How to Make a Wooden Spice Jar Rack

Cut out the holding block parts:

There are 3 jar holding blocks required, with a finished size of 1-5/8”W x 1-1/2”T x 12”L. These are made from a standard 1”x 8” piece of hardwood of your choice, I used red oak. Cut 6 pieces 1-7/8” wide x 12-1/2” long (see drawing). The material is already ¾” thick so 2 pieces together will be 1-1/2” thick.

Glue blocks together:

Face glue 3 sets of 2 pieces each with wood glue. I use Titebond II. Clamp together using moderate pressure. Remember to only glue 3 sets, not every piece. After 45 min. the glue will become “gummy” enough to scrape off the squeeze out.

Cut the mounting straps to size:

When the glue is dry, I let it go overnight, size the blocks to finished dimensions 1-5/8”W x 1-1/2”T x 12”L. Cut and size the 2 mounting straps 1-1/2”W x 3/8”T x 13-3/4”L. These are also cut from the standard 1”x 8” (see drawing).

Layout drill holes:

Refer to the drawing and layout the blocks for the drilling of the 1-7/8 pockets. Layout the spacing between each pocket, 6 places, on each block but the distance from the back edge only has to be laid out on one block. You’ll see how to repeat this location using a simple fence on the drill press.

Drill the holes:

Use a 1-7/8” forstner bit to cut the pockets. Being that they are not complete holes, this MUST be done with a drill press. Screw a fence (scrap of wood) to your sacrificial table and this will assure a positive location of the pocket from the back edge of the block.

Set the depth stop:

Set the depth stop on the drill press so that ¼” of material remains for the pocket. Be careful and take your time drilling so you get nice smooth holes. Drill all 3 blocks for a total of 15 pockets.

Test the fit for your spice jars:

Now you can see how the jars fit, not tight and you will be able to read the label at the front.

Prepare the surfaces for a finish:

Drill the 3/16” holes in the 2 mounting straps. Break all the sharp corners on all the parts, 3 jar holding blocks and 2 mounting straps. Use what you feel comfortable with, a block plane and sandpaper work well. Now is the time to sand all surfaces smooth and remove pencil marks etc. I sand surfaces up to #180 grit in preparation of the finish.

Apply a finish:

Apply a finish to all the parts. I like using a wipe on poly finish because the irregular surfaces make using a brush very difficult. Follow the package directions on the finish and when dry, assembly is next.

Assemble the parts:

Follow the drawing for assembly guidelines. Keeping the assembly nice and square is more important than holding the assembly dimensions. I listed using #8 wood screws because I always keep #8’s on hand. Using #6 wood screws would be plenty strong also.

Ta-da!:

I am showing a finished rack in use, mounted under a cabinet next to a stove. They can be installed anywhere that’s convenient for the cook, even on the inside of a cabinet door.