How to Make a Roll Out Spice Rack

Measure the inside area that you want to build your roll out spice rack and write those measurements down on a piece of paper. You will need the width and depth of the area for sure. The height is important if you are building more than one shelf to fit in this area.

Subtract 2-1/2 inches from the width measurement and write that number down. Do the same for the depth measurement. Purchase a sheet of ¾-inch plywood that fits those new measurements or larger. Buy multiple if you are building multiple shelves.

Measure, mark and cut the plywood to fit those measurements, if needed.

Measure, mark and cut two 1 by 2-inch wood strips that are equal to the original depth measurement minus 2-1/2 inch, one 1 by 2-inch wood strip that is equal to the width measurement minus a half inch and a 1 by 3-inch section that is also equal to the width measurement minus a half inch.

Cover your workspace with newspapers. Place the two equal length 1 by 2-inch strips vertically on the sides of your wood panel so the bottom of the strips is flush with the sides and bottom of the plywood. Grab the other 1 by 2-inch strip and place it on the back of the plywood flush with the bottom, side and also the ends overlapping the other two strips.

Apply a bead of wood glue along the edge of the plywood and press the strips into place. Secure the wood in place even more with four penny finishing nails in each strip.

Grab the 1 by 3-inch strip and position it so the top of the strip sits flush with the other strips and dips down below the strips an inch. This will be the front of the rack. You will have to move your project to the edge of your work surface to do this. Secure it in place with glue and four nails as you did previously. Allow all glue to dry thoroughly before proceeding. Clean up any leaking glue with a clean washcloth.

Flip the dried project over so you can see the bottom. Measure and mark in 2-1/2 inch from the two sides that sit adjacent to the wider side. Measure and mark from a few different positions to make sure it is correct. Position two standard drawer slides on those marks, one on each side. Attach the slide with the screws provided by the manufacturer.

Measure and mark for two slides inside your cabinet or chosen roll out spice rack location. The measurement should be equivalent to the 2-3/4 inch mark from each side of the project space. Secure the slides in place with the screws provided.

Fill the nail holes with wood filler. Sand the rack and then proceed to paint or stain the wood any color you desire. Allow the project to dry before you line the slides up and push the rack into place.

Position the slides from the rack into the slides in your project space. If they don't line up, put the rack to the side and reposition the slides in the project space. Do this until the slides line up.

Repeat all steps if you are making multiple shelves. Just make sure you space the shelves so there is enough space to clear the spice containers. The slides should be positioned on the sides of the rack, not the bottom, if you are doing layered racks in one space.