House Grail is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

15 Free DIY Kayak Storage Rack Plans You Can Make Today (with Pictures)

Kayak Storage

Kayak Storage

According to the American Canoe Organization,1 more than 13 million Americans participate in kayaking each year, making it one of the most popular sports in the country.

Despite all the fun that comes with kayaking, most kayaks are quite large, which makes storing them a hassle for individuals who do not have much space on their property. They have to make do with what they have to ensure that your kayak stays safe from the elements.

But how about a DIY rack to make things easier? The following are plans that teach you how to build a kayak storage rack for yourself.

divider 7

The 15 DIY Kayak Storage Rack Plans

1. DIY Wall Hanger for Kayaks by Bucks Garage

If you have wall space to spare, a DIY wall hanger for kayak storage should be one of the first options to consider.

You can make a kayak wall hanger from a pipe. Simply bend the pipe into a shape that you can mount on a wall. This video illustrates how to do this. Moreover, you can create two wall hangers from a single pipe, thereby making the kayak wall hanger one of the most cost-efficient do-it-yourself kayak storage plans. It is also quite easy to assemble.


2. DIY PVC Kayak Rack by Bill Zobrist

As this video shows, a PVC kayak storage rack plan simply involves duct tape, tee joints, and electrical PVC to customize a rack that can store up to three racks. Thanks to its design, this rack is also quite easy to take apart in case you no longer need it or need to transport it.

You also do not have to be a skilled craftsperson to do this project, as the only tools you need are a saw, rubber mallet, and tape measure.


3. DIY General Kayak/Canoe Storage by Duck Hunter

To construct this simple kayak storage rack, all you need is plywood, four 2X4s, a PVC pipe, and bolts. You will screw the 2X4s flat into the walls and then add rungs where you will place your kayak. These rungs can be made out of plywood with PVC pipe at the center to prevent the wood from squeezing together, which can result in collapse.

The advantage of using this type of kayak storage is that you can design it to hold several kayaks without using much space.


4. DIY Kayak Cart by JD Offline

This kayak storage solution is quite innovative, as it not only offers you storage but also mobility. This means that you can move it to the space that is most convenient for you at that moment. Loading and unloading the kayak, as well as getting it to and from the truck, also becomes much easier.

You can make a DIY Kayak cart using simple tools in your garage and materials that are readily available at hardware stores. A few of the things that you will need include a drill, drill bit, screws, lumber, casters, and gloves.


5. DIY Kayak Rack by How To Specialist

DIY Kayak Rack
Image Credit: Instructables

The DIY Kayak Rack project will help you store several kayaks in the same place. It’s sturdy and easy to build and will accommodate up to three kayaks. There is also a storage compartment to hold onto your smaller items, and the instructions are extremely detailed, so you won’t get lost or confused while you work. It will take about a week to finish, and you can paint or stain it to match the surrounding area.


6. Outdoor Kayak Rack by Rustic-Crafts

Outdoor Kayak Rack
Image Credit: Rustic Crafts

The Outdoor Kayak Rack is a fantastic project for anyone who wants a rack capable of holding multiple kayaks without putting much work into the building. The author claims that you can finish this project in under an hour, and it will hold four kayaks as is, but you can customize it to hold more or fewer. It uses 4×4 posts and plumbing pipe for the bulk of the construction, and it’s durable enough to last several seasons.


7. Lightweight Kayak Rack by Instructables

Lightweight Kayak Rack
Image Credit: Instructables

The Lightweight Kayak Rack uses PVC to create a portable kayak rack that you can move as needed. It can store up to three 6–9-foot-long kayaks and is extremely weather resistant, likely to last many years. The author clearly explains each step, and it won’t take too long to finish once you have all the materials. There is a place to put cinder blocks if you need more support, and you can even fill the pipes with water to help weigh it down if you find a permanent location.


8. Wood Kayak Rack by Buy Tool Bags

Wood Kayak Rack
Image Credit: Buytoolbags

The Wood Kayak Rack is a fun-to-build project that uses 4×4 posts and 2x4s to create a rack suitable for large kayaks up to 16 feet. The author provides plenty of tips and tricks for working with wood posts that will likely carry to your future projects. You can finish it in a few days, and the author even walks you through staining it, which helps it look amazing and protects it from weathering.


9. The $100 PVC Kayak Rack by Red Is A Flavor

The $100 PVC Kayak Rack
Image Credit: Red is a Flavor

This $100 PVC Kayak Rack uses PVC to create a strong and durable kayak rack that can hold up to four kayaks simultaneously. Construction requires little effort, and you won’t even need to do much cutting. Most builders can complete it in only a few hours, and there is no need for paint or stain. The instructions aren’t as clear as some other projects, but plenty of images still ensure an easy build.


10. No Metal Kayak Rack by Crafted Work Shop

No Metal Kayak Rack
Image Credit: Crafted Workshop

The No Metal Kayak Rack project is one of the more advanced on this list, but it’s well worth the effort if you are an experienced woodworker. It walks you through creating your rack without any metal fasteners and instead uses expertly crafted joints to create a durable, stable, and attractive rack that can hold up to four kayaks. You can also stain it with different types of stain or paint it to match its surroundings.


11. Tree Style Kayak Rack by Jim Thomas

The Tree Style Kayak Rack plan walks you through building a massive rack that can hold up to six large kayaks at once. The tools and materials list is surprisingly small, and the instructions are in video format, so they are easy to follow. The finished product is durable enough to last several seasons, especially if you get a good finish on it, and is the perfect choice for someone with several boats.


12. Perfect Kayak Rack by Every other Karl

The Perfect Kayak Rack is an easy-to-build project that the author claims costs less than $150 to build and results in a rack that can hold up to eight kayaks at once. It uses mainly pressure-treated 2×4 boards to create a weather-resistant rack that will last several seasons and only takes about 3 hours to build. There are no difficult cuts, and the author explains each step in video format.


13. Kayak Storage Shed by Angling Spiders

The Kayak Storage Shed is a fantastic project that creates an attractive storage shed that will help protect your kayak from the elements when you are not using it. The author makes it look like an addition to the house, and while it’s more difficult to build than many other projects, it’s worth the effort because it’s quite attractive. Another benefit is that it locks the kayaks in place, making them less likely to be stolen. The only downside is that there is only room for two kayaks inside.


14. Two Kayak Storage Rack by Atter Berry

Two Kayak Storage Rack
Image Credit: Atterberry

The Two Kayak Storage Rack is the perfect solution for someone who only needs to store one or two kayaks at a time and is looking for an inexpensive project that is easy to build. The author claims that you can build it for only about $50, and it primarily uses 2×4 boards and plywood. There are a few angled cuts, but they are easy with a jigsaw, and you won’t need to be extremely precise. The instructions are clear and include a template for the angled cuts, so even a beginner can complete it if they work slowly.


15. Fence Kayak Rack by Tyrant Lizard Outdoor Productions 2013

The Fence Kayak Rack is the perfect project for someone with limited space on their property for a standalone rack. This easy-to-build project attaches right to your existing privacy fence and is surprisingly sturdy. It mainly uses 2×4 boards and 4×4 wood posts, and the finished project will hold two kayaks securely. It’s also not hard to add to it so it can hold more kayaks. The author walks you through each step in an easy-to-follow video, so you can finish it in just a few days.

divider 5

Tips for Proper Kayak Storage

To ensure that your kayak(s) stays in proper condition while in storage, take heed of these tips:

  • Always pay close attention to the temperature of the area where you are storing your kayak. This is because if those temperatures either go above 100 degrees Fahrenheit or dip below freezing, the risk of your kayak becoming brittle dramatically increases.
  • Always clean the kayak before storing it. This will reduce the chances of mildew and mold growing on it. Cleaning your kayak is especially vital if you do your kayaking in saltwater, as salty water corrodes the hull.
  • If you decide to mount your kayak(s) on a wall, make sure that the surfaces that you mount it on are sturdy. As such, avoid hanging your kayak from drywalls or plain plywood.
  • Regardless of your choice of kayak storage ruck, it is important to ensure that the weight of the kayak is evenly distributed. This prevents the hull from deforming or warping.
  • If you must store the kayak outside, then make sure that you utilize a tarp for protection against the elements, in addition to preventing insects and animals from using your kayak as a shelter.

tool divider

Conclusion

Kayaking is the most appropriate definition of fun. However, if you want your kayak to serve you for a long time, you must store it properly. Hopefully, this article has taught you how to build a kayak storage rack that will help you keep your kayak in good shape for many years to come.

You Might Also Be Interested In:


Featured Image Credit: Vladvictoria, Pixabay

Contents

Related posts

OUR categories

Project ideas

Hand & power tools

woodworking

Garden

Automotive