5 Best DIY Hose Reel Plans for Budget Conscious Farmers Under $50

Managing irrigation hoses across your farm doesn’t have to drain your budget or leave you wrestling with tangled equipment every morning. Smart farmers are discovering that building their own hose reels delivers professional results at a fraction of commercial costs – often under $50 per unit using common materials. These DIY solutions not only save you hundreds of dollars but also let you customize the design to fit your specific field layout and operational needs.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases. Thank you!

Choose the Right Materials for Your DIY Hose Reel Project

Material selection makes or breaks your DIY hose reel project. The right components ensure your reel handles daily farm use while keeping costs under $50.

Selecting Durable Wood Options

Pressure-treated pine offers the best bang for your buck at most lumber yards. I’ve built three reels using 2×4 and 2×6 pressure-treated boards that lasted over five years in harsh weather.

Cedar costs more but resists rot naturally without chemicals. Skip hardwoods like oak – they’re overkill and expensive for hose reel frames.

Finding Affordable Metal Components

Galvanized steel hardware prevents rust and costs just pennies more than regular steel. Focus on heavy-duty hinges, bolts, and washers from your local hardware store’s bulk bins.

Old car rims make excellent reel drums if you know someone at a tire shop. They’re free, perfectly round, and handle hundreds of feet of hose without bending.

Sourcing Recycled Materials

Farm auctions yield amazing deals on metal tubing and angle iron. I’ve scored enough steel for multiple projects at 20% of retail cost.

Construction sites often discard perfectly good lumber scraps. Ask politely – most contractors appreciate someone hauling away their waste materials for free.

Build a Simple Wooden Spool Hose Reel

This wooden spool design offers the most straightforward entry point for first-time builders. You’ll create a functional hose management system using basic carpentry skills and readily available lumber.

Gathering Required Tools and Materials

You’ll need a circular saw, drill, measuring tape, and sandpaper for tools. Materials include two 18-inch plywood circles, one 2×4 lumber piece for the axle, four caster wheels, wood screws, and exterior wood stain. Most hardware stores stock these items year-round, and you can often find pre-cut plywood circles to save time.

Step-by-Step Construction Process

Start by drilling a centered 1.5-inch hole through both plywood circles for the axle. Sand all surfaces smooth, then attach the 2×4 axle between the circles using wood screws. Mount caster wheels to your chosen base design – either a simple A-frame or rectangular stand. Apply two coats of exterior stain for weather protection.

Estimated Cost and Time Investment

Expect to spend $35-45 on materials if buying everything new. Construction takes 4-6 hours spread across a weekend, including drying time for stain. You’ll save additional money by using scrap plywood or asking lumber yards about their cutoff bin for smaller pieces that work perfectly for this project.

Construct a Portable Cart-Style Hose Reel

A cart-style hose reel transforms your irrigation setup from a wrestling match into smooth operation. You’ll move 200+ feet of hose across uneven terrain without the back-breaking drag or constant untangling that costs you precious time during peak growing season.

Planning the Mobile Design

Your cart design needs four key components: a sturdy frame, reliable wheels, a center-mounted reel drum, and a pull handle. Plan for 150-300 feet of hose capacity using a 16-20 inch diameter drum made from plywood circles or repurposed materials.

Choose pneumatic wheels over solid ones – they’ll roll smoothly over field debris and soft soil. Position the axle low for stability when fully loaded with wet hose.

Assembly Instructions for Wheels and Frame

Build your frame using 2×4 pressure-treated lumber in an A-frame configuration for maximum stability. Mount the axle 8 inches from ground level using pillow block bearings that’ll handle the weight and weather exposure.

Attach your reel drum to a 3/4-inch steel rod axle with flanged bearings. Secure the handle at waist height – around 36 inches – to prevent strain during transport across your fields.

Adding Storage Features

Include a small storage compartment for spray nozzles, quick-connect fittings, and repair couplings. A simple wooden box mounted behind the reel keeps essential tools accessible during irrigation runs.

Add hooks on the frame sides for hanging your favorite watering wand or spray gun. Consider mounting a small tool holder for your hose repair kit – you’ll need it eventually.

Create a Wall-Mounted Retractable Hose Reel

Wall-mounted retractable hose reels save valuable barn or shed space while keeping your irrigation hose organized and ready for use. You’ll spend about $40-60 on materials and complete this project in 6-8 hours with basic carpentry skills.

Measuring and Marking Installation Points

You’ll need to locate wall studs using a stud finder before marking your mounting points 48 inches from the ground for comfortable operation. Mark pilot holes for lag bolts at 16-inch intervals to distribute the weight evenly across multiple studs. Double-check measurements with a level since uneven mounting creates binding issues when retracting the hose.

Building the Mounting Bracket System

Cut two 2×8 boards to 18 inches for the primary support brackets and reinforce them with metal corner braces from underneath. Drill 3/8-inch holes through each bracket for the reel axle and sand all surfaces smooth before applying exterior wood stain. Your bracket system should support 150-200 feet of filled garden hose without sagging or wobbling during operation.

Installing the Retraction Mechanism

Thread a 24-inch galvanized steel rod through pre-drilled holes in your mounting brackets and secure with washers and nuts on both ends. Install a constant-tension spring mechanism on one side of the axle using hardware store spring assemblies designed for garage doors. Test the retraction force by pulling out 20 feet of hose – it should retract smoothly without yanking or binding.

Design a Heavy-Duty PVC Pipe Hose Reel

PVC pipe offers the perfect balance of durability and affordability for farmers managing longer hose lengths. You’ll build a system that handles 300+ feet of irrigation hose while keeping material costs under $35.

Calculating PVC Pipe Dimensions

Start with 6-inch diameter PVC pipe for your main drum to accommodate heavy-duty hoses. Cut the pipe to 18-24 inches in length depending on your hose capacity needs. Use 4-inch PVC caps for the end pieces and drill center holes matching your axle diameter. Calculate roughly 1 foot of drum length per 100 feet of standard irrigation hose you plan to store.

Cutting and Joining Pipe Sections

Use a reciprocating saw with fine-tooth blade for clean PVC cuts without cracking. Sand cut edges smooth before applying PVC primer and cement to join sections permanently. Work quickly during assembly since PVC cement sets within 30 seconds of application. Mark your drilling points for axle holes before joining end caps to ensure perfect alignment across the entire drum length.

Adding Stability and Mobility Features

Mount your PVC reel on a simple wooden A-frame base using carriage bolts through the axle. Add pneumatic wheels to one end of the frame for easy transport across uneven ground. Install a hand crank mechanism using a 1:4 gear ratio to reduce winding effort when retrieving long hose runs. Position the handle 36 inches from ground level for comfortable operation without excessive bending.

Assemble a Repurposed Tire Hose Reel

Old tires make surprisingly effective hose reels that’ll handle years of farm use without breaking your budget. You can build one for under $25 using materials you probably already have lying around the property.

Preparing the Tire Base

Select a tire that’s 16-20 inches in diameter – anything smaller won’t hold enough hose for meaningful irrigation coverage. Clean the tire thoroughly with degreaser to remove road grime and oil residue.

Drill four evenly spaced mounting holes around the rim using a 3/8-inch bit. These’ll anchor your axle brackets and provide stability when the reel’s fully loaded with wet hose.

Creating the Center Axle System

Mount a 3/4-inch galvanized steel rod through the tire’s center using flanged bearings bolted to wooden side plates. The rod should extend 6 inches beyond each side for easy hand-cranking.

Secure the bearings with carriage bolts and washers – they’ll carry the full weight of your hose plus water. Add a simple crank handle made from bent rebar welded to one end of the axle rod.

Finishing Touches for Weather Resistance

Apply two coats of outdoor enamel paint to all metal components to prevent rust that’ll seize your bearings within a season. Use marine-grade grease on the axle bearings every spring.

Mount the completed reel on a simple wooden base or weld it to an old trailer frame for mobility. The tire rubber naturally resists UV damage and temperature swings better than most commercial plastic reels.

Conclusion

Building your own hose reel doesn’t require advanced carpentry skills or expensive tools. With basic materials and a weekend’s work you’ll have a custom solution that perfectly fits your farm’s needs and budget.

These DIY projects offer significant long-term value beyond initial cost savings. You’ll reduce equipment downtime eliminate hose damage and streamline your daily irrigation routine. Each design can be modified to handle your specific hose lengths and terrain challenges.

Start with the project that matches your skill level and available materials. Whether you choose the simple wooden spool or the heavy-duty PVC design you’re investing in equipment that’ll serve your operation for years to come while keeping more money in your pocket.

Frequently Asked Questions

What materials do I need to build a DIY hose reel for under $50?

Common materials include pressure-treated pine for the frame, galvanized steel hardware, plywood circles for wooden spools, 2×4 lumber for axles, and caster wheels. You can also repurpose items like old car rims, tires, or PVC pipes. Most components are available at local hardware stores, and recycled materials from farm auctions can further reduce costs.

How long does it take to build a simple wooden spool hose reel?

A basic wooden spool hose reel takes approximately 4-6 hours to complete. This timeframe includes cutting materials, assembling the frame, attaching wheels, and applying protective wood stain. The project is ideal for first-time builders and requires basic carpentry skills and common hand tools.

What’s the difference between a portable cart-style and wall-mounted hose reel?

A portable cart-style reel features wheels and a pull handle, making it ideal for moving 200+ feet of hose across uneven terrain. Wall-mounted reels save barn space and keep hoses organized in a fixed location. Cart-style reels offer mobility, while wall-mounted versions provide space-saving storage with retractable functionality.

How much hose can a DIY reel typically hold?

DIY hose reel capacity varies by design. Simple wooden spools handle 100-150 feet, while cart-style and PVC pipe reels can accommodate 150-300 feet. Heavy-duty PVC designs with 6-inch diameter drums are ideal for 300+ feet of hose. Repurposed tire reels typically hold 100-200 feet depending on tire size.

Can I use recycled materials for building a hose reel?

Yes, recycled materials significantly reduce costs. Old car rims make excellent reel drums, used tires create durable bases under $25, and salvaged lumber works for frames. Farm auctions and construction sites often have suitable materials. Ensure recycled components are structurally sound and treat metal parts to prevent rust.

What tools are required for DIY hose reel construction?

Basic tools include a drill, circular saw or hand saw, measuring tape, level, and screwdriver set. For PVC projects, add a pipe cutter. More advanced designs may require a jigsaw for curved cuts and a socket wrench set. Most projects can be completed with standard workshop tools without specialized equipment.

How do I protect my DIY hose reel from weather damage?

Apply exterior wood stain to wooden components and use marine-grade grease on axle bearings. Paint metal parts with outdoor enamel to prevent rust. Choose galvanized hardware for corrosion resistance. Position reels in covered areas when possible, and perform regular maintenance including lubricating moving parts and checking for wear.

What’s the most cost-effective DIY hose reel design?

The repurposed tire hose reel is the most budget-friendly option at under $25. It uses an old tire as the base with a simple axle system. PVC pipe reels are also economical at around $35 for 300+ feet capacity. Both designs offer excellent durability and weather resistance while minimizing material costs.