It's easy to build a plate rack, and so functional! Plate racks take up less space and offer a design element as well. Build one!
Hi everyone! Happy weekend!
Thank you so much for all the postive feedback and lakes and shares on our DIY Kitchen we built for our cabin. I do look at these things, and it does make my day, and help me determine what direction I should go with for future projects. We very much appreciate you.
Did you notice the plate rack?
As our kitchen came together, the only area left for wall cabinets was on either side of the stove. I choose open shelving instead of wall cabinets (will share plans soon for the open shelving) to keep the area light and open, and also to be able to span over the stove. With wall cabinets, I'd have to make three cabients - two standard length cabinets beside the stove and one shorter one above the stove for fire safety.
I love how the open shelving came together, and it is much more "cabiny" than tradditional wall shelves.
But this meant we sacrificed storage, especially for dinner ware. Where are we going to put the plates?
We had a blank wall on the other side of the stair case, so I thought, what about a plate rack? A plate rack would add a design element to the kitchen - cheaper than artwork, and functional too! Traffic-wise, when the cabin is full of guests, it would also mean the dishes are in easy reach (instead of everyone crammed in the corner by the stove).
So here is our diy plate rack, made full length to fit the wall -
I just love how it turned out! We just used 1x4s and 1x2s to make it, painted white.
Actually, this is the second paint job -
I left this exact diagram for the guys to finish the plate rack while I had to be off site for a couple of days. When I came back, the plate rack looked exactly like this diagram. Exactly. Even the 1x2 boards were all painted turquoise blue. I did say "1x2s are blue". We all had a chuckle about it, and I'm super mad at myself that I didn't grab a photo.
Hope you enjoy the plans, and if you do build, please share! Would love to see how your plate rack turns out too!
XO Ana
PS - Don't need a plate rack in your kitchen?
Plate racks are perfect for books, image from Martha Stewart
Storage and display in the bathroom, Citified.blogspot.com (now This is Glamourous)
Or what about cookbooks in the kitchen?
PSS - Don't forget - our cabin show premieres on Tuesday! Have you spotted the plate rack in the promos for it on DIYNetwork? So fun!
Preparation
4 - 1x4 @ 10 feet long 4 - 1x2 @ 8 feet long Can use 1-1/4" brad nails or crown stapler, 2" screws or pocket hole joinery preferred
Consider shortening width to 32" to optimize 8' board use, we were using scrap wood so made length to fit the wall 7 - 1x2 @ 34-1/2" 6 - 1x4 @ 34-1/2" 2 - 1x4 @ 62-3/4"
Please read through the entire plan and all comments before beginning this project. It is also advisable to review the Getting Started Section. Take all necessary precautions to build safely and smartly. Work on a clean level surface, free of imperfections or debris. Always use straight boards. Check for square after each step. Always predrill holes before attaching with screws. Use glue with finish nails for a stronger hold. Wipe excess glue off bare wood for stained projects, as dried glue will not take stain. Be safe, have fun, and ask for help if you need it. Good luck!
Instructions
Step 1
Since this project will be attached to the wall, you can use 1-1/4" brad nails or staples to build, but 2" screws or pocket hole joinery would be a better building method. Use glue at all joints. Adjust for square before glue sets. Hang to studs in wall at top and bottom 1x2 back cleats.
It is always recommended to apply a test coat on a hidden area or scrap piece to ensure color evenness and adhesion. Use primer or wood conditioner as needed.
Comments
dmcarwin
Sat, 12/12/2015 - 21:06
Love it!
Your plate rack looks great, and I am serioulsy cracking up that they painted it like your diagram...TOO funny!! :)
EmH-C
Sat, 09/24/2016 - 07:20
Just what we need!
I don't know how you do it, but it seems that when I need something I find the solution here! This will be brilliant for my son's books. We have so many it feels like we could open a preschoolers' library. With your plate rack design I can make a front-facing bookcase to fit in the small corridor outside his bedroom.
Thank you.