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Outdoor herb dryer on a wooden porch
Do it yourself

How to Build an Herb Dryer

Can’t get enough of fresh herbs from your garden and want to have them all year? Follow our guide to build your own outdoor herb dryer in just a day.

Person cutting a plywood sheet with a circular saw
Person cutting wood with a mitre saw
Person assembling wooden frames
Person securing mesh screen to a wooden frame
Person securing wooden frames to a plywood base
Person joining wooden frames using screws
1

Build the Herb Dryer Box

  • 1.1 - Cut the plywood sheet into a 24” x 24” square.
  • 1.2 - Cut all the 2x2 pieces for the left, right, top, and back frames based on the dimensions in the plan.
  • 1.3 - Assemble the four frames using 2 1/2” treated wood screws.
  • 1.4 - Cut the mesh screen into a rectangle big enough to cover the wood frame.
  • 1.5 - Secure the mesh screen on top of the frame using a stapler, making sure it’s stretched tight.
  • 1.6 - If required, lightly tap on the staples using a hammer to drive them in.
  • 1.7 - Secure the two lateral frames on the plywood base then add the back frame, making sure that the mesh screen side is inside the box.
  • 1.8 - Secure the top frame by screwing from inside the box. This will hide the screws.

Pro Tip

In stores, there are often wood and plywood cuttings next to the cut shop—feel free to have a look! You could also ask the team to cut a sheet for you if needed.
Person securing mesh creen to a wooden frame with a stapler
Person cutting mesh screen with a utility knife
2

Prepare the Drawers

  • 2.1 - Build the three 21 1/2” x 21 1/2” frames.
  • 2.2 - Repeat the above steps to cut the 2x2s and install the mesh screen.
Person adding a drawer support to a wooden structure
Person adding an upper drawer support to a wooden structure
3

Install the Drawer Supports

  • 3.1 - Cut the 2x2s into 12 pieces 24” long.
  • 3.2 - Find where the shelves will go then secure the two 2x2 pieces 2” below where the shelf will go on both sides of the box.
  • 3.3 - Slide the drawer onto the supports and trace where the top supports will go, and then install them.

Pro Tip

Adding a second support will prevent the drawer from tipping over when you pull it toward you.
Animated image of a person using a stapler
Person assembling a wooden door
Person adding hinges to a wood and mesh frame
4

Build the Door

  • 4.1 - Cut all the 1x2s based on the plan, meaning two 21” pieces, two 24” pieces, two 33” pieces, and two 36” pieces.
  • 4.2 - Temporarily assemble the two door frames by placing the 1x2 flat on a table and using three staples per joint. Use a square to make sure that the frames are straight. If required, lightly tap on the staples using a hammer to drive them in.
  • 4.3 - Cut a mesh screen rectangle 1” bigger than the frames. Cover the first frame and secure the mesh screen using a stapler while keeping it taut. Cut off the extra using a utility knife to prevent the mesh screen from overhanging from the door.
  • 4.4 - Place the second frame over the first one, securing them using clamps, then screw the two frames together using 1” treated wood screws.
  • 4.5 - Install the two hinges and the door handle before installing the door on the box. Screw the hinges on the box.

Pro Tip

For more stability, position the joints for the first and second frame in different spots.
Person securing casters to a wooden structure
5

Add the Finishing Touches

  • 5.1 - Install the gate hook on the dryer side.
  • 5.2 - Add casters under the drying rack so you can easily move it.
  • 5.3 - If your herb drying rack is staying outside, apply a wood preservative on the plywood and on every cut surface.

Disclaimer

These DIY projects are provided for informational purposes only. The information contained in RONA’s DIYs is intended to provide general guidelines to simplify jobs around the house. Because tools, products, materials, techniques, building codes, and local regulations are continually changing, RONA inc. assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of the information contained herein and disclaims any liability for the omissions, errors, or outcome of any project. RONA inc. makes no representation on the feasibility of any project and the viewer bears all risks coming with the realization of the projects. It is the responsibility of the viewer to ensure compliance with all applicable laws, rules, codes, and regulations for a project. The viewer must always take proper safety precautions and exercise caution when taking on any project. If there is any doubt in regard to any element of a project, please consult a licensed professional.

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