the long rails. Drive in three more wood screws to secure the last butt joint.

6. Sand the rack with a random orbit sander for a smooth finish and to prepare the surface for painting.

7. Spackle all of the screw holes and sand lightly after it dries. Begin painting starting on the interior, being careful to apply a smooth coat, then paint the face of the frame rails.

8. Install the screw eyes after the paint dries. Measure in 3 inches from the end of each long rail and mark the center of the top edge of the rail.

9. Drill a pilot hole at each mark and install a screw eye into each hole. Just remember not to space the screw eyes and hooks more than 48 inches off center. If your rack length is greater than 48 inches you need to add one set of screw eyes and hooks for each 48 inches.

10. Cut four pieces of chain twice as long as the distance from the top of the rack to the ceiling. Slip a piece of the chain through each screw eye and lay it over the top of the rack.

11. When hanging the rack, be sure you attach the chains to ceiling joists, not just into the drywall itself. If you're unsure about how to locate ceiling joists, hire a professional to hang the rack.