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

or mason jars with chalkboard labels

or as involved as DIYing an undermount spice shelf

or a back of the door spice organizer

or a custom spice shelf like this one.

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

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”
To start, I cut my 1 x 3s for the outside frame and shelves:
Then using wood glue and finishing nails, I built the basic cabinet, using my spices as a guide for the distance between shelves:
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.
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:
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.)
To finish this project, all I had to do was add hinges, hanging hardware, and a pretty knob.
This was the perfect solution to my messy spice cabinet!
No more fussing over finding what I need!
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!
If you like what you see, there are several ways to follow along!
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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.
Thanks again for inviting me to hang out with your lovely readers! 🙂
Thanks for coming over, Christy!
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. :))
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.
Thanks, Paulita – we’d love to see pics!
Awesome project. where did you get the metal grates? I love them.
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.
My main concern is hanging/attaching it to the cupboard. That last step would have been nice.