--- title: Step-by-Step Guide to Building a Budget-Friendly DIY Spice Rack for Small Kitchens siteUrl: https://logzly.com/spicerackdiy author: spicerackdiy (Spice Rack DIY) date: 2026-06-16T15:22:20.930984 tags: [spicerackdiy, homeorganization, budgetdiy] url: https://logzly.com/spicerackdiy/step-by-step-guide-to-building-a-budget-friendly-diy-spice-rack-for-small-kitchens --- **Disclosure: We are reader supported, and earn affiliate commissions when you buy through us.** If you’ve ever tried to find cumin in a drawer full of random jars, you know the chaos a cramped kitchen can cause. A tidy [spice rack](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=spice+rack&tag=organizationtip101-20) not only saves time, it makes cooking feel like a breeze instead of a [scavenger hunt](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=scavenger+hunt&tag=organizationtip101-20). Below is my favorite way to build a simple, cheap rack that fits even the tiniest countertops. ## Why a Small Spice Rack Matters Living in a city apartment means every inch counts. A bulky rack can steal precious prep space, while a [well‑designed rack](/spicerackdiy/step-by-step-guide-to-a-space-saving-diy-spice-rack-for-small-kitchens) turns a wall or the inside of a cabinet into a fragrant showcase. When your spices are visible and organized, you’re more likely to experiment with new flavors – and that’s exactly the kind of kitchen joy I love sharing on Spice Rack DIY. ## Materials You’ll Need - **Wood board** – 1‑by‑4 pine, about 12‑inch long (you can find this at any home store for under $5). - **Small [metal brackets](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=metal+brackets&tag=organizationtip101-20)** – two L‑shaped pieces, about 2 inches long. - **Screws** – 1‑inch [wood screws](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=wood+screws&tag=organizationtip101-20), a handful. - **Sandpaper** – 120 grit for smoothing edges. - **[Paint or stain](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=paint+or+stain&tag=organizationtip101-20)** – optional, but a light coat adds personality. - **Drill** – a basic [cordless drill](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Cordless+Drill&tag=organizationtip101-20) works fine. - **[Measuring tape](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Measuring+tape&tag=organizationtip101-20)** – a simple ruler will do. - **[Spice jars](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=spice+jars&tag=organizationtip101-20)** – I use 4‑inch [glass jars](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Glass+jars&tag=organizationtip101-20) with uniform lids; they stack nicely. All of these items are budget‑friendly and can be swapped for [recycled wood](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=recycled+wood&tag=organizationtip101-20) or even [sturdy cardboard](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=sturdy+cardboard&tag=organizationtip101-20) if you’re really pinching pennies. For tips on maintaining order throughout the year, explore our guide on [keeping your spice cabinet organized](/spicerackdiy/5-proven-strategies-to-keep-your-spice-cabinet-organized-all-year-long). ## Step 1: Measure Your Space First, decide where the rack will live. A common spot is the side of the stove or the inside of a [pantry door](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=pantry+door&tag=organizationtip101-20). Use the measuring tape to note the width and height available. For a tiny kitchen, a 12‑inch wide rack with three rows of jars fits most spaces without crowding the countertop. ## Step 2: Cut and Prep the Wood If you bought a pre‑cut board, skip to sanding. Otherwise, ask the store to cut the pine to your measured length – most places do this for free. Sand both sides until the wood feels smooth to the touch. This step prevents splinters and gives the paint a nice surface to cling to. ## Step 3: Paint or Stain (Optional) I love a soft pastel on my [spice racks](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=spice+racks&tag=organizationtip101-20) because it adds a pop of color without clashing with kitchen décor. Apply a thin [coat of paint](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=coat+of+paint&tag=organizationtip101-20) or stain, let it dry for an hour, then add a second coat if needed. If you prefer a natural look, a [clear sealant](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=clear+sealant&tag=organizationtip101-20) works just as well. ## Step 4: Attach the Brackets Place the two metal brackets on the back of the board, one near each end, about an inch from the top edge. Mark the [screw holes](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=screw+holes&tag=organizationtip101-20) with a pencil, then [drill pilot holes](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=drill+pilot+holes&tag=organizationtip101-20) – this stops the wood from splitting. Screw the brackets in tightly; they will hold the rack on the wall or inside a cabinet. ## Step 5: Install the Rack For a wall‑mounted version, locate a stud or use [wall anchors](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Wall+anchors&tag=organizationtip101-20) if you’re hanging on drywall. Hold the board level, mark the wall through the bracket holes, drill [pilot holes](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=pilot+holes&tag=organizationtip101-20), then screw the brackets into place. If you’re mounting inside a [cabinet door](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=cabinet+door&tag=organizationtip101-20), simply screw the brackets directly into the wood of the door. ## Step 6: Arrange Your Spices Now for the fun part. Sort your jars by [frequency of use](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Frequency+of+Use&tag=organizationtip101-20) – everyday staples like salt, pepper, and [garlic powder](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=garlic+powder&tag=organizationtip101-20) go on the top row. Less‑used spices can sit on the lower rows. Keep the lids facing forward so you can read labels at a glance. I like to label each jar with a [small chalkboard](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Small+chalkboard&tag=organizationtip101-20) sticker; it adds a rustic touch and makes swapping jars a breeze. ## Step 7: Maintain and Tweak A spice rack is a living thing. As you discover new flavors, move jars around to keep the most used within arm’s reach. Every few months, wipe the shelves with a [damp cloth](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=damp+cloth&tag=organizationtip101-20) to remove any spills. If the [paint chips](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=paint+chips&tag=organizationtip101-20), a quick touch‑up will keep it looking fresh. ## My Personal Shortcut When I first built a rack for my [studio apartment](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=studio+apartment&tag=organizationtip101-20), I used an [old picture frame](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Old+picture+frame&tag=organizationtip101-20) as the back panel. The frame gave extra rigidity and a decorative edge, all for the price of a few dollars. Feel free to get creative – [reclaimed pallet](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=reclaimed+pallet&tag=organizationtip101-20) wood, a [vintage tray](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=vintage+tray&tag=organizationtip101-20), or even a sturdy piece of cork can become the base of your rack. ## Final Thoughts A [DIY spice rack](/spicerackdiy/step-by-step-guide-to-building-a-budget-friendly-diy-spice-rack-for-small-kitchens) doesn’t have to be a massive project or cost a fortune. With a few simple tools, a modest [piece of wood](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=piece+of+wood&tag=organizationtip101-20), and a dash of personal style, you can turn a cluttered corner into a tidy, aromatic hub. The best part? Every time you reach for a jar, you’ll feel a little more organized and a lot more inspired to cook.