How to Make a Wooden Herb Dryer

Love the taste of your garden herbs and want to enjoy them all year long? Build your own outdoor herb dryer in just a day with the help of our guide.

Skill

Advanced

Time

One Day

Plan :

Before You Begin

Familiarize yourself with this project by downloading the plan and giving it a look before starting.

1
Build the Box Structure
Steps:
1.1
Cut the plywood sheet into a square with 24” x 24” dimensions.
1.2
Cut the 2x2 pieces for the top, back, left, and right frames according to plan dimensions.
1.3
Use 2 1/2” treated wood screws to assemble all the frames.
1.4
Cut a rectangle from the mesh screen large enough to stretch over the wood frame.
1.5
Use a stapler to secure the screen to the frame, ensuring that it is tightly stretched.
1.6
Use a hammer to lightly drive the staples further in if necessary.
1.7
Attach the lateral frames to the plywood base, followed by the back frame. The mesh screen side should be inside the box.
1.8
Screw the top frame from inside the box to conceal the screws.

Pro Tip

You can often find wood and plywood cuttings in store next to the cut shop, so go ahead and take a look!

2
Build the Drawers
Steps:
2.1
Build the frames for the drawers with 21 1/2” x 21 1/2” dimensions.
2.2
Cut the 2x2s and cut and install the mesh according to the steps above.

3
Attach the Drawer Supports
Steps:
3.1
Cut 12 of the 2x2s into 24” pieces.
3.2
Mark where the shelves will sit and secure a 2x2 piece 2” below the location on both sides.
3.3

Set the drawer on top of the bottom supports to mark the location for the top supports. Install them.

Pro Tip

Adding top supports will keep the drawer from tipping when you slide it out.

4
Install the Door
Steps:
4.1
Follow the plan to cut the 1x2s into two pieces of 21", two pieces of 24", two pieces of 33", and two pieces of 36".
4.2
Set the 1x2 pieces flat on a table and assemble the door frames temporarily by securing each joint with three staples. Tap the staples lightly with a hammer to drive them further, if needed. Check that the frames are straight using a level.
4.3
Cut the mesh screen into a size 1" longer than the frames on all sides. Keeping the mesh taught, staple it to the first frame. Use a utility knife to cut off the overhanging mesh.
4.4
Put the second frame on top of the first one and use clamps to keep them together. Secure the two frames with 1” treated wood screws.
4.5
Install the door handle and the two hinges onto the frame. Screw the hinges to the box to install the door.

Pro Tip

Add extra stability by positioning the first and second frame joints in different spots.

5
Add the Final Touches
Steps:
5.1
Attach the gate hook and eye.
5.2
Add caster wheels to the bottom of the rack for easy mobility.
5.3
If you intend to keep the herb rack outside, add a wood preservative to all cut surfaces and the plywood.

Disclaimer

These tutorials are provided for informational purposes only. The information contained in Lowe’s tutorials is intended to provide general guidelines to simplify jobs around the house. Because tools, products, materials, techniques, building codes, and local regulations are continually changing, Lowe’s Companies Canada ULC assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of the information contained herein and disclaims any liability for the omissions, errors, or outcome of any project. Lowe’s Companies Canada ULC. makes no representation on the feasibility of any project and the viewer bears all risks coming with the realization of the projects. It is the responsibility of the viewer to ensure compliance with all applicable laws, rules, codes, and regulations for a project. The viewer must always take proper safety precautions and exercise caution when taking on any project. If there is any doubt in regard to any element of a project, please consult a licensed professional.