The Ultimate Dollar Tree Kitchen Countertop Storage DIY With Endless Possibilities

Making smart use of limited kitchen counter space is a recurring puzzle for many homeowners and, like most puzzles, solving this one comes down to having all the right pieces. Those needing budget-friendly storage can look to a Dollar Tree DIY to keep the kitchen counter clutter-free. By applying a little creativity to a few wood trays and storage cubbies, you can whip up custom-built tiered shelves. Now, you have a practical place for coffee, tea, spices, and more, with side supports adding space for more items so you can finally keep a tidy counter.

TikTok DIYer @makeitwithmicah offers the inspiration for this creation, though it may need a few updates. In this design, stacks of four small boxes make up the side supports. Angled trays sit over one another between them. While the Crafter's Square Wooden Trays are available for $1.25 a piece, you may need a replacement for the supports, like this Crafter's Square Box. Stand two boxes on their short sides, and use their undersides as the mounting surface for the trays between them. If you want, you can also use two more of the wood trays as side supports, and stack multiple pieces on their ends to make the supports taller. Each tray is roughly 6 ½ inches long. Stack two to make a 13-inch tall piece, and it should fit neatly in the standard 18-inch space between the counter and upper cabinets.

With your trays and boxes in hand, you'll only need some adhesives and paints to bring the final design together. Turn the boxes that will work as side supports on their sides so their bottoms face each other. Line up the trays between them, and adjust the forward sloping angle to ease access to the stored items. To bond the trays to the wood side supports, you can use PVA wood glue, epoxy, or polyurethane glue, all types of glue you should have on hand for home projects. Apply the glue, clamp the pieces in place while they dry, and quickly clean any glue that squeezes from the joints.

You can also build onto this simple design for more storage. For instance, while you're at the Dollar Tree, pick up a few smaller boxes to fit into the upright boxes you have as side supports. The bottom side of the support box works as a ledge that you can slip the smaller box onto horizontally, creating another shelf on the side of the build. If you stacked two boxes to make a taller support, you'll have two places to put the smaller shelves, one at the bottom and one halfway up the side. Glue them in place with ample amounts of strong glue, or install small bolts to keep them in place. Complete it by spray painting the shelf for a fabulous makeover, and use your assembly to solve your toughest kitchen organization challenges.