DIY Air Drying Rack (How to Make One for Herbs or Produce)

A DIY air drying rack can be made with basic materials like mesh screen, wood strips, or even tension rods—and it’ll save you serious counter space. Whether you’re drying herbs, leafy greens, or thin produce slices, building your own rack gives you better airflow and more room to dry food efficiently.

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Why Build Your Own?

Store-bought drying racks can be pricey or not quite right for your setup. When you make your own, you can:

• Adjust the size to fit your space
• Use vertical stacking to save square footage
• Choose materials that work in your climate
• Add covers to keep bugs and dust off

Plus, it’s a satisfying weekend project—and once it’s done, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.

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🧰 Materials You Can Use

Mix and match based on what you already have. No power tools required for most setups.

✅ For the rack:

• Wood strips or old picture frames (to build the frame)
• Plastic or metal mesh screen (window screen, hardware cloth, or food-safe netting)
• Zip ties, screws, or a staple gun (to attach screen to frame)
• PVC pipe + T-joints (if you want a modular, movable frame)
• Tension rods + clothespins (for doorway or closet setups)

✅ For support or stacking:

• Bricks, cans, or wooden blocks (to elevate trays)
• Plastic crates or wire shelving (to create vertical layers)

👉 If you’re drying in a small or humid area, see:
Best Climate and Conditions for Air Drying Food

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🛠️ Simple DIY Rack Designs

🔹 Flat Frame Drying Rack (Basic & Cheap)

Build time: 30 minutes
Great for: Herbs, small greens, flowers

1. Staple mesh screen to the back of an empty picture frame
2. Stack on bricks or blocks to lift it off the surface
3. Add additional trays by repeating and stacking
4. Use a fan to increase airflow

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🔹 PVC Pipe Rack (Stackable & Mobile)

Build time: 1–2 hours
Great for: Larger batches, peppers, or thin produce slices

1. Use ½” or ¾” PVC pipe to build a cube or tower frame
2. Cut mesh screen to size and attach to lightweight trays or drawer bins
3. Slide trays between frame layers
4. Easy to move between rooms or store flat in winter

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🔹 Hanging Screen Rack (Best for Small Spaces)

Build time: 20 minutes
Great for: Urban kitchens or apartments

1. Stretch mesh between embroidery hoops or lightweight rings
2. Suspend from ceiling, rack, or tension rod
3. Use clips to attach herbs or bundle small greens
4. Place above a table for easy access and airflow

Here is a good video showing a sample air drying rack with recommendations on others to purchase:

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🛡️ Add Covers for Bug and Dust Protection

Air drying can attract dust, pet hair, or curious flies—especially if you’re working indoors near windows or outside on a porch.

Options:

• Tulle or sheer curtains (drape over racks without blocking air)
• Large paper bags with holes (for individual bundles)
• Muslin cloth or cotton sheets (lightweight and breathable)
• Mesh laundry bags (great for suspended herb bundles)

👉 Learn more: How to Air Dry Herbs for Maximum Flavor

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Final Thoughts

A homemade air drying rack doesn’t need to be fancy—it just needs airflow, elevation, and a bit of cover from the elements. Whether you’re drying a few bunches of thyme or prepping a week’s worth of beet greens, a simple DIY setup gives you flexibility without cluttering your kitchen.

Thanks for stoppin’ by!

Jelly Grandma

👉 New to air-drying and want to learn the basics? Check out How to Air Dry Food Safely and Naturally.