Introduction: How to Make a Shelf/Bike Rack

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I recently bought a new bike and with limited floor space in the garage I needed a way to store it off the ground. I considered hanging it upside down from the ceiling but I've heard that's not good for a bike with hydraulic shocks and brakes. So I made this wooden rack that also has room to store a helmet and a few other small biking accessories.

Be sure to check out the embedded video for more detailed instructions.

Step 1: Get Your Measurements

Your measurements are going to vary depending on the bike you're building for. Measure the distance from the center of the handlebars to the end of one side of the bars. Use this measurement to ensure that the bike sits far enough from the wall so the bars don't touch.

Step 2: Next Cut Your Boards to Length

Cut your boards to length. I used a miter saw but you could use a table saw or even a hand saw if you don't have power tools. You'll need four boards cut to length to provide room for the bike to fit without touching the wall. In my case I cut the boards to 20 inches.

Step 3: Drill the Hole That the Bike Will Sit In

I used my drill press with a two inch forstner bit to drill the hole that the bike will sit in.

Step 4: Cut the Slot for the Bike to Slide In

I used my jigsaw to cut a one inch slot adjacent to the hole so the bike can be slid in from the front.

Step 5: Round Over the Sharp Edges

Round over the sharp edges of the slot and hole so you don't accidentally scratch your bike when you're sliding it into the rack. I used a round over bit in my trim router but you could use a sander or sand paper if you don't have a router.

Step 6: Glue and Nail the Boards Together

I applied some wood glue and then lined the boards up with corner clamps. Then used brads to nail the boards together while the glue dried.

Step 7: Measure and Attach the Back

I used the shape of the box to measure the back piece. Then cut it with my miter saw. I used a clamp to help align the back and then secured it with some brads.

Step 8: Sanding and Finishing

I used some sandpaper to smooth over the sharp edge between the slot and the hole on both sides. Then I used my orbital sander to sand the rest before spraying it with a few coats of lacquer.

Step 9: Mounting to the Wall

I drilled pilot holes for mounting and then used a stud finder to locate a stud and line up the rack. I loosely mounted the rack to the wall and used a level to make sure it was lined up properly before driving in the rest of the screws.

Shelving Contest 2016

Participated in the
Shelving Contest 2016