The rails for the long sides of the track should be equal to the overall track length. For example, if the rack is 38 in. long, cut two 2x4s to be 38 in. long each.

The rails for the short sides or the rack should be 3 in. less than the overall width of the rack. For example, if your rack is 28 in. wide, your short rails will be 25 in. Cut two 2x4s so each one is 25 in. long.

The dowel rods should be 1 1/2 in. longer than the short rails. For example, if your short rails are 25 in. long, add 1 1/2 in. so the dowel rods are 26 1/2 in. long. Cut each dowel rod to this length.

Measure the diameter (in inches) of the largest item you intend to hang on the rack. Use that measurement as the on-centre (OC) spacing for the dowel rods. For example, if your largest pot or pan is 10 in. in diameter, the your OC dowel rod spacing will be 10 in.

Mark the centre of each long rail and measure to the left and right of the centre mark using the OC spacing. Continue measuring and marking until your measurements extend past the ends of the long rails.

For example, if your long rails are 38 in. long and your OC spacing is 10 in., divide the length of the long rail by 2. Measure the result (19 in.) to find the centre of each long rail. From the left end of each rail, measure 19 in. minus 10 in. (result: 9 in.). Measuring another OC spacing to the left extends the mark past the left end of the rail so you have one dowel rod left of the centre dowel rod. Mark the right side of the rail as a mirror to the left.

Cut the dowel rods to the predetermined length. For example, if your dowel rods are 26 1/2 in. long, cut them to that length.

Use a 3/4 in. spade or forstner bit to bore 7/8 in. deep dowel holes, centred on the marks you made for the dowels. The drilled face is the inside face of each rail.

Butt one end of each short rail to the inside face of one long rail. Flush one short rail with each end of the long rail. Use two 2 1/2 in. wood screws to secure the long rail to each short rail.

Stand the assembly on edge with the long rail down and insert dowels into the dowel holes.

Place the second long rail over the assembly. Insert the dowels into the dowel holes and align the short rails with the ends of the long rail. Use two 2 1/2 in. wood screws to secure the second long rail to each short rail.

Paint or stain the assembly to your liking. If you want, you can also add an accent of decorative moulding to the side rails of your rack.

Measure in 3 in. from the end of each long rail and mark the centre of the top edge of the rail. Bore a pilot hole at each mark 1/2 in. shallower than the threaded portion of the screw eye.

Fill the pilot holes halfway with silicone caulk and install a screw eye into each hole. Wipe away any excess caulk that squeezes out of the hole.

Have two helpers on ladders hold the rack upside down against the ceiling, directly above where it will hang. Make marks on the ceiling corresponding to the screw eyes in the rack. The marks on the ceiling represent the locations for the screw hooks.

Bore pilot holes into the ceiling 1/2 in. shallower than the threaded portion of the screw hook. If the screw hook holes don't fall on ceiling joists, install headers between the joists to hold the screw hooks.

Tip: If you don't have access to your ceiling joists, consider hiring a professional to install the rack.

Go into the attic and locate each hole in the ceiling.

Measure the distance between the joists and cut headers to fit between them. Insert a header over each hole and secure it to the joists with 20d nails at each end.

Go back and bore pilot holes in the headers 1/2 in. shallower than the threaded portion of the screw hook.

Fill the pilot holes halfway with silicone caulk and install a screw hook into each hole. Remove any caulk that squeezes out of the hole. Allow the caulk to cure according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Note: Don't space screw eyes and hooks more than 48 in. OC. If your overall rack length is greater than 48 in., add one set of screw eyes and hooks for each 48 in.

Measure the distance between the top of the rack to the ceiling. Double this number, and cut four pieces of chain to this length.

Slip a piece of chain through each screw and lay it over the top of the rack.

Have two helpers hold the rack in position while you place the end links of each piece of chain over the corresponding screw hooks.

Use S hooks to hang pots and pans from the dowels. Bend the top of the S hooks closed to keep them from coming unhooked from the dowel.

After your rack is up, accessorize it by wrapping artificial ivy around the chain or placing a basket of artificial plants or flowers on top of the rack.