A garden tool rack is a must-have for any gardener, whether you have a small or large collection of tools. Since there are many different types and sizes of racks available, choosing the correct one is beneficial. Although tool storage is not necessary, they help to prevent different hazards that loose and laying tools might pose. In this article, we will discuss the different tool rack options available and hopefully help you choose the right one for you.
So, what are the different types of gardening tool racks?
There are different styles of gardening tool racks all with unique features based on what you need. If you have small shovels or watering cans, a portable caddy may be the most fitting option. If you have larger tools such as rakes or weed whackers, a hanging, wall-mounted garden tool rack is most likely to serve you best.
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So, how do all of these different types compare? Let’s get into it.
Hanging Style
When it comes to gardening tools, not only can leaving a rake, or hoe around on the ground pose a serious risk to others, when exposed continuously to the elements (whether that be inside the garage, or outdoors on the lawn) tools will inevitably rust, and therefore drastically decrease their lifespan.
Hanging style gardening tool racks are the most commonly used outdoor tool organizer and can help solve this problem, among others.
With a hanging style gardening tool rack, tools are hung on either hooks or clip holders. This provides more space in a gardening shed or garage by getting any tools off the floor, or out of storage bins.
Pros:
- Keeps gardening tools off the floor – providing a longer life
- Can provide stable storage for even large, heavy tools
- Keeps gardening tools away from elements that may cause rust
- Gardening tools stay neat and tidy in one spot
- Allows you to see all your tools at once
- Saves space in your garage by mounting to the wall
- Allows tools to air dry
- Easy installation
- Versatility – some hanging tool racks can come apart in multiple sections, allowing organization for your tools
Cons:
- Placing wall studs requires careful work
- Cheaper hanging tool racks may not be strong enough to hold heavyweight items
- Unless installed up high, can be within the reach of children
While hanging style gardening tool racks are a great option for anyone looking to save space and keep their tools organized, installation may be tricky, but once up, a hanging tool rack can provide stability and longevity for even the heaviest of tools.
If your interested in garden sheds, check out our article here: Outdoor Garden Sheds (Which Is Right For Me?)
Storage Cart
If large, heavyweight tools aren’t a part of your daily gardening routine a storage cart may be the perfect solution for you. Not only can you store your tools neatly in the garage or shed, when you decide to head into the garden for the day, simply tug it along and the bottom wheels do all the work for you.
Most storage cart gardening tool racks consist of two shelves, often made of thick, durable plastic. The top shelf is used to hold hand-held gardening tools of any length, while the bottom shelf has holes and grids adjacent to the top shelf to keep the tools stable during transportation.
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Pros:
- Mobile storage so you can garden anywhere with your tools nearby
- Slots and storage space for both long-handled tools and smaller handheld gardening equipment
- Easy to clean – just wipe down with a hose or wet cloth
- Slots and holes on the bottom shelf keep tools in place
Cons:
- Can be hard to maneuver around when full of tools
- Takes up space in shed or garage
- Wheels are not exceptionally strong
- If made of plastic, can tip over if filled with heavy tools
Storage racks on carts are a great option for those with smaller gardens, or who don’t use heavyweight gardening tools but aren’t as sturdy as a handing rack, but again, they do have much more uses.
Shelf Style
With gardening tools being not only useful but expensive, keeping them sharp and taken care of will greatly increase their longevity. Shelf-style gardening tool racks are meant just for this.
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Like hanging tool racks, shelf-style gardening racks keep tools off the dirty, damp garage floo
Shelf-style racks are created to be mounted to the wall using brackets fixed to the studs within the walls.
Ceiling mounted (drilled into ceiling studs), or freestanding shelves (similar look to a bookshelf) are also options, however, wall-mounted is most typical for gardening tools.
Pros:
- Utilizes wall space in the garage or shed
- If ceiling mounted, can create a storage area from unused ceiling space
- Heavy duty and can hold large, heavy-weight gardening items
- Less common gardening tools have a place to be put away until the next use
- Minimizes clutter
- Can hold more than just gardening tools, such as power tools or yard tools
- Can lock free standing shelves
Cons:
- Metal, steel, or wood shelves can be much more expensive than plastic (despite the great difference in durability)
- Dust is known to accumulate
- Over time, plastic shelves can begin to become warped due to summer temperatures
Like hanging style, they do save on space since your tools will be elevated, but you still need to make space since this type will probably be permanent. Like everything else, it all depends on individual needs and the space you have to work with.
So, Which Gardening Tool Rack Should I Choose?
Choosing your gardening tool storage is important to keep those expensive tools looking their very best. In a more general sense, you want to choose a gardening tool rack that is weather-resistant, easy to access, and can display all your tools in an orderly fashion.
While all different types of gardening tool racks serve similar purposes – to get tools off the ground and into one central place – there are specific reasons why you may choose one or the other.
