How to Build a Plate Rack

How to Build a Plate RackBuild your own display rack for your favourite plates. You can customize the length of the rack based on your needs, then paint it to match the style in your home. The rack dimensions will accommodate two standard-sized collector's plates, and we'll show you how to get it done, step by step.

Skill
Beginner
Time
Few Hours
Cost
Less Than $500

What You Need for This Project

Tools

Materials

Cut List

Part
  • Ledge
    Bottom
  • Material
    1 inch Oak or Pine
    1 in. Oak or Pine
  • Size
    5 in. Deep x 24 in. Wide
    3 in. Deep x 22 3/4 in. Wide
  • Quantity
    1
    1

    • Building a Plate Rack

    1. 1

      Cut & Prepare the Pieces


      Cut the pieces according to the cut list. Then, choose one of the following options for hanging.

    2. A: Measure in 2 1/2 in. and mark from each end of the back of the ledge. These marks are where you will align the sawtooth hangers.

    4. B: For permanent attachment to the wall, countersink three evenly-spaced holes in the bottom.

    5. Steps:

    Man outside using a jigsaw on a piece of wood
    1. 2

      Drill & Clamp

      Countersink three holes in the face of the ledge — one hole on each end, 3 1/2 in. from each side. Then countersink another hole in the middle at the 12 in. mark.


      Clamp the ledge to the bottom and pre-drill holes for the screws in the bottom.

    2. Steps:

    Man drilling a hole into a wood board
    1. 3

      Make a Decorative Edge

      Rout a decorative edge around the boards with a piloted bit, then rout the bottom face of the ledge and the front face of the bottom.

      Note: Don't rout the top face of the bottom piece or the back face of the ledge.

    2. Steps:

    Router beside a piece of wood with a channel in it
    1. 4

      Rout Dadoes

      Rout a 1/4 in. deep by 3/8 in. wide dado on the top face of the ledge piece. The rear of the dado should be 1 1/2 in. in from the back edge of the piece.

    2. Steps:

    Piece of wood with a dado on its underside
    1. 5

      Attach the Pieces

      Attach the ledge to the bottom using 1 1/4 screws. Place a screw head in each hole to cover each screw head.

    2. Steps:

    Hand drilling holes to attach one piece of wood to another
    1. 6

      Sand & Stain

      Sand the plate rack, then stain, paint, or stencil the piece however you'd like.

    2. Steps:

    Person sanding a wood board
    1. 7

      Attach to the Wall

      Use drywall screws to secure the rack to the wall. Finish off by placing screw covers in the remaining holes to cover the screw heads.

    2. Steps:

    Drill drilling a hole into a wall

    How to Terms

    Tools, products, materials, techniques, building codes, and local regulations change; therefore, Lowe's assumes no liability for omissions, errors, or the outcome of any project. The reader must always exercise reasonable caution, follow current codes and regulations that may apply, and is urged to consult with a licensed professional if in doubt about any procedures.

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