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Two-Tier Drawer Spice Rack

Updated: Jan. 21, 2021

Build a drawer spice rack that doubles your spice storage in a couple of hours

FH15FEB_SPCDWR_01-2Family Handyman

This spice rack drawer is not only a space-saver but also a smart organizer since all the spices are in one place, face up. We used the same basic design to make a two-tier utensil drawer too.

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Time
A full day
Complexity
Intermediate
Cost
$51–100

Make a two-tier spice or utensil drawer

Photo 1: Cut away the top half of the drawer back

Use a jigsaw to cut away a little more than half of the drawer back.

Photo 2: Install the tray slides

Secure full-extension drawer slides to the top inside edges of the drawer. Install them “backward” so they extend toward the back of the drawer. It’s OK if they run an inch or so beyond the back of the drawer; most cabinets have extra space in back.

Photo 3: Build the upper tray

Since most standard drawer glides are 1/2 in. wide, build your tray 1 in. narrower (or a hair less) than the inside width of the drawer. Build your tray the same length as the inside drawer length. Install partitions according to your needs.

Photo 4: Install the tray

Attach the plywood bottom to the tray with nails or brads. Screw the tray to the drawer slides so the top of the tray is flush with the top of the drawer. Then reinstall the drawer.

Recently we remodeled our kitchen: new cabinets, countertops, appliances, the works. Yet the first thing we show off when people visit isn’t the fancy new stove, but the $20 two-tier spice tray. When we open the drawer, we can slide the top tray all the way back into the cabinet to access the entire bottom layer; no need to lift out a separate tray or sort through layers of stuff.

Do a little measuring before diving into this project. You can install the 1-3/4-in.-thick tray (like ours) if your drawer is at least 4 in. deep on the inside. Also, these trays are most useful if your existing drawers have (or you install) fullextension slides on the main drawer.

Figure A: Spice Drawer

Assemble the two-tier drawer spice rack and attach it to your existing drawer using this diagram.

Required Tools for this Project

Have the necessary tools for this DIY project lined up before you start—you’ll save time and frustration.

  • Air compressor
  • Air hose
  • Brad nail gun
  • Cordless drill
  • Jigsaw
  • Miter saw

Required Materials for this Project

Avoid last-minute shopping trips by having all your materials ready ahead of time. Here’s a list.

  • 2’ x 4’ 1/2” Plywood
  • Brad nails
  • Drawer slides