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Are you sick and weary of dealing with garden hose tangles? The ideal way to keep your hoses organised and accessible is with a garden hose reel. We’ll walk you through the process of building a garden hose reel from scratch in this step-by-step DIY manual. You may build a practical and fashionable hose reel that will save you time and effort when you are working in the yard with just a few inexpensive materials and a little creativity. Let’s get started and design your own garden hose reel so that watering your plants will be a breeze!
Your DIY Guide to Making Garden Hose Reels
So, if you need some inspiration in learning how to make a garden hose reel, we have three options for you. Both seasoned and new gardeners can benefit from these DIY hose reel ideas because they are useful and don’t necessarily require expert woodworking abilities.
PVC hose reel
A PVC hose reel is a lightweight and cost-effective option for organizing and storing your garden hose. PVC is a durable and weather-resistant material that can be easily shaped and assembled. Here’s a guide on how to make a basic PVC hose reel:

Materials Needed:
- PVC Pipes (1-inch diameter or larger, as per your preference)
- PVC Elbows and Tees
- PVC Pipe Cutter or Saw
- PVC Cement or Glue
- Drill
- Screws
- Garden Hose
Step 1: Measure and Cut the PVC Pipes
Decide on the size of your hose reel based on the length of your garden hose. Measure and cut the PVC pipes into the following pieces:
- Two long pieces for the sides (length of the reel)
- Two shorter pieces for the top and bottom (width of the reel)
- One longer piece for the handle (optional, for winding the hose)
Step 2: Assemble the Frame
Using PVC elbows and tees, assemble the cut PVC pipes into a rectangular frame for the hose reel. Attach the elbows to the top and bottom of the longer side pieces, and use tees to join the shorter pieces to the ends. Ensure the connections are tight and aligned properly.
Step 3: Add the Handle (Optional)
If you want a handle for winding the hose, attach the longer PVC piece to the top of the reel frame using PVC elbows. This will serve as a crank to roll up the garden hose easily.
Step 4: Secure the Frame
Use PVC cement or glue to secure the connections and make the frame sturdy. Allow the cement to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Step 5: Drill Mounting Holes
Decide on the mounting location for your PVC hose reel, typically on an exterior wall or fence. Use a drill to make pilot holes through the PVC frame where it will be attached to the wall.
Step 6: Mount the PVC Hose Reel
Hold the PVC hose reel against the wall, aligning the pilot holes with the desired location. Insert screws through the holes and into the wall to securely mount the reel.
Step 7: Attach the Garden Hose
Attach one end of your garden hose to the water outlet on the PVC hose reel. Make sure it is securely connected.
Step 8: Wind the Garden Hose
Use the handle (if you added one) to wind the garden hose onto the PVC hose reel. Make sure it is evenly distributed and doesn’t overlap or kink.
Congratulations! You now have your own DIY PVC hose reel. It’s a simple and practical solution for storing and organizing your garden hose while being lightweight and easy to maintain.
Used Tire Rim Reel
Creating a garden hose reel from a used tire rim is a creative and eco-friendly DIY project. It repurposes an old tire rim and turns it into a functional and unique hose reel. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make a used tire rim reel:

Materials Needed:
- Used tire rim (preferably from a larger vehicle, like a car or truck)
- Plywood or wooden board (approximately the same diameter as the tire rim)
- Jigsaw or coping saw
- Sandpaper
- Paint (optional)
- Drill
- Screws
- Garden Hose
Step 1: Clean the Tire Rim
Clean the used tire rim thoroughly to remove any dirt, debris, or grease. You can use soap and water, and scrub with a brush to ensure it’s clean.
Step 2: Cut the Plywood
To measure the inner diameter of the tire rim. Using a jigsaw or coping saw, cut a circular wooden board (plywood) to fit snugly inside the tire rim. This wooden board will act as the base for your hose reel.
Step 3: Sand the Plywood
Smooth the edges of the circular wooden board using sandpaper. Ensure it fits comfortably inside the tire rim without any gaps.
Step 4: Paint the Tire Rim (Optional)
If you want to give your tire rim reel a fresh look, you can paint it in a color of your choice. Apply a coat of paint and allow it to dry completely before moving on to the next step.
Step 5: Attach the Wooden Board to the Tire Rim
Place the wooden board inside the tire rim, making sure it is centered. Use a drill and screws to secure the wooden board to the tire rim. You can drill through the tire rim and into the wooden board to hold them together firmly.
Step 6: Mount the Tire Rim Reel
Decide on the mounting location for your tire rim reel, preferably on an exterior wall or fence. Use a drill to make pilot holes through the wooden board where it will be attached to the wall.
Step 7: Mount the Tire Rim Reel on the Wall
Hold the tire rim reel against the wall, aligning the pilot holes with the desired location. Insert screws through the holes and into the wall to securely mount the reel.
Step 8: Attach the Garden Hose
Attach one end of your garden hose to the water outlet on the tire rim reel. Make sure it is securely connected.
Step 9: Wind the Garden Hose
You can now wind the garden hose around the tire rim reel. Simply coil the hose neatly around the rim to keep it organized and tangle-free.
Congratulations! You have successfully repurposed a used tire rim into a unique and functional garden hose reel. It adds a touch of creativity to your garden while providing a practical solution for storing and organizing your garden hose.
Garden Plant Box

Materials Needed
Before we get started, gather the following materials:
- Wooden plank (2 ft x 1 ft)
- Wooden dowels (2 pieces, 6 inches each)
- Wooden blocks (4 pieces, 4 inches each)
- Wooden spool (1 piece, 8 inches in diameter)
- Wood screws
- Drill
- Saw
- Sandpaper
- Wood glue
- Varnish or paint (optional)
- Garden hose
- Garden hose connector
Step 1: Prepare the Wooden Plank
Begin by preparing the wooden plank. Sand down any rough edges and apply varnish or paint if desired for a polished look. This will serve as the base of your hose reel.
Step 2: Attach the Wooden Blocks
Take the four wooden blocks and position them on the wooden plank. These blocks will act as the support for the wooden dowels that will hold the hose reel in place. Secure the blocks to the plank using wood screws.
Step 3: Fix the Wooden Dowels
Next, take the two wooden dowels and attach them vertically to the wooden blocks. These dowels will serve as the spindles for your garden hose reel. Check that they are evenly spaced and securely fastened.
Step 4: Attach the Wooden Spool
Now, take the wooden spool and place it horizontally on the wooden dowels. This spool will hold the garden hose in place. You can use wood glue to ensure it stays fixed on the dowels.
Step 5: Drill a Hole
On one end of the wooden plank, drill a hole that is large enough for the garden hose connector to fit through. This will allow you to easily connect the garden hose to the reel.
Step 6: Add a Handle (Optional)
If you want to make winding and unwinding the hose easier, you can add a handle to the wooden spool. This can be a wooden dowel or any other material that you find comfortable to grip.
Step 7: Test the Garden Hose Reel
Before you start using the garden hose reel, make sure it is functioning correctly. Insert one end of the garden hose through the hole in the wooden board and connect the hose connector to the spool. Now, wind the hose around the spool and test if it unwinds smoothly.
Step 8:Personalise Your Garden Hose Reel
Add decorative components or paint your outdoor hose reel in your favourite colours to make it unique. Allow your imagination to go wild and create it, a one-of-a-kind addition to your garden.
Best Washers for Garden Hose: Ensure Leak-Free Watering!
Conclusion
It’s a rewarding and useful DIY project to make your own garden hose reel. Making a durable and useful hose reel that will keep your garden organised and make watering a breeze is easy if you just follow these few basic steps. Using this handmade garden hose reel, have fun gardening!
FAQs
1. Is it necessary to add a handle to the garden hose reel?
Although it is not required, a handle might make winding and unwinding the hose more convenient.
2. How long does it take to build a garden hose reel?
The time needed will vary on your DIY prowess, but it can typically be finished in a few hours.
3. Can I paint the garden hose reel to match my garden decor?
Absolutely! Painting the hose reel is a great way to customize it and make it blend seamlessly with your garden’s aesthetics.
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