Gardeners know the necessity to carry gardening tools in the yard usually arises. Instead of straining the body with continuous heavy lifting and bending, one can work with an easy-to-operate cart.
And contrasted with buying a garden cart, why not look into these sustainable DIY Garden Carts to build one for yourself? It’ll help you haul garden equipment, firewood, pots, mulch, stones, and fertilizers across the property efficiently and quickly.
And contrasted with buying a garden cart, why not look into these sustainable DIY Garden Carts to build one for yourself? It’ll help you haul garden equipment, firewood, pots, mulch, stones, and fertilizers across the property efficiently and quickly.
What Is A Garden Cart?
A garden cart is among the necessary tools for every gardener, regardless of the size of their garden. They are straight-sided vehicles with two or more wheels used to haul tools and garden supplies like plants, soil, or stones.
Mainly made from wood (steel tends to be bulky and heavy, and plastic is highly vulnerable), the typical garden cart has four wheels for maneuverability and a pull handle with a decent vertical swing.
Also known as garden trolleys, garden carts can be handy instruments, primarily when working on extensive gardening duties. Whether prepping and sowing plants, sweeping fall leaves, or installing heavy pavers, a garden cart handles much of the work of toting your clutter to another site.
There are four primary garden carts; utility wagons, foldable carts, dump carts, and flatbeds. The type of garden carts you want depends on your needs in the garden.
Mainly made from wood (steel tends to be bulky and heavy, and plastic is highly vulnerable), the typical garden cart has four wheels for maneuverability and a pull handle with a decent vertical swing.
Also known as garden trolleys, garden carts can be handy instruments, primarily when working on extensive gardening duties. Whether prepping and sowing plants, sweeping fall leaves, or installing heavy pavers, a garden cart handles much of the work of toting your clutter to another site.
There are four primary garden carts; utility wagons, foldable carts, dump carts, and flatbeds. The type of garden carts you want depends on your needs in the garden.
Is Garden Cart Different From A Wheelbarrow?
Wheelbarrows have their spot in the yard, though some people feel more at ease with a garden cart wagon.
Wheelbarrows have sloping sides and one to two front wheels. Being able to walk behind it makes for easy control and maneuvering. They are convenient for loose materials that can be dumped, like soil, gravel, weeds, and compost – except when you’re hauling heaps of bulky material, such as leaves and branch cuttings, or attempting to load something oversized into them.
Garden carts have flat bottoms and four-six wheels, making them easy to spin and control on sharp turns. They are more stable than wheelbarrows and can often hold bulkier tools. They can be more challenging to pilot on uneven surfaces but a lot easier in your garden’s raised beds and narrow footways.
A garden cart is something that will make your gardening to become much more comfortable. Using it will be relatively painless to tote your things around the garden.
Wheelbarrows have sloping sides and one to two front wheels. Being able to walk behind it makes for easy control and maneuvering. They are convenient for loose materials that can be dumped, like soil, gravel, weeds, and compost – except when you’re hauling heaps of bulky material, such as leaves and branch cuttings, or attempting to load something oversized into them.
Garden carts have flat bottoms and four-six wheels, making them easy to spin and control on sharp turns. They are more stable than wheelbarrows and can often hold bulkier tools. They can be more challenging to pilot on uneven surfaces but a lot easier in your garden’s raised beds and narrow footways.
A garden cart is something that will make your gardening to become much more comfortable. Using it will be relatively painless to tote your things around the garden.
13 DIY Garden Cart Ideas
The list below includes 13 easy-to-use garden cart ideas you can build now!
Although some of these are a tad more intricate, if you have a circular saw or table saw, drill, tape measure, construction adhesive, and some wood screws, you can manage all these suggestions liberally. Below are all the details or ideas you need for your DIY garden cart to keep your lawn clean and organized this season.
Although some of these are a tad more intricate, if you have a circular saw or table saw, drill, tape measure, construction adhesive, and some wood screws, you can manage all these suggestions liberally. Below are all the details or ideas you need for your DIY garden cart to keep your lawn clean and organized this season.
Utility Cart With A Door
This DIY garden cart is a bit labour-intensive project but worth the effort. It is not only a user-friendly cart. It is built as a wall-mounted garden cart with a door, a solid wooden frame, and four wheels. It resembles a baby crib, and you can attach it to a riding lawn mower as a trailer.
To make a low-cost and well-made garden cart, you only need wood planks, plywood, four tires, two-axle rods (plastic caps and locking shaft collars), locking pillow blocks, bolts, screws, end caps, hinges, spacing washers, and hitch. Locking pillow blocks are support pedestals used to mount a spinning axle to a flat surface. The pillow block contains a bearing that lets the wheel axles spin independently of the mount. The shaft collar is the key part needed to prevent the wheel from sliding off the axle.
This utility cart has a hard-wearing structure and complies with all code conditions for service on job sites and indoor or outdoor use.
To make a low-cost and well-made garden cart, you only need wood planks, plywood, four tires, two-axle rods (plastic caps and locking shaft collars), locking pillow blocks, bolts, screws, end caps, hinges, spacing washers, and hitch. Locking pillow blocks are support pedestals used to mount a spinning axle to a flat surface. The pillow block contains a bearing that lets the wheel axles spin independently of the mount. The shaft collar is the key part needed to prevent the wheel from sliding off the axle.
This utility cart has a hard-wearing structure and complies with all code conditions for service on job sites and indoor or outdoor use.
DIY Utility Cart With Hose Holder
If versatility and practicality are more important to you than a sleek design, this wagon might be on your search list. This garden cart is one of those waterproof, durable, and long-lasting DIY ideas you can construct cheaply with the tiniest purchase.
You’ll only need a water hose holder, a standard wood board, a set of wheels, and a plastic tub to wrap up this project. The plastic tub should be hard-wearing with a convenient hinged lid to show enough storage capacity for whatever you must avoid being scattered: tools, supplies, etc. If you nourish your garden frequently, perhaps you have these materials in your storage or garage.
This lightweight option would not need much force while carting. It should be thorough in toting around your axe, plants, fertilizers, hose, watering can, trowel, and other small garden stuff across the yard.
You’ll only need a water hose holder, a standard wood board, a set of wheels, and a plastic tub to wrap up this project. The plastic tub should be hard-wearing with a convenient hinged lid to show enough storage capacity for whatever you must avoid being scattered: tools, supplies, etc. If you nourish your garden frequently, perhaps you have these materials in your storage or garage.
This lightweight option would not need much force while carting. It should be thorough in toting around your axe, plants, fertilizers, hose, watering can, trowel, and other small garden stuff across the yard.
Rustic DIY Wheelbarrow Pneumatic Tire
The versatility of this simple DIY rustic wheelbarrow makes it an ideal weekend project! The wheelbarrow is fully operative, and it spins and pivots well.
If you have plenty of wooden pallets in your yard, you could build this traditional wheelbarrow. To guarantee that you add liveliness to the rough design, you have to do some sanding on the wood.
Suppose you have a level garden and pushing your wheelbarrow would not be a nuisance, opt for any tire you want. However, pneumatic tires would be perfect if you traverse bumpy and rocky terrain.
This could help add a striking old-fashioned wheelbarrow to your backyard if you have basic sawing and balancing skills.
If you have plenty of wooden pallets in your yard, you could build this traditional wheelbarrow. To guarantee that you add liveliness to the rough design, you have to do some sanding on the wood.
Suppose you have a level garden and pushing your wheelbarrow would not be a nuisance, opt for any tire you want. However, pneumatic tires would be perfect if you traverse bumpy and rocky terrain.
This could help add a striking old-fashioned wheelbarrow to your backyard if you have basic sawing and balancing skills.
Classic Wooden Cart
Do you want a symmetric, easy-to-use, catchy “workhorse” for your garden? Then this classic wooden cart is worthy of your attention. But do not forget that you’ll need to allot the whole weekend constructing it.
On the other note, the plan is relatively easy and convenient. A two-tier cart can carry flowers, sand, mulch, trowels, sand, pruners, and everything of a type.
This standard cart, constructed from heavy-duty white ash hardwood, is an incredible garden workhorse. It’s lightweight, but it works like a heavyweight. It will be of help for a very long time.
It’s a DIY garden cart that’s sturdy enough to bear a heavy load of soil, planters, and tools without placing too much pressure on your arms. And the big wheels enable you to move loads across rough lawns and up and down slopes with the slightest effort.
On the other note, the plan is relatively easy and convenient. A two-tier cart can carry flowers, sand, mulch, trowels, sand, pruners, and everything of a type.
This standard cart, constructed from heavy-duty white ash hardwood, is an incredible garden workhorse. It’s lightweight, but it works like a heavyweight. It will be of help for a very long time.
It’s a DIY garden cart that’s sturdy enough to bear a heavy load of soil, planters, and tools without placing too much pressure on your arms. And the big wheels enable you to move loads across rough lawns and up and down slopes with the slightest effort.
Large, Wooden Garden Cart
A full-size garden might significantly gain from a large, old-school wooden cart. Creating it will take a couple of days, though the result will be well rewarding. You’re okay if you’ve acquired a set of large enough wheels (perhaps from a bicycle) and some treated plywood (or any other solid and impermeable wood).
Add aluminum trim over the edges to help this DIY wagon stand the test of time. For mounting it, use heavy-duty construction adhesive and wood screws. This garden cart is somewhat lightweight yet highly durable and weather resistant. And because of the sidewalls, you won’t need to be stressed about your tools and stuff ricocheting.
If you are in search of something that can store more than the usual amount, then this DIY garden cart plan can fulfill your needs.
Add aluminum trim over the edges to help this DIY wagon stand the test of time. For mounting it, use heavy-duty construction adhesive and wood screws. This garden cart is somewhat lightweight yet highly durable and weather resistant. And because of the sidewalls, you won’t need to be stressed about your tools and stuff ricocheting.
If you are in search of something that can store more than the usual amount, then this DIY garden cart plan can fulfill your needs.
Garden Cart From Recycled Pallets
This cart idea is a clever approach to recycling old wooden pallets that can be appropriate for garden carts. The great part is that you don’t need to spend too much or store this when the growing season is done. This project is completed with a bit of a green thumb, so it looks incredible here and there!
You might not be able to carry hundreds of pounds of weight on this cart; however, it will work very well for soil, gravel, sand, and tools.
Ensure the pallets are heavy-duty (and wide) to secure the wheels. So, don’t choose the most oversized wheels; opt for something smaller.
You might not be able to carry hundreds of pounds of weight on this cart; however, it will work very well for soil, gravel, sand, and tools.
Ensure the pallets are heavy-duty (and wide) to secure the wheels. So, don’t choose the most oversized wheels; opt for something smaller.
Three-Level Garden Cart
The Three-Level Garden Cart is the ideal fusion of trendy and old-school. It’s considerably greater and provides enough space to carry heavy garden stuff like sacks of fertilizer, soil, stones, flowers or plants, and water cans.
It can even function as a rolling storage cart. It has basket storage in the middle and resilient base material and wheels for stability, a long service life, and easy mobility.
It’s a perfect storage solution in your garden, shed, and even within the house.
Ripping the wood (cutting along the grain using a circular saw) is strongly recommended. And to avoid the wood from splitting, pre-drill holes with a cordless drill. And for the shelves, attach them with wood glue before using the nail gun.
It can even function as a rolling storage cart. It has basket storage in the middle and resilient base material and wheels for stability, a long service life, and easy mobility.
It’s a perfect storage solution in your garden, shed, and even within the house.
Ripping the wood (cutting along the grain using a circular saw) is strongly recommended. And to avoid the wood from splitting, pre-drill holes with a cordless drill. And for the shelves, attach them with wood glue before using the nail gun.
Six-Wheels Garden Wagon
Basic frame alignment and wheel assembly knowledge can assist you with this DIY wagon. Screws, wheels, handrails, pine, exterior plywood, and lock-nuts are some materials you will need.
Equipped with six wheels (four wheels at the front and two wheels at the back) and a pull handle, this DIY wagon is ideal for dragging bags of mulch or potting soil, concrete bags, gravel, and other gardening supplies. The extra set of wheels means more control on the heavy-duty cart.
It is a durable hand truck with a bevelled deck, making it easy to move large items without throwing any material off the sides. However, you should be careful if you plan to carry small gardening equipment. This DIY garden cart does not have side support; thus, your lightweight equipment can spill out.
Equipped with six wheels (four wheels at the front and two wheels at the back) and a pull handle, this DIY wagon is ideal for dragging bags of mulch or potting soil, concrete bags, gravel, and other gardening supplies. The extra set of wheels means more control on the heavy-duty cart.
It is a durable hand truck with a bevelled deck, making it easy to move large items without throwing any material off the sides. However, you should be careful if you plan to carry small gardening equipment. This DIY garden cart does not have side support; thus, your lightweight equipment can spill out.
Portable Potting Bench/Garden Cart
Pass itself off as a convenient potting bench; this versatile garden cart is solid and easy to do. It is a total avant-garde. Likewise known as a gardening table, a potting bench is ideal for holding pots, tools, soil, and transplanting seedlings. It has adequate storage for an average-size garden and is readily adjusted for the chore.
Detach the built-in benches and set them around your home to have a modern deck area. If intending to make your garden space a living masterpiece, this multipurpose wagon will let you achieve it quickly.
This DIY plan could be your best bet if you reside where it always rains. The wheels on the front and handles on the back let you drive it outside when the weather is fine, then store it in the garage/yard shed when unused.
Detach the built-in benches and set them around your home to have a modern deck area. If intending to make your garden space a living masterpiece, this multipurpose wagon will let you achieve it quickly.
This DIY plan could be your best bet if you reside where it always rains. The wheels on the front and handles on the back let you drive it outside when the weather is fine, then store it in the garage/yard shed when unused.
DIY Wagon From A Wooden Box
Can you secure a pretty big wooden box? You are more than prepared to build this sleek DIY garden cart if you can. The best method to wield it would be as a raised garden bed for growing plants.
Since it is box-shaped, you can customize it with some graffiti or painting to make it more eye-catching. The box will even have a lid for you to protect the storage space when unused.
In this DIY, you have the wagon appeal plus the natural style of the box.
Since it is box-shaped, you can customize it with some graffiti or painting to make it more eye-catching. The box will even have a lid for you to protect the storage space when unused.
In this DIY, you have the wagon appeal plus the natural style of the box.
Homestead Copy Cart
With this affordable and sturdy small cart, your little gardener will also have their garden cart. It takes minimal effort to make. All you need is a bungee cord, lag bolts, lawnmower wheels, and a plastic storage tote bin.
The Garden cart is made with two industrial-strength wheels, rubber tires, and a firm axle for stability. The bungee cord is used as a hand brake to secure the load instead of a pull handle, allowing you to smoothly turn the cart by lifting the rope to swing on the rear wheels.
It’s a preferred garden cart for gardeners that often carry big, heavy, and bulky material and require a robust cord to buckle their bags of gravel, cement, or soil.
The Garden cart is made with two industrial-strength wheels, rubber tires, and a firm axle for stability. The bungee cord is used as a hand brake to secure the load instead of a pull handle, allowing you to smoothly turn the cart by lifting the rope to swing on the rear wheels.
It’s a preferred garden cart for gardeners that often carry big, heavy, and bulky material and require a robust cord to buckle their bags of gravel, cement, or soil.
Painted/Stained Cart With Shelves
This DIY garden cart is painted with any glossy hue to make it pop – it is both practical and modish. Use it for keeping small gardening instruments within reach or for outdoor entertaining.
Generally speaking, it takes 3–5 hours to complete. But it’s more difficult compared to your average carts. It is equally valuable, stable, and trendy, though. Moreover, the main work will be completed on the jar holders, and if you have a hole saw, that won’t need much work or expertise.
When choosing between different wood types, select the one that can endure natural elements, like cedar, white oak, or Douglas fir.
Generally speaking, it takes 3–5 hours to complete. But it’s more difficult compared to your average carts. It is equally valuable, stable, and trendy, though. Moreover, the main work will be completed on the jar holders, and if you have a hole saw, that won’t need much work or expertise.
When choosing between different wood types, select the one that can endure natural elements, like cedar, white oak, or Douglas fir.
Considerations Regarding Garden Carts
Knowing what works for someone else might not be the one that works best for you, so it’s vital to make your list of priorities. Here are some things to consider regarding your garden cart:
- type of wheel
- bed material
- weight capacity
- Durability
Conclusion
Garden carts are a straightforward and inexpensive way to move heavy items across your garden. Whether hauling soil or gravel, removing sod, or degenerating compost piles, it’s no big deal for a garden cart.
And they can be fun to build, and this article only verifies it. There are several designs and ideas to choose from!
Before you bring your new cart to the yard, ensure to protect the wood and hardboard pieces with exterior paint or the proper outdoor sealant. Don’t forget to paint the bare metal. If you handle your cart cautiously, it’ll hold up like any high-quality tool.
And they can be fun to build, and this article only verifies it. There are several designs and ideas to choose from!
Before you bring your new cart to the yard, ensure to protect the wood and hardboard pieces with exterior paint or the proper outdoor sealant. Don’t forget to paint the bare metal. If you handle your cart cautiously, it’ll hold up like any high-quality tool.
Colin Macmillan is a seasoned entrepreneur and the CEO of Riverwood Landscape, a leading landscaping company based in Canada. He has been at the helm of the company since leaving high school, demonstrating his strong leadership skills and business acumen.
Colin’s expertise lies in various aspects of landscaping, including lawn care, interlocking, sod installation, and commercial maintenance. His hands-on approach and dedication to the craft have been instrumental in building Riverwood Landscape into a reputable brand.
One of his most notable achievements is the creation of a successful landscape franchise that services multiple locations. This accomplishment underscores his strategic thinking and ability to scale operations effectively.
Colin has also had the privilege of working with Guelph Hospital for landscaping and maintenance, a testament to the trust and reliability that his company has earned over the years.
His professional mission is to offer the best services and experiences for customers, a goal that he tirelessly pursues. Colin’s commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction continues to drive the growth and success of Riverwood Landscape.
