I have a soft spot for projects that clean up a mess and make the yard look prettier at the same time, and this one does both. We’re turning a galvanized metal trash can plus two plain shed staples into a hard-working garden hose storage reel that looks surprisingly tidy and custom-made, the sort of thing that makes folks stop at the fence and ask where it came from.
This is a good weekend project for anyone who’s tired of wrestling a muddy hose into a heap by the back step. The galvanized can keeps that farmhouse utility look I’ve always loved, and by cutting out the bottoms and combining the parts just right, you end up with a roomy reel that lets the hose coil neatly inside while still staying easy to pull out and wind back in.
Materials
Instructions
1. Wash the galvanized trash can, the wire basket, and the lazy Susan bearing with warm soapy water, then dry everything well so your cuts and paint will go on cleanly.
2. Mark a cut line around the bottom of the trash can about 1 inch up from the base seam, then carefully cut the bottom out so the can becomes an open cylinder.
3. Cut the bottom out of the wire hanging basket as well, leaving its circular side wall intact so it forms a smaller open cage that will act as the center reel guide.
4. File or crimp any sharp points, then press rubber edge trim over the cut rim of the trash can and the cut rim of the wire basket to make both edges safer and neater.
5. Turn the trash can upside down and center the lazy Susan bearing on what is now the bottom side near the middle, then mark and drill the mounting holes.
6. Bolt the lazy Susan bearing in place with 4 machine screws, washers, and lock nuts, keeping the hardware snug but not so tight that the bearing stops turning freely.
7. Flip the can right side up and set the cut wire basket down inside it, centering it so there is an even ring of space all around for the hose to coil.
8. Attach the wire basket to the inside wall of the can with 4 screws and washers spaced evenly around the sides, or use heavy zip ties through existing wire openings if that’s easier with your basket style.
9. Test the fit with your hose by feeding the hose end down into the center basket and wrapping the hose around the outside of that basket inside the can; adjust the inner basket if you need a little more room.
10. If you want a cleaner look, spray any scratched or cut galvanized areas with galvanized-finish spray paint and let it dry, then brush black paint onto the exposed bolt heads or handles for a simple finished contrast.
11. Seal the painted spots with clear outdoor spray sealer, and if you like, wrap jute rope around the side handles or tie short rope grips on each side for a little extra farmhouse charm.
12. Place the reel near your garden bed or back porch, load in a 50- to 75-foot hose, and use the lid as a loose top cover to keep leaves out while still letting you lift it off quickly when watering.
Variations & Tips
For a longer hose: Use a 30-gallon galvanized can and a 16-inch hanging basket if you want to store a full 100-foot hose without crowding.
For smoother spinning: Set the finished reel on a flat paver or small wood platform so the lazy Susan bearing stays level and turns more easily on uneven ground.
For easy hose feeding: Cut a 3-inch-wide vertical notch at the top rim before adding edge trim, which gives the hose a tidy place to enter and exit without pinching.
For a more polished finish: I like to touch the cut rim and any drilled holes with galvanized spray paint twice instead of once; that second light coat really helps it look store-bought.
If your basket is flimsy: Add the cable clamps or extra zip ties at 8 points instead of 4 so the center guide stays upright when the hose is pulled hard from one side.
Placement tip: Keep this close to the spigot but not directly under a roof drip line, because that little bit of shelter helps the metal and rope trim stay nicer through the seasons.
Cleanup habit: Sweep out grit and leaves every few weeks before rewinding the hose; around here, that one small chore keeps the whole thing working better and saves a lot of muttering later.