How to Make a Wheelbarrow

Gardeners can purchase wheelbarrows online or at any large retail garden store, but making your own wheelbarrow can be a fun project. With the proper tools, wheelbarrow construction supplies and instructions on how to make a wheelbarrow, this project can be accomplished in a weekend.

Wheelbarrows have many purposes and aren’t just for hauling dirt, lawn clippings or construction waste. If you want to add a nice touch to your backyard or home entrance, you can construct wheelbarrows and use them to display plants and flowers. Wheelbarrows can be custom painted with garden themes or you can add your family name for a special touch to your home’s entranceway.

Supplies Required

• 1 x 6 Boards or Wood


• Wood Glue


• Screws


• Clamp


• Saw


• Jig Saw


• Pencil


• Drill


• Paint and Sealer


• Galvanized screws

Wheel Construction

1. Cut a 1-inch by 6-inch board into six 12-inch pieces for the wheel construction.  Take two of the boards, and spread glue from the edges into the center wheel then press firmly. Set aside. 


2. Repeat this process with the remaining pieces of wood.


3. Spread glue on the flat side of each pair, while stacking one on top of the other.


4. Place a brick on the top to weigh it down and to allow the glue to dry.


5. On the same set of boards, draw a 5-inch diameter circle.


6. Using a jigsaw, cut out the circle.


7. In the center of the circle, drill a 1-inch hole.

 Handles and Tray

1. You can opt to detail your handles by cutting a small angle near the top of the board with your jig saw.


2. Lay the handles on the ground 3 inches apart at the bottom and around 16-inches apart at the top at an angle.


3. Cut three 1 inch by 6-inch boards 16-inches in length.


4. Place all three boards across the handles 10-inches from the top of the handles.


5. Using galvanized nails, attach the boards to the handles.

Sides

1. Cut two one-by-six inch boards to a length of 20 5/8-inches long.


2. Using a jigsaw, round the top corners of the panels ends.


3. Measure 2-inches from the top of of the panel and cut down at a 15-degree angle. Do this on both ends. This should now measure 18 ½-inches in length.


4. Repeat to create two end panels until the board measures 16 by 18 1.2.


5. Lay the side panels on top of the edge of the panel.


6. Using 2-inch screws, attach the panels so they rest on the handles flush and against the edge.


7. Repeat the above step by screwing on the front and back panels of the the wheelbarrow.


8. Flip the wheelbarrow over and place your clamps near the end of the bottom edge of the handles.


9. Cut a 1-inch dowel for the wheel. Slide it through the saddle clamp and the hole in the wheel.

Legs

1. Cut two, 16-inch long one-by-two boards. Cut at a 15-degree angle at each end of the leg so it matches up with the panel screw.


2. Attach the legs in place at the handle end with 2-inch screws.


3. Secure by putting the screws into the legs and the handles, as well as into the edge of the panel.


4. Remove your clamps.


5. Paint or stain your wheelbarrow with a weatherproof paint.