6 Steps for Easy DIY Under-Cabinet Wine Rack Installation

After a long day at the office, there’s no better way to unwind than with a home-cooked meal paired with a crisp glass of wine. From crisp white wine with varying notes of citrus and herbs to red wine boasting flavor profiles of cherry, plum, and raisin, everyone has a favorite glass to enjoy alongside their dinner. And with so many possible pairing options, you likely have an extensive wine collection to choose from. But where do you store your wine? Do you have an easy place to grab a bottle at the end of the day? The bigger the collection, the more difficult it can feel keeping it all tidy and organized.

If you’re looking for a wine storage solution that emphasizes both form and function, consider an under-cabinet wine rack that maximizes storage without compromising beauty. An under-cabinet wine rack is an easy project for any homeowner to take on. Kitchen Cabinet Kings is here to walk you through a step-by-step process for a DIY wine rack installation under your kitchen cabinets. So let’s uncork your creativity and let’s get started on this beginner do-it-yourself project! Here’s step-by-step how to install an under-cabinet wine rack.

Step 1. Gather Your Tools & Materials

Ready to get started? Whether this is your first do-it-yourself project or you’re an experienced DIYer, the first step is gathering all the supplies and tools you will need. Gathering them all now will ensure that you can smoothly work your way through the project without any disruptions. Along with whichever under-cabinet wine rack you’ve selected based on the size of your cabinet, you will also need a measuring tape, level, pencil, stud finder, screws, and a drill.

Step 2. Measure & Locate the Studs

The number one rule of do-it-yourself projects is to measure twice so you only have to install once. There’s nothing more frustrating than trying to install your wine rack, only to realize that you measured incorrectly and need to start over. Double-check that the wine rack you purchase not only fits within the measurements of the cabinet itself but has the proper clearance once the wine bottles are also added into the mix. The under-cabinet wine rack and bottles shouldn’t interfere with any cabinets, drawers, or kitchen appliances.

To determine where the wine rack will be positioned within the cabinet, you’ll want to use a stud finder. Installing the wine rack on the studs will ensure that it is strong enough to support the weight of your wine collection. Once your stud finder indicates where the studs are, mark them with a pencil to make the installation process easier.

Step 3. Align & Install the Wine Rack

Now that your studs are marked, take the under-cabinet wine rack and hold it in place where it’s going to be installed. If needed, use your level to make sure it’s centered and aligned to your liking. Once in its desired place, use your pencil to mark the drill points through the mounting holes of the wine rack to create a guide for your drilling. While this step isn’t mandatory, it will allow you to install the wine rack correctly the first time around.

Then, carefully use your drill to create pilot holes at the points that you marked with pencil. Your pilot holes will make it easier to drive the screws directly into the cabinet and reduce the risk of splitting the wood.

Step 4. Mount the Wine Rack

Align the under-cabinet storage rack with the freshly drilled pilot holes. Using your drill, secure the rack in place by driving the screws through the pilot holes — directly into the studs for increased stability. Use your level as you tighten each of the screws to ensure that the wine rack maintains a straight position that is aligned correctly.

Step 5. Test Stability

Once the under-cabinet wine rack has been secured in place, you need to test its stability before loading your entire wine collection in place. The last thing you want is for the wine rack to collapse and all the wine you added to it to shatter on the ground — not only will you waste your wine but you’ll be left with a mess. Grab the wine rack and give it a gentle shake to check that it does not wobble or move underneath the pressure of your grip. If you notice able wobbling, you may need to go back in with your drill to tighten a few of the screws until it is securely attached to the cabinet.

Step 6. Load Your Bottles

Now that the under-cabinet wine rack can be securely installed, it’s time to load it up with your extensive wine collection. Depending on the specific design of your under-cabinet storage solutions, you may have options for storing your wine bottles horizontally or vertically. Experiment with various configurations until you find the best way to install your wine bottles for easy accessibility and maximum storage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of under-cabinet wine rack works best in a small kitchen?

Short on space but don’t want to compromise on the amount of wine at your disposal? We get it. If you have a kitchen with limited square footage, we recommend installing a compact and slim under-cabinet wine rack that doesn’t take up too much space. This way you can still use part of the cabinet to store other kitchen essentials. Vertical storage options are a great choice for those with limited cabinet space.

How do I determine what size wine rack I need for my wine collection?

The easiest way to determine what size wine rack you need is to count how many bottles of wine you currently have, while also taking into account if you plan on adding any additional bottles to your collection. Once you know how many bottles you plan to store at any given time, you can find a wine rack that will be able to accommodate the desired amount that comfortably fits within your allotted cabinet.

Does the under-cabinet wine rack need to be installed on studs? What are my alternative options if I can’t locate a stud?

We highly recommend installing your under-cabinet wine rack along the studs to ensure it is the most stable and secure that it can be — your wine bottles are heavy and fragile! However, you may not have a stud available in the cabinet that you have set aside for your wine rack. If that is the case, you may opt for alternate solutions such as wall anchors or toggle bolts. Make sure whatever option you choose is strong enough to support the weight of multiple bottles of wine.

Can I install a wine rack under any type of cabinet?

Under-cabinet wine racks can be installed in pretty much all cabinets. However, it’s important to keep in mind that not all cabinets are created equal. You need to make sure you are working with a sturdy cabinet that is able to support the weight of your wine collection. If the cabinets are cheaply made with lightweight materials, they may need additional reinforcement before you begin your installation project.