How to Build a Bike Rack for a Garage

It's fun to own and ride bikes, but storage can be an issue. Just leaning a bike against the wall takes up a lot of floor and wall space in the typical garage. This simple bike-storage scheme lets you rack your bikes easily and with a minimum of storage space. Best of all, it only takes a few minutes to make and only costs a few bucks in materials.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

2x4 lumber
Hand or power saw
Measuring tape
Hammer
10D nails
Rubber-coated utility hooks (at least 2-3 inch size)

Step 1

Cut a 5-foot length of 2x4 lumber with a hand saw or power saw. This length is good for a rack that holds three bikes--you can lengthen or shorten the 2x4 to hold more or fewer.

Step 2

Place the 2x4 board perpendicular to the wooden joists of your garage's ceiling in the location you'd like to place your bikes. To allow adequate space for the bikes, be sure the board is placed at least 3 feet away from any parallel wall. When you've satisfied the conditions above, nail the board in place using two nails to secure it to each joist. Use 10D nails to ensure a tight connection.

Step 3

Drill three holes in the 2x4 board using a 1/8-inch drill bit and a power drill. Space them along the board as follows. First hole 6 inches from one end of the board; second hole 2 1/2 feet from the one end of the board; third hole 6 inches from the other end of the board.

Step 4

Screw large, rubber-coated utility hooks into the holes you've drilled in the board. Screw the hooks in until all the thread is into the board. The hooks should be aligned so that they're parallel to the board.

Step 5

Store your bikes by suspending the front wheel from the hook and letting the bikes hang from the ceiling. When you want to use a bike, simply lift it off the hook.

Article Written By Nichole Liandi

Based in Virginia, Nichole Liandi has been a freelance writer since 2005. Her articles have appeared on various print and online publications. Liandi has traveled extensively in Europe and East Asia and incorporates her experiences into her articles. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in history from West Virginia University.

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