Every avid gardener has an endless amount of crucial tools in maintaining their outdoor haven. But where do you put them? These tools build up over time, and before you know it, you're stashing them in the corner of the garage. You need a storage plan. Below, you'll find a list of 12 space-efficient garden tool storage ideas to help cure your tool storage stress.
1. A shed
The most common form of storage is building a shed. Shed sizes will usually range from 5ft by 2ft, 4ft by 3ft, or 8ft by 8ft. A shed will give you the most customizable storage space for your garden tools. You can use shelving, hooks, drawers, baskets, and various other methods in your shed. The best and most cost-efficient sheet goods for sheds are plywood or chipboard. You can also layer interiors with galvanized steel or aluminum.
2. A storage bench
If you have a smaller portion of garden tools to store, a fun and clever solution is a storage bench. Whether you’re looking for a modern design or a basic bench style, you can use some research online to uncover several different methods. Again, plywood is the most economical and durable solution. The main tools you’ll need are a circular saw or table saw, clamps, and a drill.
3. A wood pallet
The basic wood pallet used in standard shipping can serve as a great storage option if you have taller items. It requires little-to-no assembly: you just stand it up on its side, and you’ll have ready-made compartments for all your rakes, shovels, and hoes. Bolt it to a wall to secure it in place.
4. 2x4s
An old-fashioned idea is to connect the butt-end of standard 2x4s to a wooden plank. The 2x4s should be sticking straight out from this plank. Simply measure the specific width you’ll need for each tool and bolt the 2x4s to the plank accordingly. It should be wide enough for the tool but narrow enough for each side to hang.
5. A peg-board
A retro look that has come back in style is the peg board. These can be purchased at virtually any major hardware store, and installation only involves using a drill in your garage drywall. From there, you can hook several kinds of loops, s-hooks, brackets, etc. The peg board remains one of the most straightforward solutions among all space-efficient garden tool storage ideas.
6. A wood dowel rack
Another good way to store long yard and gardening tools is using a rack. The best racks are wood dowel racks: similar to the 2x4 style, except they're set up laterally, so all the tools lay flat. Two wooden dowels are bolted into two different planks to form a rack for any rake, shovel, hoe, etc. Depending on the length of your dowels, this could make for a slim look along your garage wall.
7. An old rake!
A rustic and artsy look is to reboot an old rake if you only have a small number of garden tools. Remove the stick, then flip the rake upside down and mount it to your wall with the prongs sticking out. Each prong can serve as a hanger for small tools (preferably ones with loops on their handles).
Pro tip: Do remember that the old rake can be a dangerous idea and isn't advised if you have kids running around.
8. Baskets
Simple baskets work if your tools are smaller in size. There's an endless variety of shapes, sizes, and styles to choose from. Plastic basket bins work for sharper objects, and cloth-like baskets work if you want to tote your tools around. Metal and even wicker baskets can also help your garden tool storage needs.
9. An upcycled hose
A fun, space-efficient garden tool storage idea is to revamp an old hose. Cut the hose into several footlong pieces using a utility knife or heavy-duty scissors. Cut all the way down one side of the hose piece to appear like an open tube. Bolt the hose pieces vertically to lateral a wooden plank (similar format to the 2x4s). Now all of your long garden tools can slip right into each hose grip and hang vertically! It looks neat and saves space!
10. A PVC pipe
A long-term answer to the hose idea above would be the permanent installation of PVC pipe. Though it’s less attractive, it provides more sturdiness and stability. Cut several four-inch pieces from a PVC pipe and, using either two long wooden planks or a wide sheet of wood, screw or bolt the pipe pieces to it. Your long garden tools can slip right into the pipe slots.
11. A custom garden tool rack
The most appealing options are usually the most custom. Consider making a garden tool rack out of plywood. A simple version is two lateral flat pieces two feet apart attached to four short wooden poles. Using a router or a spade bit, drill the desired amount of holes into each wood piece. Then slip your long garden tools right through. Many will paint their rack to suit their garden theme.
12. Back wall hooks
Depending on your climate, storing your garden tools along a back wall may be your best option. If the area goes relatively unused, this may be the most discreet way to store your garden and yard tools. Using a drill, hang whichever hooks you deem suitable for your tools. You can also hang them in any style (some will intentionally scatter them). Easily hang all your tools from the hooks.
Pro tip: If this is doable at your residence, be sure that it’s out of harm's way for any pets or children.
Conclusion
Use one or more space-efficient garden tool storage ideas to keep your garage and yard organized. The sharpness, dangers, and various tool sizes need their own space: don’t let your growing interest in gardening get slowed down by the daunting pile of dozens of tools building up in the corner of your garage!