How to Make a DIY Kayak Rack
Updated: Jul. 13, 2023
Need a kayak storage solution? This rack costs less than one you can buy, and it's easy to build. We'll walk you through it step by step.
Time 2 to 3 hours
ComplexityBeginner
CostAround $60
Introduction
Kayaks bring hours of fun, but storage can be a problem. They're big and awkward, and leaning them up against the garage or sticking them in the corner of your shed is hardly a permanent solution. If you've been thinking about buying a rack for your kayaks or other paddle boats, why not make one instead?
This project could not be easier. Dimensional lumber, deck screws and a few tools are all you need to get those kayaks up off the ground and out of the way. I have a 10-foot kayak, but I'm thinking of upgrading. I built my kayak rack as separate supports, so I can change the center span distance to handle a larger boat later. This design also makes the rack easier to move.
This two-kayak rack features sturdy 4x4 posts for uprights, 2x6s for the bottom racks and 2x4s for the top racks. If you have three or more boats, this design easily modifies — just make the posts taller and/or space the racks out differently. If you don't want the rack in two pieces, add crossbars to the back.
In just a few hours, you'll wonder why you didn't do this sooner. Let's go!
Tools Required
- 1/8-in. drill bit
- Drill or impact driver
- Miter saw
- Pencil
- Speed square
- Tape measure
- Utility knife
Materials Required
- 2x4 dimensional lumber - 8-ft. long (2)
- 2x6 dimensional lumber - 8-ft. long
- 3-in. deck screws
- 4x4 post - 8-ft. long
- Wood glue or all-purpose glue
- Yoga mat; pool noodle or other padding
Project step-by-step (6)
This project was featured on At Home with Family Handyman: Saturday Morning Projects.
Cut the lumber
- Cut the 4×4 in half.
- Cut the 2×6 into:
- Two 32-in. pieces, mitered 22.5 degrees on one end (bottom racks).
- Two 7-1/2-in. pieces (bottom rack feet).
- Cut the 2x4s into:
- Two 28-in. pieces, mitered 22.5 degrees on one end (top racks).
- Four 18-in. pieces, mitered 22.5 degrees on both ends (upright feet).
- Two 20-in. pieces, mitered 45 degrees on both ends (cross braces).
Note: When mitering 2×4 cross braces and 2×4 feet, point both cuts inward, like boats (\__/).
Make the uprights
- Stand up the 4×4 post.
- Place two 18-in. 2×4 feet on either side of the post, long-side down. Mark top of 2x4s on post with pencil.
- Lay the post flat and center one base support flush with pencil line and end of the post.
- Attach with deck screws.
- Flip the post over and repeat on opposite side.
- Repeat on the other post.
Make the bottom racks
- Measure 3-1/2 in. from one end of the short 2x6s and mark with pencil.
- Draw lines on marks with a speed square, wrapping the line around the sides.
- Lay the longer 2×6 on a table or the ground and align the foot near mitered end.
- Line up pencil marks with the bottom edge of 2×6.
- Attach the foot with deck screws.
- Repeat on the other 2×6, making them mirror images of each other so each foot will be inside the 2×6 when complete.
Attach bottom racks to the posts
- Stand the 4×4 posts upright, side by side. Align so the 2×4 feet are pointing outward and will be perpendicular to the kayak support racks.
- Place one 2×6 rack (non-foot end) to the outside of one post, resting on both 2×4 feet.
- Attach to the post with deck screws.
- Repeat on other post, also placing rack to the outside of post.
Add the top racks
- Measure 20- to 24-in., or other distance dependent on your kayak size, from the bottom racks. Mark the posts with a pencil.
- Attach 2x4s on your marks at a 90-degree angle to the posts, on the outside.
- Fit cross braces under the racks and screw to the side of post.
- Carefully screw braces to underside of racks.
- Drill pilot holes to prevent narrow edges of wood from splitting.
Add padding and kayak
- Cut padding into four pieces that will fit on racks.
-
- If using a yoga mat, cut strips equal to the width of 2×4 rack arms with a utility knife.
- If using a pool noodle, carefully cut lengthwise so the noodle can be fitted over the 2x4s.
- Glue padding to the rack arms. Avoid staples so you don’t scratch your kayak.
- Position racks approximately five feet apart for a 10-ft. kayak. Adjust spacing as needed for larger boats.
- Store kayaks deck-side down so rain, snow and leaves don’t accumulate in the cockpit.
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