DIY shelf above the stove = extra storage in a small kitchen

When you have a small kitchen like I do, you need to use every inch of space that you have. I maximized the use of the space above my stove by adding a simple DIY shelf. It’s the perfect spot for extra large spice containers and cooking utensils: everything is within easy reach when cooking, it frees up precious cabinet space for other things and it turned out to be the perfect addition to my DIY magnetic spice rack and my reconfigured stove top (I took out 2 of the electrical heating elements and used glass cutting boards to cover up the holes to give me more counter space)

Here’s what you’ll need to build this simple shelf: 4″ x 1″ pine board (6 ft – less than $1 per ft), wood glue, wood filler, wood screws, corner clamps, drill and a countersink drill bit, and stain or paint

Step 1: Cut pine board and apply glue

Cut 2 pieces of the pine board the width of your stove and 2 pieces 5 inches high for the sides (you can do the cutting at the hardware store or use a miter box and saw) – apply glue to the ends.

Step 2: Clamp pieces together

Using 3″ corner clamps, join a long and short piece.

Step 3: Drill pilot holes

Drill 2 pilot holes through the top and side piece using a countersink drill bit – this will allow the head of the screws to sink below the surface.

Step 4: Join pieces together with screws

Screw the pieces together, using thin wood screws (this will help avoid the wood splitting).

Step 5: Install remaining pieces

Repeat step 1 to 4 for the other side, and then screw in place the remaining long piece.

Step 6: Prepare the shelf for staining or painting

Add wood filler to cover up the screw heads and sand everything.

Step 7: Make it pretty

Stain or paint – I used Minwax classic gray wood stain. 

Step 8: Add the shelf above the stove

I simply rested my shelf on the top of the stove but adding a bracket to attach it to the wall will make it more stable. This extra shelf space has made me like my kitchen so much more - sometimes it doesn't take much to make a huge difference!