How to Make a DIY Industrial Iron Pipe Pot Rack

Do you need to maximize storage space in your kitchen while on a budget? I’ll guide you through creating a DIY iron pipe pot rack that is the perfect solution for adding a touch of industrial flair to a small kitchen.

What would you say if I told you that you could make a beautiful pot rack for less than $120 in materials and spend about 20 minutes assembling it?

This easy DIY project is not just about saving cabinet space. It’s about transforming your kitchen into a more functional and stylish space.

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Falling in Love with Industrial Chic

The journey began the first time I saw my friend Molly’s kitchen pot rack on social media. I fell in love with the industrial vibe and was determined to replicate the look.

Molly and I have very different cottage kitchens and I knew I didn’t have the space to install a pot rack quite like hers.

After much begging and nagging, and more begging, my husband agreed to help me with a hanging pot rack design, despite our kitchen’s limited space.

After several brainstorming sessions, we decided on a small pot rack design with both functionality and style, that would fit directly above our kitchen island.

The picture above has all the components you will need to build a pan rack that is approximately 30″L x 16″ W x 6″T.

The reason why these measurements are approximate is that you gain about 1 inch to 1 1/2 inches due to the components used to assemble the pot rack, specifically the unions and the 90-degree side outlet elbows.

You can find these pot rack materials at Amazon, Home Depot, or your local hardware store.

DIY Pipe Pot Rack Material List

Note About Black Pipe Pot Racks

The new black iron pipes have an oil coating on them to prevent them from rusting. You can choose to leave it on the pot rack, or you can remove the coating. We chose to take the black coating off so I could have more of a rusted and vintage look.

We used a wire wheel on a bench grinder to remove the coating and then used a mixture of dish soap and baking soda to clean the pipes before assembly.

Where Can You Install a DIY Hanging Pot Rack?

This DIY industrial iron pipe rack can be tailored to fit the unique style and layout of any kitchen. A key measurement is the main pipe length of the sides of your iron pan rack.

This will determine the overall length of your new pot rack. Here are some variations to integrate a pot hanger into your own space.

Ceiling-Mounted Pot Rack

Let’s start with the example from my kitchen. The ceiling-mounted pot rack is the perfect solution for kitchens that have limited wall space, like mine.

Hanging your pot rack directly above the kitchen island not only makes pots and pans easily accessible but showcases your favorite cookware into the focal point of the room.

Over the Kitchen Sink

Mounting a smaller version of this pipe rack on the wall above your kitchen sink is ideal for hanging frequently used items like colanders, pots, and utensils you prefer to hand wash.

It keeps them within easy reach and allows them to drip dry directly into the sink, saving you both counter and cabinet space.

Backsplash Over the Counter

Take advantage of the unused vertical space in your kitchen by installing the pot rack on a backsplash over the counter.

This is a smart way to keep essential pots and pans at arm’s length while preparing meals.

Add a Pot Rack to Your Walk-In Pantry

For those lucky enough to have a walk-in pantry, adding a pot rack here can transform your storage organization.

This out-of-the-way option keeps your cookware easily accessible without cluttering your kitchen. It’s a smart solution for storing larger pots and pans that are used less frequently, freeing up valuable cabinet space for other kitchen essentials.

Flexibility With Custom Configurations

Depending on the size of your kitchen, the height of your ceilings, and your storage needs, you can customize the dimensions and placement of your DIY pipe pot rack.

Whether you decide on a long, narrow pan rack to fit a slim space or a large square rack to make a statement over a kitchen island, the key is to ensure it complements your kitchen’s workflow and aesthetic.

Six Steps to Create a DIY Industrial Pipe Pot Rack

So, are you ready to make your own DIY industrial pipe pot rack?

Here are six straightforward steps to design a beautiful and functional pot rack that will serve as a storage solution for your cookware.

Perfect for small kitchens, cottage, and farmhouse-inspired spaces, or adding a touch of rustic charm, let’s check out these simple steps.

Step 1: Attach Pipes to 3-Way Pipe Elbows

Attach a 6-in. steel pipe to a 3-way side outlet elbow. Repeat with the remaining three 6-inch pipes and elbows.

Note: To facilitate easy attachment, use an old rag with WD-40 or a similar product sprayed on it to clean the threads on the ends of your pipe. This will remove any metal shavings left behind when the threads were cut into the pipe during manufacturing.

Step 2: Attach Pipe Unions

Separate the iron pipe unions and attach one-half of each side to the 8-inch pipes as pictured above.

Step 3: Attach 30-Inch Pipes

Attach a 30-inch pipe to a 3-way 90-side outlet to each end. Repeat with the other 30-inch pipe.

Step 4: Attach Floor Flanges

Attach one floor flange to each 6-inch pipe. The floor flange is the round-shaped foot that is used to mount the rack to the ceiling.

Step 5: Join the Two Union Halves

Connect the two union halves. This completes the structure of your pot rack.

Step 6: Attach DIY Pot Rack to Ceiling

Install your beautiful new pot rack to the ceiling. Note: You must attach the pot rack to studs or with heavy-duty wall anchors.

For more information on attaching the pot rack, see the Most Common Questions section below.

Hanging Your Pots and Pans

Now that you’ve made your DIY pipe pot rack, the next step is to display your pots and pans.

This section will give you some ideas on hanging your pots and pans in a functional and aesthetically pleasing way.

Selecting the Right Hooks

I decided to use S hooks to hang my pots and pans off the pot rack. They make it such a simple process and the hooks are so versatile.

Hooks come in various sizes and thicknesses, so when selecting S hooks, consider the diameter of the pipes you used to make sure they slide smoothly over the pipe yet hold securely.

What to Hang on Your Industrial Pot Rack

Start by hanging items that you use more frequently, such as skillets and saucepans. You can also hang colanders, baskets, large spoons, ladles, and other utensils.

If you have a matching set of cookware or a favorite old pan collection, show it off. I love how my vintage copper collection stands out as the perfect statement piece.

Consider the balance and distribution of weight across the rack. Place heavier items closer to the center or evenly distribute them to prevent the rack from tilting or straining the ceiling anchors.

What Not to Hang from Your Rack

While the iron pot rack is sturdy, it’s still a good idea to avoid those items that can be too much weight.

Avoid hanging excessively heavy items such as large cast iron pots or Dutch ovens. Avoid overcrowding the rack to maintain easy access to each kitchen item and to keep the pot rack from looking cluttered.

Styling Your DIY Pipe Pot Rack

You don’t have to limit what you hang on your DIY pipe pot rack only to cookware and utensils.

This is where I hang my pretty baskets, vintage copper and enamel pan collections, and dried flowers from my garden.

Try displaying decorative garlands or battery-operated LED twinkle lights for a seasonal statement.

Most Common Questions About DIY Pot Racks

How High Should Ceiling Pot Racks Be?

The ideal height for ceiling pot racks is a balance between accessibility and functionality, making sure your pots and pans are easy to reach without obstructing the view or workflow in the kitchen.

A general guideline is to hang the pot rack so that the bottoms of the pots are at least 6 feet (about 1.8 meters) from the floor, which prevents most people from bumping into them.

However, the specific height can vary based on a few factors such as kitchen ceiling height, user height, and the type of cookware.

How Much Weight Can a Hanging Pot Rack Hold?

The weight capacity of a hanging pot rack depends on several factors, such as the construction of the rack itself, the method of installation, and the strength of the ceiling or support structure it’s attached to.

Generally, a well-installed, high-quality pot rack can hold between 100 to 200 pounds (approximately 45 to 90 kilograms), but there are important considerations to ensure safety and functionality.

Can I Mount a Pot Rack to Drywall?

Yes, you can mount a pot rack to drywall, but it requires careful planning and the right hardware to ensure it’s done safely and securely. This is especially true since drywall alone cannot support much weight.

Here are steps for mounting a pot rack to drywall.

Use the Right Anchors

Locate Studs

While you can mount to drywall, securing the pot rack to studs (wooden beams behind the drywall) provides much more support. Use a stud finder to locate studs in your ceiling or wall.

If your preferred mounting location doesn’t align with studs, use the appropriate heavy-duty drywall anchors. However, attaching at least part of the rack to studs is highly recommended for additional support.

Consider the Weight

Assess the total weight of the pot rack plus the items you intend to hang on it. Ensure the mounting hardware and location can support this weight over a long time.

An easy way to calculate the weight is to hold the pot rack and step on the scale to get the weight, then step back on the scale without the rack. The difference is the weight of the pot rack.

It’s better to overestimate the weight and use hardware that can support more than you anticipate needing.

Installation Steps

How Do I Hang a Pot Rack Without Studs?

Here’s how to safely hang a pot rack without relying on studs.

Choose the Right Anchors

For drywall or plaster ceilings and walls without stud support, use high-quality, heavy-duty anchors designed for substantial loads.

Toggle bolts and heavy-duty drywall anchors are popular choices because they can support heavier weights by distributing the load across a larger area of the wall or ceiling.

Determine the Weight Capacity

Before selecting your anchors, calculate the total weight your pot rack will need to support, including the rack itself plus the pots, pans, and any additional items you plan to hang.

Ensure the anchors you choose can support this total weight, factoring in a safety margin.

Mark Your Installation Points

Decide where you want your pot rack to hang. Consider ease of access, aesthetic placement, and practical kitchen workflow.

Mark the exact points on the ceiling or wall where the anchors will be installed. Ensure these points align with the mounting points on your pot rack.

Install the Anchors

Drill holes at your marked points, sized appropriately for your chosen anchors.

Insert the anchors into the holes. For toggle bolts, thread the bolt through the rack’s mounting hole first, then pinch the wings closed and push them through the hole until they snap open on the other side. For heavy-duty drywall anchors, push or screw them into the pre-drilled holes until flush with the ceiling or wall surface.

Attach the Pot Rack

Attach your pot rack to the installed anchors. If using toggle bolts, pull back on the rack slightly while tightening the bolts to ensure the toggle is snug against the inside of the wall or ceiling.

For screw-in anchors, drive the screws through the rack’s mounting holes and into the anchors until secure.

Carefully test the installation by pulling down gently on the rack to ensure it’s securely attached. Do not fully load the rack until you’re confident it’s safely installed.

What Else Can You Use a Hanging Pot Rack For?

A hanging pot rack is a versatile addition to your kitchen, offering more than just a place to store pots and pans. Here are some creative ways to leverage a hanging pot rack.

I hope this inspires you to try and make a pan rack of your very own. Whether you have a cottage style, country rustic, or farmhouse kitchen, this DIY industrial pipe pot rack will be perfect for your space.

This was one of my favorite DIY projects I’ve done. The pot rack was within my budget, with the materials costing less than $120 and the assembly time took less than 20 minutes.

If you have any questions or additional suggestions, feel free to share them in the comments below. And be sure to share this blog post link with anyone who may find this tutorial helpful.

Until next time,

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