How To Make Hanging Pot Racks To Diversify Your Kitchen Space

Hanging Pot Rack Over the Kitchen Island

Crowded cabinets and drawers can be a pickle in smaller kitchens. No matter the size, diversify your kitchen with a simple DIY hanging pot rack. It will not only save space but also boost its overall aesthetics.

DIY pot racks are pretty simple to make and don't require too many tools or materials. Using hooks, pipes, rods, and even leather straps to mount your pots and pans are a few ways to create an organized, open-concept kitchen. 

A hanging pot rack is an excellent space saver in the kitchen. Below are some unique ideas on how to make a hanging pot rack.

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1. Chicken Wire Pot Rack Over Your Kitchen Island

Chicken Wire Pot Rack

Fully Installed Chicken Wire Pot Rack - Photo by Goldenboysnadme.com

A hanging pan and pot rack using chicken wires and pine planks create ceiling attraction in your kitchen. It's also ideal for cooks and professional chefs at home to maximize their drawer and cabinet space. 

Besides, having more than just one carbon steel wok and Teflon-free non-stick pan is essential if you're keen on cooking several dishes from various cuisines. 

What You'll Need

Step 1: Build the Frame

Standard pot racks are square, but this tutorial will show you how to build a pot rack with a rectangular frame. Start by grabbing your 1 x 3 pine plans, stain them one by one, and wait for them to dry. 

After the stain dries, connect the planks using ¼ inch screws and attach a two-inch metal corner brace on each corner.

Step 2: Add the Chicken Wire

Stapled Chicken Wire Over Wooden Planks

Stapled Chicken Wire Over Wooden Planks - Photo by Goldenboysnadme.com

After securing the metal braces and the screws, you can proceed to add the chicken wire on top of the rack. Use staples for a firmer lock and to add a rustic country aesthetic. Ensure you twist the hooks tightly to avoid any sharp corners or edges.

Step 3: Install Extra Planks for Security

Not everything you can hang will stick with an adhesive, so apply extra buffer. Attach two wooden planks and align them evenly. Check if the pines are directly screwed to the studs in the ceilings.

Step 4: Attach More Hooks to the Secured Wooden Planks

Gather the remaining hooks and attach two on each plank to hold the metal chains. Make sure they are metal chains and aren't plastic coated with spray paint.

Step 5: Start Hanging and Arranging

Using the S hooks, start hanging your pans and pots. Make sure they're spaced out evenly to prevent pans from swaying or clanging. You can even add other kitchen utensils that you often use for meal prep, like graters, copper mugs, and teapots.

On the second tier of the rack, feel free to add baskets and bins for kitchenware or even recipe books to avoid clutter on the counter.

2. Antique Ladder Pot Rack Over Your Kitchen Island

Antique Ladder Pot Rack

Antique Ladder Pot Rack - Photo by Oldhousecrazy.com

Use old wooden ladders in your garage or backyard and upcycle them into an antique ladder pot rack. It a highly recommended DIY hanging pot rack to try in your kitchen, which gives backspace in your drawers and cabinets and makes meal prep easier.

What You'll Need

Step 1: Clean Up the Ladder

After finding your old step ladder, clean it properly by scraping and sanding every crevice of the wood. Some types of wooden ladders could easily absorb gunk when left in the outdoors, so ensure you scrape off all debris.

Step 2: Cut, Sand, and Varnish the Ladder

Once you're finished scraping off all the gunk, proceed to cut the 10-foot ladder into 3-foot sections. Prepare your sanding block and begin sanding all surfaces. 

If you prefer, try and restore the original glow of the natural wood by sanding the ladder a little longer. But make sure not to rub all of the patina away.

Step 3: Assemble and Cut Off the Chains

Some chains you buy in stores come tangled, and it can be frustrating to cut them. Ensure you untangle every chain and cut a foot long in four equal sections.

Step 4: Screw the Hooks in and Hang the Pots and Pans

Once you're done cutting up the chains, carefully screw in the ceiling hooks first, followed by the screw hooks on each corner of the ladder. 

Measure the distance from each hook to the other to ensure it will hold the ladder straight. Grab your S hooks and start hanging your favorite pots and pans on display.

3. Undercabinet Pull-Out Pot Rack

Pull-Out Pot Rack

Pull-Out Pot Rack - Photo by Familyhandyman.com

Keeping your pans and pots in the cabinet can be taxing when you don't have a lot of space. Instead of stacking pans and pots over the other, try a nifty hanging pull-out rack. It creates depth and organizes spaces that no one often notices in the kitchen.

What You'll Need 

  • Basic hand tools
  • Drill or driver
  • Jigsaw
  • Router 
  • Sandpaper
  • 4" 1 x 4 Pine planks
  • Two 20-inch heavy-duty/full extension side-mount drawer slides 
  • ¾" x ¾" x 3" pine 
  • Clothesline or screw hooks

Step 1: Measure the Cabinet

Measuring the cabinet is a must before assembling your frame. Ensure you're getting accurate measurements to cover the depth of the cabinet, including the face frame. 

A 23-inch cabinet will require a 1 x 4 support slat measured 21.5 inches long for this tutorial. Double-check the overall length since it will determine the H-frame.

Step 2: Build the H-Frame

Screw the cross arms to the support slat using your electric drill or driver. Check if the holes are not too big for the screws to avoid splitting the wood. You must then cut the carrier to an exact length to complement the cabinet's depth.

Step 3: Put the Screws into the Slides

Putting the Screws into the Slides

Putting the Screws into the Slides - Photo by Familyhandyman.com

If you prefer to sand the wood and add stains, then do so before mounting the slides. Proceed by using your drill, screw the slides in place to attach the carrier. Ensure they're secure enough with the back ends, even with the back of the H-frame. 

Cut the carrier to the proper length. You can also bore a finger hole for more convenience and round the edges using sandpaper to avoid scratching the interiors of the doors. Set the carrier with the slides' back end.

Step 4: Attach the Hooks

Grab your hooks and secure them into the carrier. Before screwing them in, check your pots and pans to ensure spacing is not too close to each other. 

Ideally, you wouldn't want the backs of each pan to touch to avoid scratching and clanging when pushed inside the cabinet.

Step 5: Install the Rack Inside the Cabinet

The final step is to install the board on the ceiling of the bottom cabinet. With the drill, screw on the panel with temporary braces to easily slide the rack in and out. Once it's correctly set, hang up your pans and close the cabinet to check for any final touches.

4. Wall-Mounted Copper Pipe Pot Rack

Mounted Copper Pipe Rack

Mounted Copper Pipe Rack - Photo by Manmadediy.com

A wall-mounted copper pot rack is an ideal addition to your kitchen. This DIY hanging pot rack is an excellent design and organization trick for those who live in limited spaces like apartments or condos with a small kitchen. 

You can hang it above your kitchen range or sink for convenience.

What You'll Need 

Step 1: Measure the Studs in the Wall

Get all the accurate measurements of the distance between the studs and flange plates for the elbow bend. It will dictate how long the copper pipe should be cut in the hardware store, depending on how many pans and pots you want hanging on the wall.

Step 2: Screw in the Elbow Bend to the Wall 

Use a hammer to mount the flange plates on the wall. Ensure you've gotten the correct sizes and that they won't be hard to hammer in the bolts.

Step 3: Attach the Copper Pipes

Be careful when performing the third step and use a sturdy chair if needed. Attach the copper pipes to the elbow bend and check if it's tightly secured. 

Step 4: Hang the Hooks and Pots

The final step is to assemble the hooks and pots. Check if you got the right size of S hooks that can adequately hang on the pipes without slipping. Carefully space them out and hang your pots and pans equidistant from each other to avoid scratches.

Check out this tutorial to get a better visual guide.

5. Tension Rod Pot Rack on Your Backsplash

Tension Rod Pot Rack Over the Range

Tension Rod Pot Rack Over the Range - Photo by Sincerelymariedesigns.com

For those who have a fully functional gas range and hood to absorb all the steam and heat from cooking, the tension rod hack might just work. This DIY hanging pot rack is by far the most budget-friendly option on our list. 

What You'll Need 

Directions

  1. Ensure your range hood is clean and accessible. 
  2. Attach the tension rod from one end to the other and double-check that the rod can hold weight by pressing down on it. 
  3. Finally, attach the pots and pans to the S hooks. Hang them up nicely and evenly spaced out.

6. Rectangular Copper Pipe Rack

Rectangular Copper Pipe Rack Over Kitchen Island

Rectangular Copper Pipe Rack Over Kitchen Island - Photo by Gardenandhome.co.za

Trying to figure out how to make a hanging pot rack that is both stylish and convenient? This rectangular pot rack made from copper piping might be your next DIY project. 

It's great for apartments and kitchens with little drawers or cabinet space. You can hang anything besides pots and pans, such as a colander, spoons, cooking utensils, and even a planter like basil and mint for cooking.

What You'll Need 

Step 1: Cut the Pipes

The initial step is to ensure your pipes are evenly cut. Use a pipe cutter or ask the hardware store to cut the pipes after purchase.

Step 2: Position the Pipes and Drill Holes 

Once the pipes are correctly cut, position the long and short pipes in a rectangular shape. Drill two small holes for the steel cables to go through. 

Double-check if the holes are equidistant from each other for even weight distribution. Proceed to thread the steel cable through the holes, then crimp the end using a crimping tool.

Step 3: Attach the Pipes and Steel Cable 

Grab the copper glue and stick the elbow bends to the long-length copper pipes. Wait for the parts to dry. Using the crimping tool, loop the top end of the steel cable where the utensil hanger will hang.

Step 4: Install All the Hooks and Hang Up Your Pans

The final step is to install the hooks on the ceiling and position them right above your kitchen island for easy reach. Once you steady the copper pipe rack, add in the S hooks and hang your pots, pans, and other cooking utensils.

7. Kitchen Storage Shelf and Pot Rack

Fully Decked Kitchen Storage Shelf and Pot Rack

Fully Decked Kitchen Storage Shelf and Pot Rack - Photo by Hgtv.com

If you want a dual-purpose DIY hanging pot rack, then this kitchen storage shelf will be an outstanding addition to your wall.

It's a fantastic way to boost the appeal of your kitchen while doubling its storage space. All you need is some accurate measuring and handyman skills. 

What You'll Need 

Step 1: Cut the Wood Boards and Vinyl Gutter

Cut the wood boards into even planks. Start with the 8" x 1" x 6' board into three sections, 63 inches and 5 inches for the other two planks. 

If you prefer to add a little more glow and a rustic touch to the boards, stain them with your preferred varnish. If you wish to add more depth, prepare the vinyl gutter and cut it to 61 inches.

Step 2: Drill Holes into the Gutter

Drilling Holes into the Gutter

Drilling Holes into the Gutter - Photo by Hgtv.com

Prepare the wood and designate the parts of the bracket where you will drill the holes. Use a permanent marker and start marking from the top at just half an inch. From the center, make the same mark every five inches going in both directions.

Use the drill to make holes on the marked spots and ensure that the nails will not slide off to avoid cracks in the vinyl gutter. Proceed with attaching the gutter to the wooden boards using craft screws that will form the backside of the shelf.

Step 3: Attach the Shelves on All Sides

After attaching the gutter to the boards, start putting the five-inch panels on the shelf's sides and see if they are snug enough. 

Using a drill, attach three 1-1/2-inch screws to the face board and sideboards to hold. Double-check if you could drill a screw on the top, middle, and bottom of the face board.

Step 4: Drill in the Bar Brackets

Drill in the Bar Brackets

Drill in the Bar Brackets - Photo by Hgtv.com

Drill in the bar brackets for the hooks. Place the assembled shelf on its side before doing any drilling to secure the corners of the frame. Screw them into each side of the board and ensure the adhesives hold up well.

Step 5: Hang Up the Shelf and Hooks

Before attaching the poles to the brackets, slide in the S hooks and start mounting your pots and pans. You can also use the upper storage for cookbooks, baking sheets, rolling pins, and other kitchen containers. You can even display your greens for garnish.

8. Rustic Pot Rack 

Rustic DIY Pot Rack

Rustic DIY Pot Rack  - Photo by Organized-home.com

One of the easiest DIY hanging pot racks you can try in your kitchen is a rustic pot rack. IT doesn't take much effort or any woodwork and is quite affordable for anyone who needs to revamp their kitchen on a budget. It's as simple as 1-2-3, literally!

What You'll Need 

Directions

  1. Stain the wooden pine board on every surface. Choose lighter stains if you want to compliment brighter exteriors or darker colors for brick walls. 
  2. Hammer the nails into the wood and ensure they're equidistant from each other to fit as many pans in one panel.
  3. Hammer the wooden plank to the wall, then hang the pans and pots to finish.

9. DIY Tri-Level Hanging Pot Rack

DIY Tri-Level Hanging Pot Rack

DIY Tri-Level Hanging Pot Rack - Photo by Harlowandthisle.com

Another three-step DIY hanging pot rack is this tri-level variant. If you wish to maximize your blank wall space, a tri-level hanging pot rack can hold pans, pots, and other cookware and utensils in one area. It's also a cost-efficient way to add mounted storage.

What You'll Need 

Directions

  1. How to build a hanging pot rack requires proper measurement, so ensure you measure your wooden strips before cutting them. Lay them out according to the spacing you like and nail the corners to secure the rack.
  2. Grab your paintbrush and paint every crevice and corner with black paint or another color, depending on your preference. 
  3. Hang the rack to the wall with a nail gun. Finish off by hanging the S hooks and the pans and pots you typically use for daily cooking.

10. DIY Screw-On Pot Rack 

DIY Screw-On Pot Rack

DIY Screw-On Pot Rack - Photo by Young Wife Chronicles 

Last but not least for our suggested DIY hanging pot rack is this dual-purpose lid and rack storage. The great thing about it is that it has immediate and built-in storage for the lids of your pots and pans.

What You'll Need 

Step 1: Adjust the Dish Rack Accordingly

Find a bamboo dish rack online. They're relatively affordable and sturdy enough to hold more than just plates. Make sure they're evenly spaced out to fit your lids. 

If you prefer to create wider gaps, use plyers to pull out the pieces of wood already attached to the frame. Use the wood filler to seal the previous insertion.

Step 2: Paint the Rack and Drill Holes

Proceed with painting the dish rack with the color of your choice. If you prefer to leave it as is, gently drill shallow holes at the bottom of the frame. Make sure they're equidistant from each other to maximize capacity.

Step 3: Add Screw Hooks and Mount to the Wall

Attach the screw hooks into the holes and twist hard enough to secure its hold. Before hanging the rack on the wall, drill in the corner L-brackets to its bottom right and left corners, then nail the rack into the wall. 

Add final touches by hanging the pots and pans on the hooks and designate the lids accordingly on the top lid shelf.

Conclusion

Don't fall short with new kitchen storage ideas. Perhaps the easy installation of the copper pipe rack might inspire a new DIY project. Let us know in the comments which DIY hanging pot rack suits your kitchen.

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