If your kitchen drawers are packed tight and your countertop looks like a cooking battlefield, this one’s for you. An under-cabinet utensil holder is a quick, affordable fix that keeps your cooking tools close but out of the way. No fancy workshop tools or expert carpentry skills required—just a little patience, a few common supplies, and about an hour of your time.
What You’ll Need
- A wooden board (about the length of your cabinet)
- A few sturdy hooks or small screw-in cup hooks
- Screws and a screwdriver or drill
- Measuring tape and a pencil
- Sandpaper (optional, but gives a clean finish)
- Paint or stain (optional, if you want to match your kitchen décor)
Step 1: Measure the Space
Grab your measuring tape and check the underside of your cabinet. Note how wide and deep it is—you want your board to fit snugly without sticking out. Mark the measurements before cutting or buying your wood piece.
Step 2: Prep the Wood
Sand the board to smooth out any rough edges. If you’re adding a coat of paint or stain, do it now and let it dry completely. This step makes the piece look clean and finished, especially if it’s visible from your cooking area.
Step 3: Add the Hooks
Measure and mark even spots along the bottom side of your board—this is where your hooks will go. A spacing of about 2–3 inches between hooks usually works best for spoons, spatulas, and tongs. Screw the hooks in tightly by hand or with pliers if needed.
Step 4: Mount the Board
Hold the board under your cabinet where you want it to sit. Mark where your screws will go, then carefully drill or screw it into place. Make sure it’s secure—you don’t want your utensils falling mid-recipe.
Step 5: Hang Your Utensils
Now for the fun part: hang your favorite kitchen tools! Go for the ones you reach for most often—like your spatula, ladle, whisk, or measuring spoons. You’ll be amazed at how much space this tiny upgrade frees up.
Bonus Tip
If you’re tight on space, you can also mount a short rod instead of hooks. Slip on S-hooks for a more flexible setup—you can rearrange or add more later without needing to drill new holes.
Building an under-cabinet utensil holder isn’t just about saving space—it’s about making your kitchen work better for you. A clean counter provides you with space to cook, prep, and savor the process. With a few basic tools and a half hour to spare, you can turn a cluttered corner into a smart storage spot that looks good and works even better.