If you own a vehicle and live in an area where winter weather is common, then you know how important it is to have a good set of tires. Not only do they provide traction and stability on slippery roads, but they can also help keep you safe in the event of an accident.
One way to ensure that your tires are always in good condition is to build a tire rack. This will allow you to store your tires safely off the ground and out of the way as to not look messy when they’re not in use. Plus, it will make changing them a breeze when the time comes.
Building a tire rack is a relatively simple process that anyone with basic carpentry skills can handle. Just follow these steps and you’ll have your own tire rack in no time:
What You Will Need When Building a Tire Track
You will need a few materials and tools before you can start building your tire rack. Here is a list of what you will need:
Tools:
Measuring tape
Pencil
Level
Drill
Circular saw
Safety Gloves (To avoid splinters)
Goggles (To avoid splinters)
Glue (optional)
Jigsaw (optional)
Materials
4 Pieces of 2×4 lumber – 43″ long (For Frame)
4 Pieces of 2×4 lumber – 4″ long (For Posts)
4 Pieces of 2×4 lumber – 9″ long 2 Pieces – 16″ long (For Frame)
5 Pieces of 2×4 lumber 8″
2(1/2)” Screws (As many you need, 30 is a good number just in case you lose any)
Time:
About a day
How to Build a Tire Rack: A Step by Step Guide
The following steps will show you how to build a tire rack step by step:
Step 1: Planning
The above measurements are just an example, so make sure to measure the area where you want to keep your tire rack as well as the size of your tires. Plan it out accordingly or download some blueprints that you work from. This will ensure that everything fits correctly and there is plenty of room for all of your tires.
Step 2: Measuring and Cutting the Wood
Once you have the measurements, use a pencil and measuring tape to mark out where each piece of wood will go. Then use the jigsaw, or a simple saw to cut the wood to size. If you’re using a jigsaw, make sure to wear protective eye gear and gloves.
Once cut, measure each piece again and make sure that everything is cut to the right size or simply cut again if they do not match the blueprints. Also, before the assembly, see that you have each piece accounted for so that you don’t end up going back and forth and frustrate or tire yourself out.
Step 3: Framing
Now it’s time to start building the frame of your tire rack. To do this, you will need to take two of the 43″ long pieces of wood and two of the 4″ pieces of wood and drill four pilot holes through them. These should be evenly spaced and you will use them to attach the four frame pieces together.
Once the holes are drilled, apply some glue to the ends of each 4″ piece (this is optional but it will help to make the tire rack more sturdy) and then screw them into the 43″ pieces using 2 1/2″ screws. Drill these in from the outside so that the heads are not visible.
Step 4: Attaching Side Pieces
Now take the remaining four pieces of wood (two 9″ and two 16″) and attach them to the frame that you just made using the same method as before. These will act as posts to support the weight of the tires. Again, make sure that the screws are screwed in from the outside so that their heads are not visible.
Now all you need to do is add the final piece of wood (the 8″) to the frame and your tire rack is complete! Once they’re in place, make sure that they are level and secure before you put your tools away. You can either leave it as is or paint or stain it to match your garage or home’s décor.
Step 5: Adding the Tires
Lastly, add your tires to the rack. You can do this by simply rolling them up onto the rack or, if they’re too heavy, by lifting them with a tire jack. Once they’re in place, make sure that they are secure and not going to fall off. You can do this by adding some straps or chains to the frame or by adding some brackets to the wall to keep the rack securely in place.
Step 6: Updating Your Tire Rack
Now that you have your tire rack built, it’s important to update it regularly. This means checking the rack periodically to make sure that everything is still level and secure. If you notice any problems, make sure to fix them right away to avoid any accidents. You should also check the condition of your tires regularly and, if they start to show signs of wear, replace them as soon as possible.
Conclusion
There you have it! Now you know how to build a tire rack. This is a great project for anyone who wants to get their tires off the ground and out of the way. Plus, it’s a relatively simple process that anyone with basic carpentry skills can handle. Just keep in mind the importance of safety and measure everything twice before you cut. Other than that, have fun!
If this article helped you learn how to build a tire rack, consider checking out these other articles below —
