How to Create an Oak Spice Rack Cabinet

Measure and cut two pieces of 1-by-3-inch oak wood to a length of 18 inches. These will be the sides of the spice rack. Repeat this process to cut four more pieces to a length of 12 inches. These pieces will be the top, bottom and two shelves.

Spread a small amount of wood glue on the short edges of two of the 12-inch pieces and secure them to the side panels to form a basic box shape. Drive two small wood screws or nails into each joint.

Slide the two shelves into the rack so that there is an equal amount of space between both shelves and the top and bottom of the rack. Secure these with two wood screws or nails.

Fill in the holes from the screws or nails with wood putty that is meant for use on oak wood. Scrape the putty over the holes with a putty knife. Allow the putty to dry.

Sand down every surface on the spice rack with 100-grit sandpaper, paying particular attention to the areas where you applied putty -- these should be sanded until they are perfectly flush with the rest of the wood.

Sand the wood a second time with 220-grit sandpaper. Wipe away all of the dust with a tack cloth.

Stain or paint the wood as desired. If you prefer not to add color, or prefer a simple oiled look, apply water-based polyurethane or oil-based polyurethane, respectively. The latter will give the wood a warm, amber glow. Water-based polyurethane will protect the wood without changing the color.

Allow the spice rack to dry. Drill four keyholes into the back of the spice rack with a drill fitted with a keyhole bit. Mark your wall to correspond to the holes you made in the spice rack -- drive screws or nails into the wall and use them to hang your spice rack.