One thing that really dazzles a home is an interesting wine rack. There’s something about how they display bottles in a visually appealing way, blending function with style.
If you’ve always wanted to build one of those wall-mounted wine racks that holds a few bottles—just enough for those special occasions, keep reading so you can create a very simple DIY wine rack that not only holds three to four bottles but also has a rustic charm you can create yourself.
Why Build Your Own DIY Wine Rack?
Before we dive into the build, let’s talk about why creating your own DIY wine rack is a great idea.
Custom Design – You control the size, shape, and finish so it matches your home décor perfectly.
Cost Savings– High-quality wine racks can be expensive, but you can make one for a fraction of the price.
Personal Touch – Distressing the wood makes this piece feel like an antique treasure, adding character to your space.
Materials You Need for Your DIY Wine Rack
Wood:
- Pine boards (or any wood type of choice)
- Tongue and groove boards (for the back panel)
- 1x5 pine boards (for the shelf and sides)
Tools:
- Miter Saw – To make clean cuts on the wood.
- Table Saw – Used for ripping wood to fit perfectly.
- Hammer & Screwdriver – For assembling the frame.
- Clamps – To secure pieces when cutting or assembling.
Accessories:
- Brass Rods – Acts as a barrier to keep wine bottles in place.
- Wood Glue & Screws – Essential for sturdy construction.
- Water-Based Stain – To give the wood a weathered, rustic look.
Step 1: Cutting the Wood
First, you’ll need to cut all the wood pieces to their proper lengths.
Measure the Length: To determine the size, we literally lined up four wine bottles and measured the total length I wanted.
Cut the Tongue & Groove Back Panel: Using my miter saw, cut the tongue and groove pieces to 18.5 inches each.
Cut the Shelf & Sides: Unlike the back panel, these pieces are just flat pine boards. Always cut an extra piece, just in case you mess up or change your mind.
Brian’s Tip: If you don’t have a power saw, most home improvement stores will cut wood for you—just ask!
Step 2: Creating a Distressed, Rustic Look
Here’s where the creativity kicks in. We’re going to beat up the wood—literally.
To create a distressed, aged effect, grab a hammer and make random dents. Use a screwdriver to create small imperfections. An awl can punch natural-looking holes in the surface.
There’s no right or wrong way to do this—just have fun with it! The more marks and distressing, the older the wood will look when stained.
Step 3: Drilling Holes for Brass Rods
Brass rods add an elegant touch to the DIY wine rack, preventing bottles from rolling off.
Use a drill guide for precise, vertical holes.
Stack the side pieces together before drilling, ensuring alignment.
Clamp the pieces down before making holes.
Now, if you don’t have a drill guide, that’s okay! Just drill freehand, using a square to keep the drill perpendicular.
Step 4: Staining the Wood
To give this DIY wine rack its rustic appeal, we need to apply stain.
Choose Water-Based Stain:
- Fast-drying formula (so you don’t waste time waiting).
- Low fumes compared to oil-based stain.
Application Tips:
- Use craft paper to protect your workspace.
- Wear rubber gloves to avoid messy hands.
- Apply stain with a rag or foam brush for smooth coverage.
- Focus on getting stain into all the dents and holes for a more natural look.
After letting the stain dry, we’re ready for assembly!
Step 5: Assembling the DIY Wine Rack
Now comes the fun part—putting it all together!
Step 1: Slide the tongue and groove back panel pieces together.
Step 2: Position the shelf (about three inches from the bottom).
Step 3: Clamp everything down and check alignment with a square.
Step 4: Pre-drill all holes before inserting screws (prevents splitting).
Once the screws are in, we slide the brass rods into their drilled holes and hammer them in snugly.
And that’s it—the DIY wine rack is built!
Step 6: Mounting the Wine Rack on the Wall
Before you put wine bottles inside, make sure you securely mount the rack to the wall.
Brian’s Wall Mounting Tips:
Drill into studs for maximum strength.
Use wall anchors if studs aren’t available.
Check for level before screwing into place.
Alternative Use: While this is meant to be a wine rack, you can also store oil bottles, drink mixers, or decorative items inside!
Admire Your DIY Wine Rack
This DIY wine rack is a simple yet stylish way to store wine bottles while adding character to your space. Take a step back and admire your work! Better yet, share it on social media @housecallsdiy
If you’ve ever wanted to build a DIY wine rack, now’s your chance to get creative! What features would you add to make it your own?
