Time

An hour or less

Complexity

Beginner

Cost

$10-$20

Introduction

Store-bought utensil tray rattling in your silverware drawer? Build this DIY drawer organizer that fits well and holds everything nicely.

Introduction

Trying to organize the utensil drawer in your kitchen? You could buy a tray to hold everything, but chances are it’ll be too big or too small. Here’s a better idea: Build a custom drawer organizer to fit your utensils and your drawer.

Project Overview

Custom Tray Ta Fhm Silverware Drawer Organizer 05Family Handyman

Tools Required

  • Basic woodworking tools
  • Drill/driver
  • Miter saw / circular saw
  • Table saw

Materials Required

  • 1-1/2" trim screws
  • 1/2” Wood screws
  • 1/2” x 2’x2’ Maple plywood
  • 1/4” x 2’x2’ Maple plywood

Project step-by-step (4)

Step 1

Divide the Drawer

On the table saw, rip two pieces of 1/2-inch plywood so they’re one inch shorter than the height of the drawer. Cut one to length to fit the depth of the drawer, and the other six inches shorter than the width. Fasten them together with 1-1/2-inch trim screws to form a T-shape. Then position the T-shape inside the drawer and fasten it in place through the side and back.

Custom Tray 1 Fhm Silverware Drawer Organizer 02Family Handyman

Step 2

Make Storage Compartments

Create the compartments with spacers and partitions. For each compartment, fasten identical 1/4-inch plywood spacers to the drawer and the divider using 1/2-inch wood screws. Then cut and fit a partition from 1/4-inch plywood that sits against them. Hold the partition in place with another set of spacers.

Custom Tray 2 Fhm Silverware Drawer Organizer 03Family Handyman

Step 3

Fill the Sections and Customize

Continue to add spacers and partitions to fill both sections of the drawer. To make a wider compartment, cut the spacers for that compartment longer. Keep the long section undivided to store long handled wooden spoons, spatulas, and whisks. Customize the rest of the compartments to fit specific utensils.

Custom Tray 3 Fhm Silverware Drawer Organizer 04Family Handyman

Step 4

Organize Your Kitchen Drawer

With the compartments made, slide the drawer back in your cabinet and start organizing your flatware.