DIY Bike Storage Rack

Locate studs on a wall. This rack is going to hang your bikes vertically from the wall, so you're going to need to drill it into something solid. You can find wall studs either with a stud finder or the old-fashioned way: tapping the wall with a hammer until you find a spot that doesn't sound hollow. Studs are usually placed 16 inches apart, but this can vary in older homes. Once you find the studs, mark them with a pencil.

Measure the width of the wall with a tape measure. You will need at least 2 feet of horizontal space for each bike you plan to store, plus an extra 6 inches from each wall. Keep in mind that your rack will be attached to the wall at a height of about 65 inches, so make sure there are no obstructions such as shelves or windows.

Cut your 2 by 4. Once you've determined how many bikes you'd like to store, cut your 2 by 4 to the correct length (2 feet for each bike).

Insert the hooks. Find a drill bit that is slightly smaller in diameter than the hooks you are using and drill a "pilot hole"--a smaller hole drilled prior to a larger hole being drilled--in the wood every 24 inches. Screw in the bike hooks until they are secure. If you cannot find hooks with a rubber coating, try wrapping material from an old tire or inner tube around each one. If you don't, the metal hook could damage the rim of your bike.

Attach the rack to the wall. Have a friend hold the rack up to the wall at a height of 65 inches and drill two pilot holes through the 2 by 4 and into the wall at each stud. The holes should be 1 inch apart vertically. This will help prevent your wood from splitting and make the screws go in easer. Screw the rack to the wall using your drill and wood screws. You are going to need to attach it to at least two studs in order for it to hold, but try to attach it at more points if you can. You can use a level if you want, but it's not necessary. As long as the rack is relatively horizontal, it will work fine.

Hang your bikes. Hang each bike from the rack vertically by placing the rim of its front wheel in the hook. Hanging them vertically will maximize storage space and keep them from falling and getting damaged.