DIY Spice Rack for Cabinet Door
If you love to cook, you know the struggle: digging through a cluttered cabinet to find the cumin while the onions burn. Spices take up valuable shelf space, but they are small enough to fit almost anywhere.
The best “hidden” real estate in your kitchen is the back of your cabinet doors. Building a custom DIY spice rack for cabinet door storage is a quick project that costs less than $20 but makes your kitchen feel twice as big. Here is how to build one that actually fits your jars.
1. The Classic “Wood Strip” Rack
Best for: Custom sizing.
This is a fully custom wood build.
- Materials: Use thin “Hobby Board” (1/4 inch thick) or strips of lath (1.5 inches wide).
- The Design: Build a shallow box (frame) with a bar across the front to keep jars from falling.
- Assembly: Use Titebond Wood Glue and small brad nails. Glue is crucial here because thin wood splits easily with screws.
- Mounting: Use short screws (measure your door thickness first!) or heavy-duty Command Strips if you are renting.
2. The “Elastic Bungee” Holder
Best for: Odd-shaped bottles.
If you have giant bottles of olive oil mixed with tiny spice tins, wood might be too rigid.
- The Build: Screw two vertical strips of wood to the door.
- The Holder: Staple lengths of Shock Cord horizontally between the strips.
- Function: Slide the bottles behind the elastic. The tension holds them tight against the door, regardless of their shape.
3. The “Acrylic” Invisible Shelf
Best for: Modern kitchens.
If you don’t want to cut wood, install a pre-made system.
- The Product: Use clear Acrylic Wall Shelves designed for nail polish or spices.
- The Look: They are invisible and easy to wipe clean.
- Placement: Stagger them on the door so they fit between your existing cabinet shelves when the door closes.
PRO TIP: Measuring the “Swing Clearance”
The #1 mistake with a DIY spice rack for cabinet door project is that the door won’t close.
The Test:
- Open your cabinet.
- Place a spice jar on the existing inner shelf (where it usually sits).
- Measure the distance between the front of that shelf and the closed door.
- If your shelves go all the way to the front, you might need to trim the inner shelves back by 2 inches to make room for the door rack.
For more kitchen organization layouts, see this guide from Better Homes & Gardens.
FAQ: Spice Storage
Q: How heavy can a cabinet door rack be?
A: Cabinet hinges are strong, but don’t overload them. A standard DIY spice rack for cabinet door holding 20 plastic spice jars is fine. Avoid putting heavy glass jars or canned goods on the door, or the hinges will sag over time.
Q: What keeps the spices from falling when I slam the door?
A: You need a “lip” or a “rail.” If building with wood, ensure the front rail is at least 1 inch high. If using the bungee method, ensure the cord is very tight.
Q: Does heat affect spices?
A: Yes. Never install a spice rack on the door of the cabinet directly above the stove or next to the oven. Heat kills flavor. Pick a pantry door or a cabinet away from heat sources.
