How to Build a Stemware Rack
How to Build a Stemware Rack
Storing stemware can be a problem. Put it in a storage box and it stays in the back of the pantry until the holidays. Put it in a cabinet with the other glasses and it's easy to knock over and break. You can build overhead stemware racks for the wine glasses and other stems you use frequently to keep them handy, or build a rack to hold a set of stemware that you may not use often but want to show off.
Instructions
1 Find a good place for the stemware rack. Ideally, the rack should be handy to use but in a place where it won't put glasses in harm's way. If you have no open cabinetry or unused "pass-through" space, you can build a wall shelf. Find a place to put it close to where the stemware will be used, but out of the way of doorways and activity areas---open racks are especially vulnerable.
2 Design your rack. Racks can be fabricated using 1-by-2 inch to 1-by-4 inch pieces of lumber, trimmed and finished to suit the owner, or they can be assembled using wood or metal "kit" parts bought at your local home store or wine shop. Whatever design you choose, assemble all the parts you need beforehand or make sure that the kit is complete. Be sure that you use materials---and joinery materials like screws---that are strong enough to hold the weight of the stemware you plan to put in your rack.
3 Pre-fabricate parts and pre-finish any parts that will need to be painted or stained and varnished. Cut runners (the rails that hold the glasses) to the proper lengths, and add detail before assembling runners. Use a router to cut 1/2-inch deep slots or "rabbets" into the sides of runners so they can be mounted directly on the underside of the shelf. Sand and seal the ends of wood so it will "take" the same depth of color as the other surfaces. If you're using adjustable metal runners, extend them to the proper length before attaching so you don't end up trying to pull an adjustable rod to the right size while twisting around to reach it upside down or around a pair of shelf brackets.
4 Plan a "channel" about 3 inches wide and a 1/2-inch deep for your stem bases to slide along. Place rails with about 2 inches between them so stems will fit easily between them. A deeper channel may be necessary for more robust glassware, such as pilsner glasses, but very few stems have a diameter exceeding 2 inches. Detail outside rail edges with a router if you want a more finished appearance. Lightly sand and finish all wood before assembling. Tack a set of rails up with a few finish nails to see if you've spaced it right. You can use the nail holes as pilot holes for the final assembly.
5 Attach metal rods and wood rails with rabbets directly to the underside of the shelf with wood screws. Attach 1/2-by-1/2 inch backer strips to the shelf to hang plain rails. Pre-drill pilot holes and drive several wood screws down the centers of the rails so they don't obstruct the stem bases. The number of screws used will depend on the length of the rails and the material to which they're being attached. Mount shelves on shelf brackets using studs or wall anchors.
Tips & Warnings
Use attractive trim to decorate the rails that you plan to paint. Since the face of the rail is upside-down and is seldom seen, it's not necessary to countersink screws and plug holes unless the rack will be above eye level--or you're a perfectionist. After pre-drilling a rail, put a few dabs of construction adhesive on the "up" side to hold it while you insert the screws.
Don't make the opening between the rails larger than about 2 inches--"dry fit" a few glasses before attaching rails permanently to make sure that your stems can't fall out. Always use eye protection when using power tools including routers and sanders.
