How To Build A Space-Saving Spice Cabinet

Do you love to cook? Spices make cooking so fun — and kitchen organizing so frustrating! All the different sizes of bottles, and they never really fit in any cabinet or drawer just right. So, I’m always on the lookout for creative kitchen and spice organization. Which is why I love this great space-saving spice cabinet that our guest is here to share. It mounts right on the side of your kitchen cabinet, perfect for an end cabinet or by the sink!

Build a custom spice cabinet and save time and space in the kitchen! Tutorial from Confessions of a Serial DIYer on Remodelaholic.com

Spice organization can be as simple as a few dollar store items put to good use:

dollar store baskets and wire rack to organize spices, Frieda Loves Bread
Freida Loves Bread

or mason jars with chalkboard labels

chalkboard spice jars, Raising Up Rubies on IHeart Organizing
Raising Up Rubies on IHeart Organizing

or as involved as DIYing an undermount spice shelf

diy undermount spice rack, Beneath My Heart
Beneath My Heart

or a back of the door spice organizer

back of cabinet door spice organizer, via BHG
via Better Homes and Gardens

or a custom spice shelf like this one.

custom-built spice rack, One Project Closer on Remodelaholic
OPC The Better Half on Remodelaholic

But the good news is, even though Christy’s spice cabinet is custom and from scratch — it’s not difficult! This would be a great beginner DIY building project. Here’s Christy with all the details:

DIY Custom Spice Cabinet
by Christy of Confessions of a Serial DIYer

DIY Spice Cabinet | Confessions of a Serial DIYer on Remodelaholic.com

Hi, my name is Christy and I blog at Confessions of a Serial Do-it-Yourselfer. I am so excited to be sharing my spice cabinet today. This is the perfect weekend project to help get those spices organized and under control! Instead of wrestling with my spices in my narrow kitchen cabinet, I decided to build a separate cabinet for my spices, that hangs right on the end of my existing cabinet: Save space with a DIY spice cabinet on the side of the kitchen cabinet | Confessions of a Serial DIYer on Remodelaholic.com
The measurements I am using fit my kitchen cabinet, so the finished size will be 10″ x 30″. Be sure to measure yours before getting started in case you need to make any adjustments. Here is a list of supplies you will need to complete this project:
  • Two pieces of 6′ length 1 x 3s (more like 3/4 x 6 x 2.5), cut into two 30″ pieces and seven 8.5″ pieces
  • 7′ of 1 x 2 for the frame (actual measurement is more like 1.5 x 3/4)
  • Wood Glue
  • Finishing nails
  • Wood filler
  • 220 Grit sandpaper
  • Four “L” braces for the door frame
  • Material for door insert
  • Paint
  • Staple gun/ Staples
  • Magnetic closure
  • Knob
  • Hanging hardware called “Keyhole Fasteners”

build spice cabinet hardware, Confessions of a Serial DIYer on Remodelaholic

To start, I cut my 1 x 3s for the outside frame and shelves: how to build a custom spice cabinet, Confessions of a Serial DIYer on Remodelaholic

Then using wood glue and finishing nails, I built the basic cabinet, using my spices as a guide for the distance between shelves:

build a custom spice shelf and cabinet, Confessions of a Serial DIYer on Remodelaholic

Then I filled in the holes with wood filler and sanded lightly when dry. To build the door, I started with the frame (using 1 x 2s), mitering the edges to fit the dimensions of the cabinet. I secured each corner with a little wood glue and an “L” brace.

building a custom spice cabinet, Confessions of a Serial DIYer on Remodelaholic

For the door panel, I used a piece of metal grate we had left over from a previous project (=free!). My husband cut it to size and I simply secured it to the frame with a staple gun:

metal grate spice cabinet door, Confessions of a Serial DIYer on Remodelaholic

You could also use fabric instead of the metal grate for a fun look. Next, everything got a coat of spray paint except the front panel, which I taped off. ( I really liked the worn, metallic finish.)

diy spice cabinet detail, Confessions of a Serial DIYer on Remodelaholic

To finish this project, all I had to do was add hinges, hanging hardware, and a pretty knob.

space-saving spice cabinet tutorial | Confessions of a Serial DIYer on Remodelaholic.com

This was the perfect solution to my messy spice cabinet!

side of cabinet spice rack | Confessions of a Serial DIYer on Remodelaholic.com

No more fussing over finding what I need!

organized spice cabinet tutorial | Confessions of a Serial DIYer on Remodelaholic.com   space-saving DIY spice cabinet by Confessions of a Serial DIYer on Remodelaholic.com

I already had the paint, knob, and metal insert on hand, so my total out-of-pocket was around $20. Are you ready to build your own spice cabinet now? This was fun and simple.

If you enjoyed this, you’ll love seeing how I built my budget friendly Master Closet! Or maybe you prefer furniture makeovers, like this beautiful Dresser with Fabric Inlay that was a $20 yard sale find? If you stop by for a visit you’ll also find a few sewing tutorials like how to make super easy Outdoor Cushion Covers. I hope to see you there!

XO, Signature

If you like what you see, there are several ways to follow along! :)

Email * Facebook * Pinterest * Hometalk * Twitter * Instagram

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Thanks for sharing, Christy! Great project to solve a common kitchen organizing woe!

Head over to Confessions of a Serial DIYer to see what else Christy’s been up to — like destroying and rebuilding her sectional (!), building an awesome gate, and a quick and easy (and cute) drawer to mini bookshelf project

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Lorene has been behind the scenes here at Remodelaholic for more than a decade! She believes that planning projects and actually completing them are two different hobbies, but that doesn't stop her from planning at least a dozen projects at any given time. She spends her free time creating memories with her husband and 5 kids, traveling as far as she can afford, and partaking of books in any form available.

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8 Comments

  1. WONDERFUL, thorough and very creative tutorial, thank you! Makes me wonder what you are going to put on the end of the red caps of the spices. :))

  2. Thanks a lot for such a great share. I would have never thought of such a cabinet design. Really interesting!! I always went for an open cabinet when it comes to storage spaces of such frequently used stuffs; for the easiness of access. Recently, I made a hanging open shelf and it was one of the best designs I’ve tried. Next, new ideas from this design you’ve given and I’ll definitely tag you the pics of that project.

  3. I just love this idea! I live in a condo and am looking for inexpensive ideas to update and make use of the space I have so we can put it on the market in about 1 1/2 years and this fits the bill.
    Beauty about this project is you can make it smaller or larger.