A plastic free dish drying rack that is aesthetically pleasing and useful! The main purpose of this project was to create a low cost dish drying apparatus that helps to free up space in the dishwasher. The framework of the drying rack is structurally similar to a manger due to stability reasons. The "bed" or actual rack is composed of alternating wooden pieces that are just far enough apart for a plate to fit. As someone who is not an experienced woodworker, it was meaningful for me to get to know how to use the tools in the wood-shop as well as make something that my apartment desperately needed. 

(3) - 1x2 8 ft pieces of wood 

(4) - 1/2 inch bolts and corresponding nuts 

(1) - ruler/ tape measure 

(1) - pencil

1. Cut (4) 20" pieces for the base pieces using the miter saw.

2. Mark 1" from the bottom of all 4 pieces and draw a line to have a slanted bottom for each piece (cut using band saw). 

3. Cut (2) 5" pieces to use as the supports to the base (miter saw). 

4. Mark 1" from the bottom of both pieces and draw a line to have the same slanted bottom for each piece (cut using band saw). 

5. Use the drill press to cut 1/2" holes 10" and 5" on 2 of the 20" base pieces.

6. Use the drill press to cut 1/2" holes 10" on the other 2 20" base pieces. 

7. Use the drill press to cut a 1/2" hole 1" from the end on both 5" pieces.

8. Attach 2 of the 4 20" pieces together in a X formation at the 10" hole and secure with a nut and bolt. (Do this for the other 2 pieces as well). 

9. Attach 1 of the 5" pieces at the 5" mark on the 20" piece. (Do this for the other 5" piece as well). 

Outlined in black is what should be done on both sides after steps 1-9.

10. Now the base is complete and its time to move onto the top pieces. Cut (2) 2' sections and use the nail gun to nail them to the outside edges of the top of the base pieces. 

11. The top is now complete and its time to add the bottom rack pieces. Cut (with a Miter saw) (2) 23" pieces and nail one on the underside of the bolt and the other on the top. 

12. Finally cut the last 8' piece of wood into 6" pieces and then cut those in half vertically (skinnier). 

13.Slanting the pieces every other, nail the 6" pieces into the bottom rack pieces. 

14. Sand necessary sections and you're done! 

This picture is showing how to arrange the pieces in step 13. 

Side view of the finished project. 

Angled view of the finished project.