How to Build a Canoe Stand: An Intro Guide
A canoe stand is a convenient way to store your canoe in your garage or shed. But, if you’ve ever looked for a canoe stand, you’ve probably realized that these can get pretty expensive.
Have you ever considered building your own canoe stand?
A DIY canoe stand is an easy project that, with the right materials, can be completed in an afternoon.
In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about building a canoe stand. We will look at other projects for inspiration and discuss step-by-step instructions for building a canoe stand. Many of the projects can be made with Kee Klamp fittings and galvanized pipe, which makes this a budget-friendly project.
Types of Canoe Stands
There are many different types of canoe stands. Let’s discuss some of the most common styles and the materials used to create them.
Canoe stands can be made from:
- Wood: You can use wood to create a canoe stand since it is a durable material for outdoor projects. It is sturdy and can easily support the weight of a canoe. But, once you build a wood canoe stand, you can’t disassemble and reassemble it as you could with galvanized pipe.
- PVC Pipe: PVC is an inexpensive material and it is often used for canoe stands. However, it is not the best material for this type of project. PVC pipe degrades in sunlight and is less stable than galvanized pipe and wood.
- Galvanized Pipe and Kee Klamp Fittings: Galvanized pipe and Kee Klamp fittings are great materials for a canoe stand. These are affordable and sturdy but can also easily be broken down if needed.
In addition to these materials, canoe stands can vary based on their designs. Some canoe stands are created to hold a single canoe, while others are made for multiple. When designing your canoe stand, you should also consider where you plan to store the boats. Designing a stand for your garage might be different than designing one for a backyard or shed.
DIY Canoe Stand ideas
Randy built this stand to store both his canoe and his bike. He incorporated Single Socket Tee fittings and 90° Elbow fittings into his design. As you can see, this stand is actually two separate pieces. When Randy isn’t using the stand, he can easily store it against a wall so it doesn’t take up too much space in his garage.
David created this canoe stand to hold up to six boats. Similar stands on the market cost around $1,000. David decided to build his own with Kee Klamp fittings and galvanized pipe, which made the project much cheaper. He said, “the entire rack can be assembled and disassembled in under 10 minutes, and once assembled easily picked up and moved by two adults. Yet it is heavy enough to not be knocked over by wind should boats be tied to it when a strong wind blows. I am very very happy with this rack. It cost me less than half the price commercially available racks of this type."
This simple canoe stand was built to hold a single boat. You could easily recreate a similar design with Kee Klamp fittings and pipe. Consider using Two Socket Angle Cross fittings and Three Socket Tee fittings in your stand.
This canoe stand easily holds four boats without taking up too much space. You could also use Three Socket Tee fittings and galvanized pipe to make a similar stand. This is a great design if you are looking for a convenient way to store multiple canoes.
What to Consider
Before designing your own canoe stand there are a few things you should consider.
- Number of Canoes- How many canoes do you have? Before you design your own stand, consider if you only need to store a single canoe or if you need a multi-canoe stand.
- Materials- Will you use wood, PVC, or galvanized pipe and Kee Klamp fittings for your canoe stand? Each option has its pros and cons, but galvanized pipe is a great option. This material is durable, affordable and can be quickly disassembled and reassembled as needed.
- Budget- How much do you want to spend on this project? Building your own canoe stand will already save you money compared to purchasing one from the market. If you want to save even more money, considering using Kee Klamp fittings and pipe as these are budget-friendly materials.
- Location- Where will you store your canoe stand? Make sure you consider the size of your space before designing the stand.
How to Build a Canoe Stand
Now that you know more about canoe stands, it’s time to build your own!
Step 1: Plan Your Design & Gather Materials
It’s time to decide how you will design your canoe stand. For these instructions, we will focus on a single-canoe stand similar to the one Randy built. But of course, you can create a stand that works for multiple canoes.
For this stand, you will need galvanized pipe, Single Socket Tee fittings, 90° Elbow fittings, and Angle Tee fittings.
Step 2: Build the Frame
If this step seems overly simplified, it’s because it is. Truly, this project is quick and easy to make. Lay our your pipe and Kee Klamp fittings in the shape of your design. Then, simply attach your pipe with the Kee Klamp fittings. Start with the horizontal pipe before you move onto the vertical supports and legs. You can use an Allen Wrench to secure everything in place.
Step 3: Enjoy Your New Canoe Stand
Just like that, your canoe stand is ready! Stand up the two pieces and rest your canoe on top. Enjoy the fact that you didn’t have to spend hundreds of dollars on the canoe stand.
Install Your Own Canoe Stand Today!
Are you feeling inspired to build your own canoe stand? If you’re not sure where to start, don’t worry. We offer free design assistance to help you get your project started.
Once you finish creating your canoe stand, feel free to submit pictures of your project on our site. We would love to see the finished product!
