DIY Plate Rack
This simple display rack doubles as a storage unit and works well for walls that are hard to decorate. Customize the plate rack to fit a wide array of spaces.
September / October 2018
By Liz Fourez
Before We Begin
The length and size of the finished plate rack will depend on the size of the wall on which you’ll mount the display at home. Before cutting any wood, make sure to precisely measure the space you have available, and then cut to size where specified below. If you don’t have the tools to cut boards to size at home, your local home improvement center will do so for you.
Photo 1: The size of this finished display will depend on the size of the wall you have available. (Photo by Liz Fourez).
Supplies Needed
- Tape measure
- Miter or circular saw
- 1-by-2-inch board (1 or more, depending on size of space)
- 2-inch brad nails
- Brad nail gun
- Level
- Paint
- Paintbrush
- 1-inch lattice strip (length dependent on size of space)
- 1-3/4-inch lattice strip (length dependent on size of space)
- Caulk
Let’s Begin
1. Measure the space for your plate rack on your wall, and using a saw, cut four pieces from your 1-by-2 board. The length of these pieces will depend on the space you have available. Next, create a rectangular frame with the pieces, and nail the frame into the wall using 2-inch brad nails (see Photo 2).
Photo 2: Cut a rectangular frame to fit your wall, and nail it into place.
2. Measure the distance between the inside edges of the left and right sides of your frame, and cut another piece from the 1-by-2 board to create a shelf of that length. Center the shelf piece inside the frame, and make sure the shelf is level before securing it to the wall with brad nails (see Photo 3). Paint the plate rack frame and shelf, and allow all pieces to dry completely, about 4 hours (see Photo 4).
Photo 3: The middle shelf of your plate rack should fit perfectly between the inside edges of your frame.
3. Measure the distance between the outside edges of the left and right sides of your plate rack frame, and cut 2 pieces of 1-inch lattice strip to that length. Cut 2 pieces of 1-3/4-inch lattice strip to that same length. Use brad nails to attach a 1-3/4-inch lattice over the middle 1-by-2 piece. The lattice strip should sit flush with the bottom of the piece. Attach a 1-inch lattice strip above the other lattice using brad nails, leaving about a 2-inch gap in between (see Photo 5). Repeat this process for the bottom shelf using the remaining two pieces of lattice.
Photo 4: Paint your plate rack in whichever color will fit your space (and your plates!) best.
4. Caulk any seams between the boards and the wall. Finish painting the lattice strips on the plate rack. When dry, display your favorite plates on the shelves!
Photo 5: The 1-3/4-inch lattice strip should fit flush with the bottom of the shelf it covers, and the 1-inch lattice strip will sit 2 inches above that.
Reprinted with permission fromA Touch of Farmhouse Charmby Liz Fourez, published by Page Street Publishing Co.
