Creating a wooden spice drawer with dividers is a rewarding woodworking project that adds both functionality and style to your kitchen. The process is fairly simple, and with a few tools and the right materials, you can create a custom spice drawer that fits your needs perfectly. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you build your own spice drawer with dividers:
Materials and Tools Required
Materials:
- Hardwood (maple, oak, or cherry are great choices)
- Drawer slides (depending on your preference: side-mount, under-mount, or soft-close slides)
- Wood glue
- Wood screws
- Sandpaper (80, 120, 220 grit)
- Finish or wood sealer (optional)
Tools:
- Table saw or circular saw
- Miter saw or hand saw
- Drill and drill bits
- Screwdriver
- Wood clamps
- Measuring tape
- Square
- Pencil for marking
- Wood router (optional for finer details)
Step 1: Measure the Drawer Space
Before you begin cutting any wood, measure the dimensions of the space where you want to install the spice drawer. Take note of the drawer depth, width, and height. This will give you an accurate idea of how much wood you’ll need and what size dividers will fit best.
Pro tip: If you’re replacing an existing drawer, take precise measurements of the interior to ensure the new drawer fits well.
Step 2: Cut the Main Drawer Pieces
Start by cutting the wood for the sides, bottom, and front of the drawer. Here are the basic dimensions you’ll need to cut:
- Sides: Two pieces to form the left and right sides of the drawer.
- Front and Back: Two pieces that will form the front and back of the drawer.
- Bottom: One piece that covers the entire base of the drawer.
Use a table saw or circular saw to cut the wood to the desired dimensions. Make sure all edges are square for a clean fit.
Step 3: Assemble the Drawer Box
Once the pieces are cut, you can begin assembling the box. Apply wood glue to the edges of the sides and attach them to the front and back pieces. Use clamps to hold everything in place until the glue dries. For additional strength, you can reinforce the joints with screws or dowels.
If you prefer a more professional look, you can create dovetail or box joints, but this step is optional and requires more advanced woodworking skills.
Step 4: Install the Drawer Bottom
After the sides are attached, slide the bottom piece into place. You can either place it inside the grooves (if your design includes grooves) or attach it directly to the bottom of the drawer using wood glue and screws.
If you’re looking to make the drawer bottom more decorative, you could use a piece of plywood with a unique finish.
Step 5: Create the Dividers
Now it’s time to create the dividers for your spice drawer. The dividers will help organize your spices and keep everything neatly in place.
Measure the Spice Jars: Measure the width, height, and depth of your spice jars to determine how many dividers you’ll need and their spacing. A typical spice jar is around 2-3 inches wide, but check to ensure your dividers are the correct size.
Cut the Divider Pieces: Cut thin strips of wood to the height and depth of the drawer. These will be your dividers. You’ll need enough strips to divide the drawer into sections that fit your spice jars.
Install the Dividers: Once your divider pieces are cut, it’s time to install them inside the drawer. Apply wood glue to the edges of each divider and position them evenly inside the drawer. Use clamps to hold them in place until the glue dries.
For added strength, you can also secure the dividers with small finishing nails or wood screws, making sure the holes are countersunk for a clean look.
Step 6: Sand and Finish the Drawer
Once the dividers are installed and the glue has dried, sand the entire drawer, including the dividers. Start with a coarser grit (80 grit) to smooth out any rough areas, then move to finer grits (120, 220) to achieve a smooth, polished finish.
If you want your spice drawer to have a natural wood finish, apply a wood sealer or finish of your choice. You can use an oil-based finish for a warm, deep look or a water-based finish for a more natural appearance. Allow the finish to dry thoroughly before moving on to the next step.
Step 7: Attach the Drawer Slides
Before you install the spice drawer, you’ll need to add the drawer slides. If you’re using side-mount slides, you can attach them to the sides of the drawer box and the inside of the cabinet or drawer opening.
Follow the instructions provided with your drawer slides for installation. For soft-close slides, make sure the mechanism is correctly positioned for smooth operation.
Step 8: Install the Drawer
Once the drawer slides are in place, carefully insert the spice drawer into the cabinet or drawer frame. Test the drawer to ensure it opens and closes smoothly, and adjust the slides if necessary.
Step 9: Organize Your Spices
Now that your spice drawer is complete, you can start organizing your spices. Place the spice jars into the designated sections of the drawer, ensuring they fit snugly and are easy to access. You may want to label each divider or spice jar for quick identification.
Final Thoughts
Building a wooden spice drawer with dividers is a practical and customizable project that can greatly improve the organization in your kitchen. Whether you opt for simple dividers or a more elaborate design, this project allows you to tailor the drawer to your specific needs. With a little time, effort, and some basic woodworking tools, you’ll have a functional and beautiful spice drawer in no time.
If you’re looking for more woodworking projects or inspiration, consider checking out Teds Woodworking Course here: Teds Woodworking Course