Make a Wooden Spice Rack

Step-by-step instructions for building your own version of this kitchen staple

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Filed under: Storage, Organization, How To, Wood

Simple tools and jars from a craft store are all you need for this project. And besides using the rack for spices, you can also use it to store useful shop items like nails and tacks or even office supplies.

Materials and Tools:

lumber (2½ inches wide and ½-inch thick)
miter box
spice jars
tape measure
pencil
table saw with dado blade (optional)
jigsaw
chisel
hammer
sandpaper

Steps:

1. With a miter saw, cut the lumber into 10 pieces so there are two that are 12½ inches long, four that are 10 inches long and four that are 5 inches long.

2. Mark the slots that will connect them using the chosen spice jars to be sure they will fit. There are two ways to cut out the slots: Put a dado blade on a table saw and make several passes to remove the slot, or use a jigsaw to cut the long straight lines, and then knock the end of the slot out with a chisel and a hammer.

3. Sand the rough edges and check the fit (use a hammer to push them into place if necessary).

4. Paint or stain the rack as desired and put jars in place once dry.