DIY Spice Rack Ideas That Cost Almost Nothing

Why Build a Spice Rack Instead of Buying One

Store-bought spice racks range from $15 for a basic step shelf to $80 or more for wall-mounted magnetic strips or carousel units. A DIY version can cost under $10 if you use materials you already own, and it can be sized to fit your exact cabinet or counter space rather than forcing your kitchen to fit a standard product.

Building your own also lets you choose the visibility level. Spices stored in opaque containers on a high shelf are easy to forget, which leads to buying duplicates. A DIY rack that displays labels at eye level or on an open shelf makes it easier to see what you have, so you use what you buy and spend less over time.

The projects below range from a zero-cost repurpose to a $15 wood build. Each one requires basic tools you likely own—a drill, a saw, or just a screwdriver. None of them need specialty hardware, and all of them can be completed in an afternoon.

Repurpose a Picture Frame or Crate for a Wall-Mounted Rack

A shallow wooden crate, a deep picture frame, or even a cutlery tray can become a wall-mounted spice rack in under an hour. The key is finding something with a flat back and a lip at the front to keep jars from sliding off. A crate from a grocery store, a thrift-store frame, or a wooden wine box all work well.

To mount a crate, attach two small L-brackets to the bottom edge and one to each side, then screw them into wall studs or use drywall anchors. If you are using a picture frame, remove the glass and backing, then add a thin plywood shelf at the bottom by cutting a piece to fit and securing it with wood glue and finishing nails.

This approach costs nothing if you already have the crate or frame. It also uses vertical wall space, which is ideal for kitchens with limited counter area. Paint the frame or crate to match your kitchen, or leave it unfinished for a rustic look.

• Check the depth: your spice jars must sit fully inside without the front lip covering the labels.
• Use L-brackets rated for at least 10 pounds; a full rack of spices can weigh that much.
• For drywall, use toggle bolts or anchors rated for the weight.

Turn a Wooden Dowel and Scrap Board into a Stair-Step Shelf

A stair-step shelf holds two rows of jars at different heights, so you can see the labels in the back row. You can build one from a 1x6 board, a few short dowels, and wood glue. The total cost is about $8 if you buy the wood, or nothing if you have scrap.

Cut the 1x6 board to the width of your cabinet or counter space, then cut two shorter pieces for the risers. Glue the risers to the base to create two levels, then attach a thin dowel or small molding strip along the front edge of each level to keep jars from tipping forward.

Sand all edges, then finish with a food-safe sealant or leave bare wood. This rack works best on a countertop or inside a cabinet, and it can be sized to fit a specific drawer. For a no-glue version, stack two small cutting boards or a muffin tin upside down to create the same step effect.

Magnetic Spice Rack from a Repurposed Baking Sheet

A metal baking sheet can be mounted on a wall or inside a cabinet door to hold magnetic spice jars. This project costs about $10 if you buy small magnetic tins and a baking sheet from a dollar store. The sheet itself can be a thrifted cookie sheet or a galvanized steel panel from a hardware store.

Attach the baking sheet to the wall with heavy-duty adhesive strips rated for the weight, or screw it through the corners into studs. Then transfer your spices into small tins with magnetic lids, or glue small magnets to the bottom of your existing jars. Label the lids with a permanent marker or a label maker.

This rack keeps spices visible and easy to reach, but it requires that you decant your spices into magnetic containers. If you prefer not to transfer spices, skip this project. It works best for a small collection of frequently used spices, not for bulk storage.

Use a Tension Rod and Binder Clips for a No-Drill Drawer Rack

If you cannot drill into walls or cabinets, a tension rod inside a drawer or cabinet can create a simple spice divider. Place a tension rod across the inside of a drawer, then hang binder clips from the rod. Each clip can hold a small spice bag or a flattened envelope with a label.

This project costs under $5 for a tension rod and a pack of binder clips. It requires no tools and no permanent changes to your kitchen. The downside is that it only works for lightweight packaging, such as foil pouches or thin plastic bags, not glass jars.

For a slightly sturdier version, use a tension rod inside a deep cabinet and hang small baskets or mesh bags from S-hooks. This keeps spices visible and easy to grab, and you can adjust the height as your collection changes.