Open shelving in the kitchen has undeniably become the trendiest choice, and I must confess, I have an ardent affection for it. Nevertheless, sometimes embracing the latest fads can be a perplexing endeavor when your existing decor resists change. This conundrum was precisely the challenge I confronted in my kitchen.
Compounding this was the undeniable fact that my kitchen was petite and sorely lacking in cabinetry. The prospect of sacrificing this precious, much-needed private space seemed implausible.
However, the turning point came last spring when the long-awaited kitchen makeover finally commenced. A glimmer of creative potential revealed itself in an unexpected corner. Some years prior, we had removed a builder’s standard desk and overhead cabinet unit from this small nook, replacing it with a singular piece of furniture. As the renovation unfolded, it dawned on me that this space, and the furniture within it, possessed untapped potential. Currently, it was an abyss of darkness, dreariness, and outdated aesthetics. A single glance sufficed to establish this fact.
Determined to transform this forlorn corner, I immersed myself in a whirlwind of planning, Pinterest boards, sketches, and shopping excursions. Yet, after a few weeks, a disheartening truth confronted me. The options I encountered, predominantly plate racks, proved exorbitantly priced and persistently failed to align with the required dimensions. By the end of April, my kitchen was fully refurbished, with the exception of the conspicuous void above the resplendent blue chest. My spirits plummeted, and I found myself at an impasse.
Summer days flowed into one another, and before I knew it, autumn had arrived, casting its long shadow over my finished kitchen, punctuated only by the gaping expanse above the azure chest.
It was at this juncture that I recognized the need for decisive action. I saw two viable paths ahead: (A) discovering an economical means to install a plate rack in that space or (B) resigning myself to cease lamenting this predicament.
Without hesitation, I opted for the former, embarking on a journey that ultimately brought all the pieces together.
Step 1: Determine the Size and Create a Visual Template
Before diving into your DIY shelving project, it’s essential to determine the perfect size that suits your needs. To get started, follow these steps:
- Material Selection: Visit your local home improvement store and choose an appropriate material for your shelves. In this example, brown paper was used, but you can consider various options such as plywood, MDF, or solid wood, depending on your budget and aesthetic preferences;
- Estimate Dimensions: Based on your available space and storage requirements, estimate the dimensions of your shelving unit. It’s crucial to plan this out carefully to ensure it meets your needs;
- Create a Visual Template: Once you have your material and dimensions in mind, create a visual template. This can be a simple outline on the chosen material, giving you a tangible representation of your project’s scale. This step doesn’t require any high-tech tools; a straightforward template will do;
- Recycle and Save: Embrace eco-friendliness by reusing materials. In the example, blue tape recycled from a previous paint job was utilized for the template. It’s not only sustainable but also cost-effective.
Step 2: Build the Frame and Hanging Cleat
With your template in hand, it’s time to move on to constructing the frame and hanging cleat:
- Space Planning: Lay out your glasses and plates on the template to determine the ideal spacing between shelves. This ensures that your shelves are both functional and visually appealing;
- Skeleton Frame: Begin constructing the back skeleton frame using your chosen wood material. The horizontal pieces will serve as attachment points for the shelves, while the vertical pieces will support the sides of the unit;
- Counter-Sink Screws: It’s essential to counter-sink all the wood screws. This not only ensures a clean finish but also prevents any protruding screw heads that could damage your items or the wall;
- Wall Attachment: Position the back frame against the wall and securely attach strips of wood to the wall. These strips should be anchored into wall studs using extra-long wood screws. This ensures that your shelving unit can support the weight of your items without any concerns.
Step 3: Build the Front Part of the Rack
Moving forward in your DIY journey, focus on the front part of your rack:
- Covering the Back Frame: Remove the back frame from the wall temporarily and attach a piece of bead board using wood screws. This step not only adds visual appeal but also strengthens the back of your shelving unit;
- Shelf Attachment: After covering the back frame, the shelves will be attached from the back using wood screws. This method offers a clean look without visible screws on the front.
Step 4: Add the Sides, Caulk the Seams, and Wood Putty Over Screw Heads
Your project is nearing completion; here’s what to do next:
- Side Attachment: Securely attach the sides to the shelves using wood screws. This step provides stability to your shelving unit and gives it a polished appearance;
- Caulk Seams: Inspect your project for any seams or gaps that may need attention. Use caulk to fill in seams, creating a seamless and professional finish. It’s an essential step to enhance the overall appearance;
- Wood Putty: Locate the counter-sunk screw heads on both sides of each shelf and apply wood putty to cover them. This step not only conceals the screws but also allows for a smooth, paintable surface.
Step 5: Adding Trim for a Polished Look
Enhancing the aesthetics of your open shelving project involves more than just assembling the pieces. This step is all about giving your shelving unit that finishing touch that elevates its appearance to a new level. Follow these detailed steps to expertly glue trim onto the shelf ledges and the top of your unit:
Materials Needed:
- 3 – Furring strips for the back frame and cleats;
- 12 feet of 1 by 6 pine for the shelves;
- 12 feet of 1 by 8 pine for the sides (if available);
- 12 feet of quarter-round molding for the shelf ledges;
- 1 strip of scalloped molding (only a portion will be used);
- 1 sheet of beadboard (36 inches by 48 inches);
- Wood screws in various sizes (consult a home improvement expert for guidance);
- Caulk;
- Wood putty;
- Paint and brushes.
Steps:
- Begin by applying a thin, even bead of wood glue along the backside of quarter-round molding;
- Carefully position the molding onto the shelf ledges, ensuring a snug fit;
- Use painter’s tape to temporarily secure the molding in place while the glue dries. This tape will peel away cleanly once the glue is fully set;
- Repeat the same process for the top of your shelving unit, using the scalloped molding. Cut the molding to size as needed;
- Inspect the seams and edges of the molding carefully. Any gaps or imperfections can be filled in with caulk for a seamless finish;
- Allow the glue and caulk to dry completely before moving on to the next step.
By adding these decorative moldings, you’re not only ensuring a more refined look but also reinforcing the structure of your open shelving.
Step 6: Painting and Hanging with Precision
Once your shelving unit has been properly trimmed and any imperfections have been addressed, it’s time to prepare it for display. Painting and hanging are critical steps to achieve the desired look. Here’s a comprehensive guide to complete this stage:
Materials Needed:
- Paint and brushes;
- Wood screws;
- Wood putty.
Steps:
- Apply a couple of coats of paint to the entire shelving unit. Allow each coat to dry fully before applying the next. This will result in a smooth, flawless finish;
- After the paint is completely dry, it’s time to hang your unit on the wall. Use cleats for secure mounting;
- To ensure stability, drive wood screws into the unit at strategic points: left, center, and right under each shelf. Secure the top and bottom of the frame into the wall studs;
- The use of wood screws may seem excessive, but it’s essential for maintaining the structural integrity of your shelving unit;
- To conceal the screw heads, apply wood putty to fill the holes. Once it dries, lightly sand the area to create a seamless surface;
- Finish by touching up the painted areas where the wood putty was applied.
With a well-painted, securely mounted shelving unit, your kitchen or living space will not only look better but also be more organized.
Bonus Tip: Adding Functionality
Maximize the utility of your newly created open shelving by incorporating cutting boards made from the leftover lumber. Consider these suggestions for making the most of your space:
- Custom Cutting Boards: Cut your leftover lumber into various sizes to create custom cutting boards that fit perfectly on your shelves;
- Organization: Use these cutting boards to organize and display items like cheese, charcuterie, or even cookbooks;
- Personalization: Consider staining or painting the cutting boards to match your kitchen decor or add a personal touch;
- Practicality: Cutting boards not only enhance the visual appeal of your open shelving but also serve a functional purpose in your kitchen.
By utilizing leftover materials creatively, you can add both style and functionality to your open shelving project, making it a valuable addition to your home.
Conclusion
In conclusion, crafting your own DIY plate rack cabinet is a rewarding and practical project that offers numerous benefits. Not only does it allow you to customize your kitchen storage to suit your specific needs and aesthetic preferences, but it also provides a sense of accomplishment and pride in creating a functional piece of furniture with your own hands. Throughout this article, we’ve explored the step-by-step process of building a plate rack cabinet, from planning and design to construction and installation.