How to build a bike rack

This diy step by step diy project is about how to build a double bike rack. This project is about building a wooden bike rack for two bikes using 2x6s and 2x4s. If you have trouble with keeping the bikes in your backyard or garage, this super simple rack should solve that problem. I managed to build this diy bike rack under 5 $, using common materials and tools.

You should always plan everything from the very beginning, in order to prevent costly mistakes and to save time. If this is your first project, you should read the instructions with attention. Invest in high quality lumber and plywood, as the components will be exposed to bad weather. Protect the components with appropriate paint or stain.

There are a few tips that you should take into account, if you want to get a professional result. Therefore, take accurate measurements and use professional tools when making the cuts or when drilling pilot holes. Align the components at both ends and add waterproof glue to the joints, if you want to create a rigid structure.

Made from this plan

Building a bike rack

Materials

A – 4 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 24″ long RAILS
B – 2 piece of 2×4 lumber – 32″ long SUPPORTS

1 piece of 2×4 lumber – 6 ft
1 piece of 2×6 lumber – 8 ft
20 pieces of 2 1/2″ screws
paint

Tools

Safety gloves, glasses
Miter saw, jigsaw, pocket hole jig
Chalk line, tape measure, spirit level, carpentry pencil
Drill machinery and drill bits

Tips

Use a good miter saw to make the angle cuts
Drill pilot holes before inserting the screws

Time

One Day

Bike Rack Plans

Building the rails

Build the rails for the bike rack out of 2×6 lumber. Make cuts to all the four corners, as shown in the diagram.

Assembling the bike rack

Assemble the bike rack together by fitting the supports to the rails. Make sure the corners are right-angled and align the edges with attention. Drill pilot holes before inserting the screws, to prevent the wood from splitting.

How to build a bike rack

Smooth the edges with sandpaper and apply a few coats of paint or stain to enhance the look of the project.

Building-the-rails

First of all, I cut the rails for the double bike rack. As you can easily notice in the image, I made the cuts to the four corners of the slats, using my miter saw. I then used 120-grit sandpaper to smooth the edges thoroughly.

Cutting-the-ends-of-the-rails

This is a close up with the cuts I made to the corners of the beams.

Painting-the-components

It is a good idea to paint the components before assembling the bike rack. I chose a nice blue for my wooden bike rack that looks pretty amazing.

Pre-drilling-the-rails

I drilled pilot holes at both ends of the 2×4 supports. Pre-drilling the components will prevent possible splits.

Assembling-the-bike-rack

I used 2 1/2″ galvanized screws to lock the supports to the rails. Make sure the corners are right-angled before inserting the screws. Align the edges with attentions for a professional result.

Wooden-bike-rack

Fit the opposite 2×4 support to the bike rack. Make sure the all four corners are right-angled before inserting the screws. I don’t recommend you using waterproof glue for the joints, as you might need to adjust the distance between the rails according to the tire width.

Inserting-the-screws

Next, fit the interior rails to the bike rack. Make sure you adjust the distance between the rails to suit your needs. If the gaps is too wide, the bike won’t be set into place properly.

DIY-Double-Bike-Rack

After fitting the remaining components, I am pretty happy with the result. The double bike rack costs under 5 $ to make and it is super sturdy.

DIY-Bike-Rack

A small test with my bikes proves that I have taken the right dimensions before building the rack. If the distance between the rails is too large or too small, you can easily unscrew the components and secure them again correctly.

Building-a-bike-rack-out-of-wood

As you can see in the image, the bike rack is perfect for my bikes.

Building-a-bike-rack

The double bike rack seen from another angle. That blue really pops out.

How-to-build-a-wood-bike-rack

Double-Bike-Rack-Plans

I hope you enjoyed this this step by step tutorial and you should take a look over the rest of my projects. I would love to hear your feedback and to see your pins, likes and shares. If you build this diy bike rack don’t forget to send a few pics.

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