Preparation

• 1). Remove the doors from the cabinet where you'll install your plate rack.
  
  
• 2). Cut square dowels (or half-round molding) to fit the inside width of the cabinet, if necessary. Cut dowel rods to a length of 11-1/4 inches. Sand all dowels smooth.
  
  
• 3). Place marks, starting at the left edges of the square dowels, at 3/4 inch, 2 3/4 inches and every 2 inches after that (4 3/4 inches, 6 3/4 inches, etc.). The last mark will be at 22 3/4 inches. The gaps on the ends allow for air circulation.
  
  
• 4). Drill holes in the square dowels where marked. If you don't have access to a drill press, wrap masking tape around a 3/8-inch drill bit to mark a 3/8-inch drilling depth, and carefully drill the holes using a cordless drill. Center the bit directly on the marks.
  
  

Assembly and Installation

• 1). Put a drop of wood glue into each hole in one of the square dowels. Slip a dowel rod into first hole. Rotate dowel rod to distribute glue. Repeat for the full length of the square dowel. Glue the second square dowel and match it to the other ends of the dowel rods. Press together firmly. Repeat process for the second "ladder."
  
  
• 2
  An unfinished dish rack will warp.wood texture image by Paul Hill from Fotolia.com
  
  Finish rack as desired to seal the wood. Finishing is required because natural wood absorbs moisture, causing the wood fibers to swell and the rack to warp.
  
  
• 3). Install the dish rack. Place one ladder about 3 to 5 inches from the back of the cabinet, and drive a 1-inch screw near each end, top and bottom, taking care not to drive screws all the way through the cabinet. Place the front ladder flush against front edge of the cabinet, and secure with four screws.