Two-Tier Drawer Spice Rack
Updated: Jan. 21, 2021Build a drawer spice rack that doubles your spice storage in a couple of hours
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.
- Time
- Complexity
- Cost
- A full day
- Intermediate
- $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.
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
