How to Build a Garden Cart

A garden cart can be very useful when performing outdoor tasks, such as carrying dirt or plants around the yard. This old-fashioned cart will provide you with a way to carry gardening equipment around the yard with ease. This cart can be constructed in approximately two days. Soon you will wonder how you ever got along without it.

Marine grade plywood

Two large bicycle tires

Steel axle to fit the bicycle tires

Jig saw

Table saw

Pencil

Sand paper

Paint

30 ? inch screws

Four large screws

Power screwdriver

Measuring tape

Bracing metal

Measure and draw out the necessary shapes onto the plywood. You will need one rectangle base that measures 23 inches by 4 feet, two rectangle sides that measure 4 feet by 15 inches, two rectangle braces that measure 28 inches by 3 inches, two handles that measure 6 feet by 2 inches, two leg braces that measure 2 inches by 15 inches, one rectangle side that is 23 inches by 15 inches, and one leg brace that measures 24-inches by 2-inches. You will also need two strips of scrap metal that are 4 feet long.

Cut the shapes out of the wood with the saw. Sand all shapes until they are smooth. Use the jigsaw to round the ends of the two sides of the cart. Sand until smooth.

Assemble the base by laying out the pieces in the following manner. Lay the braces measuring 4 x 15 parallel on the ground. Place the 6 foot handles perpendicular to the first pieces on top of them. Angle the second set of pieces so that when they reach the second brace, they are 11 inches apart. Make sure that the handles only stick out on the end where they are farther apart from each other. Screw the pieces in where they touch. Use four screws for this job. Lay the metal strips just outside the box you just made. Attach with two screws on each side, eight screws altogether.

Lay the metal strips just outside the box you just made. Attach with two screws on each side, eight screws altogether. Turn the whole thing over. Across the end where the handles stick out, screw the 2 x 15 inch braces into each handle so that it is supported when placed on the ground. Use the 24 x 2 inch brace to screw between the two original handle braces to keep them steady. Use four screws for this task. Use more strip metal to create a stabilizing triangle around the feet of the cart. Screw into place.

Take the rectangle base and lay on the ground. Sit each cart side against the base and measure where the side and base will meet. Cut a notch out of the sides so that the base and cart will lay tight together. Stand the two sides upright against the base and screw into place with seven screws per side. Screw the back into the cart with four screws per side (12 total). Attach the cart to the base with four large screws.

Attach the axle to the two bicycle wheels. Set the cart on top of the wheels. Attach the axle to the bottom of the cart with three strips of scrap metal per side. Screw into place.

Paint or seal the cart with water-resistant paint or sealant. Place rust protector on the wheels and axle of the cart.

If this is your first time making this kind of project, don't be discouraged if it doesn't come out right at first. Some adjustments may have to be made along the way.

Never operate power tools and saws without the correct safety gear.