Countertop Wine Rack
Draft · not yet checked by a carpenterA small rack that holds a dozen bottles on their sides on a counter or a shelf. Two 1x4s, a short 1x10, a 1½″ drill bit and an afternoon.
- Skill
- Intermediate
- Build time
- 2 to 3 hours, plus finish
- Lumber
- 1 1x10 and 2 1x4s
- Joinery
- Glue and screws
- Finished size
- 18″ W × 9¼″ D × 13¾″ H
What you need
A 1x10 is actually ¾″ × 9¼″ and a 1x4 is ¾″ × 3½″. Every measurement in this plan uses the real size.
Shopping list
- 11x10, 6 ftThe two ends.
- 21x4, 6 ftThe rails. Pick clear boards: the holes show any knots.
- ~301¼″ wood screws
- 1Wood glue
- —Sandpaper, oil or stain and a clear coat
Tools
- Miter saw or circular saw
- Drill/driverWith a 1½″ Forstner or spade bit.
- Clamps
- Tape measure, pencil
Cut list
Eight pieces from three boards. Label each piece with its letter in pencil as you cut it.
| Part | Qty | Size, inches | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| AEnds | 2 | ¾ × 9¼ × 13¾ | 1x10 |
| BFront rails | 3 | ¾ × 3½ × 16½ | 1x4 |
| CBack rails | 3 | ¾ × 3½ × 16½ | 1x4 |
Board layout. Each row is one board, cut left to right, with the remainder hatched. Dark lines are saw cuts, about ⅛″ wide.
Build it
Four steps. The 3D view follows along as you scroll. The parts you're working on are yellow, and the pocket holes or screws for that step are red.
- 01
Cut the pieces
Cut every piece on the cut list:
- A Ends, two at 13¾″
- B Front rails, three at 16½″
- C Back rails, three at 16½″
- 02
Drill the neck holes
On each front rail (B), mark four hole centers along the middle of the board, 2¼″, 6¼″, 10¼″ and 14¼″ from one end. Drill a 1½″ hole at each mark with a Forstner or spade bit.
TipClamp the three rails together, ends lined up, and drill each hole through a scrap backer board so the back of the hole doesn't splinter. - 03
Assemble the rack
Mark the rail positions on the inside of both ends (A): the front rails (B) stand on edge at the front, their centers 3¼″, 7½″ and 11¾″ up from the bottom. The back rails (C) lie flat at the back, their tops 1⅝″ lower than each front rail's center, so the bottles lie level.
Glue each rail between the ends on its marks and drive two 1¼″ screws through each end into each rail end. Stand it up and check that it sits flat.
- 04
Sand and finish
Sand with 120 then 180 grit and ease the edges of the holes. Finish with a wipe-on oil or stain and a clear coat.
TipLoad it bottom row first. Standard 750 mL bottles fit; wide Champagne or Pinot bottles may not.
Build at your own risk. Check every measurement against your own lumber before you cut, test-fit before you glue, and wear eye and ear protection. Full disclaimer.
