While trying to maintain a half-acre lot that sports many trees and a large garden space, I decided that I could use a good, sturdy DIY yard cart. Furthermore, since I live on retirement income and am a longtime MOTHER EARTH NEWS-reader, I felt that I’d either have to build one myself or do without. That’s when the idea to create a homemade yard cart and build your own cart solution really started to make sense.
With this in mind, I conducted a bit of research and soon came across an advertisement which pictured a factory-built carryall that helped me determine the dimensions for my personalized version. Instead of buying a garden cart kit, I decided to go the DIY garden carts route and customize everything myself.
To keep costs down, I scrounged most of the needed materials. I found a bucket full of 4″ x 4″, right-angled metal brackets at an auction; bought carriage bolts (at a bargain, per-pound price) from a large discount supply house; purchased 5/8″ exterior plywood “cutoffs” from the local lumberyard at a considerable saving (I got six pieces, each 2′ x 4′, for $12.50); and obtained wheels from a friendly motorcycle dealer, who sold me a used set complete with tires, brakes, and axles for a mere $15. These worked perfectly for a bicycle wheel garden cart concept.
The only parts I purchased “retail” were two 8-foot lengths of hobby angle iron (slotted) and a 10-foot length of 3/4″ electrical pipe, which I had an electrician bend into a handle shape. All of the other supplies came from my collection of odds and ends stored for possible future use in building a homemade cart or yard buggy.
I used only ordinary tools — in this instance a saber saw, a circular saw, three wrenches, and a propane torch. And despite the fact that I didn’t have access to a full-scale workshop, it took me only about 12 hours to complete my DIY yard cart.
One piece of plywood large enough to form the bottom of the box I trimmed to measure 24″ x 43″. Another piece I cut to make the two 12″-high sidewalls. I then sliced a 4″ x 8″ wedge off one end of each side and added 6″ x 30″ “splashboards” along the top edges. The cart’s bottom is reinforced with 2 x 2’s. I laid them flat around the perimeter of the box, glued them in place, and secured them with screws for extra support. (I bolted the angle irons that support the inside of the axles to these 2 x 2’s, forming a strong base for the garden cart axle.)
My outriggers (the V-struts to which the wheels are mounted) were fashioned from two pieces of angle iron. I cut each to be 3 feet in length, with a 90° wedge sliced into its slotted edges at a point halfway down the bar. I then bent each piece of iron to 90° (at the cutout wedges) and soldered a 1/2″ washer in place at the spot where the axle would pass through the support. The axles that accompanied the wheels I obtained for the cart were 1 1/2″ too long for my purposes. Because I had no way to shorten or rethread them, I simply inserted a pipe-coupling spacer on each side. This setup works well with garden cart wheels 3/4” axle configurations.
I mounted each axle so that the leading edge of the tire was positioned 3 inches behind the front of the box. (I had calculated that the tongue weight, with a full load of wood, would be less than 20 pounds at this point.)
Care must be taken when mounting the wheels and outriggers to align the wheels and to block them so they remain straight while you secure them in place. (Alternatively, you might want to allow the wheels to slant inward at the bottom, ever so slightly, but only if you think that the weight of your loads will be heavy enough to cause the wheels to deflect to true position.)
Leftover pieces of slotted angle iron reinforce the corners at the front and rear ends of the box. I positioned the front plywood panel at a 45° slant from bottom to top (a la a wheelbarrow) to simplify dumping the cart’s loads. Finally, I fashioned a support leg made of 3/4″ conduit bent to suit, centered it, and mounted it about 6 inches in from the back edge of the box. (Be careful not to position the leg in such a way that you’ll kick it when pushing the cart.)
Had I wanted to be more sophisticated in my design, I could’ve easily installed the brakes that the motorcycle dealer sold to me, utilizing a cam lever which could be attached to the handle. However, I believe in simplicity, and I didn’t want to overcomplicate my project.
During the gardening “off season” I store firewood in my cart right outside the back door. It holds more than 500 pounds of split wood, is easily protected with a vinyl covering, and after several years of use still shows no signs of wear.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do you build a DIY yard cart at home?
Building a DIY yard cart involves creating a sturdy base using plywood, reinforcing it with wooden supports, and attaching a properly aligned axle and wheels. Many people prefer a homemade yard cart because it allows customization in size, materials, and load capacity.
2. What is the best wheel type for a homemade garden cart?
The best option is often bicycle wheel garden cart designs or wheels with a 3/4'' axle, as they provide durability, smooth movement, and better weight distribution for garden use.
3. Can I build a yard buggy without a garden cart kit?
Yes, you can easily build your own cart without a garden cart kit by sourcing recycled materials like plywood, metal brackets, and used wheels. This makes a homemade cart more affordable and customizable.
4. What size axle is recommended for DIY garden carts?
A garden cart axle with a 3/4-inch diameter is commonly used for DIY garden carts, as it provides strong support while fitting most standard wheel setups.
5. How much weight can a homemade yard cart carry?
A well-built DIY yard cart can typically carry 200–400 pounds depending on materials used, wheel strength, and axle support.
6. Is it cheaper to build your own cart instead of buying one?
Yes, building a homemade yard cart is often cheaper than buying a pre-made garden cart kit, especially if you use salvaged or second-hand materials.
7. What materials are needed to build a garden cart?
Common materials include plywood, metal brackets, bolts, wheels, and a garden cart axle. Many people also use recycled parts when creating a homemade cart.
8. Are DIY garden carts durable for heavy use?
Yes, properly constructed DIY garden carts are very durable and can last for years, especially when reinforced with strong wood framing and metal axle supports.
