How to Make a Hanging Pot Lid Rack

Where can you store pot lids?

Space is at a premium in most kitchens. Storing pots and their lids requires large cabinets and locating the right lid is a challenge indeed. Suspending pots from a hanging rack is an alternative that many choose. But, where to put the lids? This hanging pot rack that you can make provides places for pots, as well as lid storage. It may be the answer that you have been looking for.

Things You'll Need

• 2 by 4 lumber (not pressure treated) 1 by 2 lumber Saw Measuring tape T square Power drill Electric screwdriver 3-inch wood screws Length of chain Bolt cutter Ceiling hooks Screw hooks Wood stain Soft cloths Stud finder

Instructions

Building

1. Determine the size of your pot rack. If you hang it over a kitchen island, make the rack somewhat smaller than the island. A rack that will hang over a counter should be smaller than the counter’s depth.

2. Cut two 2 by 4 boards to the length of your measurements and two to the desired width. Most lumber yards or building supply stores will cut boards to your dimensions. Otherwise use a handsaw or table saw to cut them.

3. Align the boards to form a frame. Use a T square to ensure that the corners are squared.

4. Connect the corners of the frame with two wood screws at each juncture.

5. Measure the width across the frame inside the boards for the length of the cross beams. Use a minimum of three crossbeams spaced evenly. More crossbeams can be used depending on the size of your rack. If beams are no more than 2 inches apart, pot lids can be placed vertically between them.

6. Cut 1 by 2 inch boards for the crossbeams according to your measurements.

   Attach crossbeams to the lower edge of the frame with wood screws. Use one screw on each end of the beam. Be sure that the beams are flush with the bottom of the frame.

Finishing

1. Apply wood stain to all surfaces of the rack with a soft cloth. Wipe excess stain with another cloth. It is not necessary to apply a polyurethane finish to the rack.

   Insert a screw hook at each corner on the top of the rack.

2. Locate the ceiling beams with a stud finder and mark the location lightly with a pencil. Position the pot rack so the corner screw hooks align with the beams.

3. Insert heavy duty screw hooks into the ceiling beams to align with the corners of the pot rack. You may need to drill starter holes in the beam before inserting the screw hooks.

4. Determine how low you want the pot rack to be. Consider the size of the pots that will be hanging from it. Position the rack so that you will not bump into it.

   Cut the chain into four equal lengths. Attach the chains to the rack and to the ceiling.

5. Attach screw hooks to the bottom edge of the rack to hang pots.

   Lay lids on the cross beams or hang them vertically through the slots created by the cross beams.

Tips & Warnings

• Before drilling into the ceiling beams check that electrical wiring does not track along the beams.

References

• All Things Frugal: How To Make Your Own Kitchen Pot Rack