Extra storage in a small kitchen: DIY shelf above the stove

DIY, Kitchen, Storage

When you have a small kitchen like I do, you need to use every inch of space that you have. One way to maximize the space above the stove is to add a simple DIY shelf : it’s the perfect spot for extra large spice containers and cooking utensils. Everything is within easy reach when cooking and it frees up precious cabinet space for other things.

Here’s what you’ll need to build this simple shelf: 1″ x 4″ pine board (6 ft – less than $1 per ft), wood glue, wood filler, wood screws, corner clamps, drill and a countersink drill bit, and stain or paint

Step 1: Cut 2 pieces of the pine board the width of your stove and 2 pieces 5 inches high for the sides (you can do the cutting at the hardware store) – apply glue to the end of either one of the long or short pieces.

 Step 2: Using 3″ corner clamps, join a long and short piece

Step 3: Drill 2 pilot holes through the top and side piece using a countersink drill bit – this will allow the head of the screws to sink below the surface.

Step 4: Screw the pieces together, using thin wood screws (this will help avoid the wood splitting)

Step 5: Repeat step 1 to 4 for the other side, and then put on the remaining long piece.

Step 6: Add wood filler to cover up the screw heads and sand everything

Step 7: Stain or paint – I used Minwax classic gray wood stain.

I simply rested my shelf on the top of the stove but adding a bracket to attach it to the wall will make it more stable. This extra shelf space has made me like my kitchen so much more and it’s the perfect addition to my DIY magnetic pizza pan spice rack and my reconfigured stove top!

8 Comments

  1. Anastasia

    Consider storing your spices somewhere cool and dry. The heat from the stove (especially the back oven vent) will cause them to lose their potency very quickly.
    I use above my stove to store my cooking utensils and measuring cups

    Reply
    • Isabelle

      Thanks for the tip!

      Reply
  2. Angel

    How does one hang the pan for spices on the wall? Thank you.

    Reply
    • Isabelle

      I just screwed it into place, through the holes of the pizza pan.

      Reply
  3. Val

    What a good idea! I too have a small kitchen. This would certainly free up some cupboard space. Thanks for sharing your tutorial! Val

    Reply
    • Isabelle

      You’re welcome Val!

      Reply
  4. ALISA

    I used the smaller round magnetic tins on my refrigerator which is away from the heat of my stove. Dollar Tree has some larger magnetic tins too!

    Reply
    • Isabelle LaRue

      Great! Love those magnetic tins too!

      Reply

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  2. 38 Inspiring Storage Solutions | Guru Koala - [...] 37. Extra Storage in a Small Kitchen: DIY Shelf Above the Stove from from Isabelle LaRue [...]

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