Build A Wheelbarrow In 8 Steps

A wheelbarrow is one of those items that most gardens cannot be without. You can buy them in many variations and at different price points, but if you build one yourself, you can get exactly what you need at an unbeatable price.

Step 1 - The Wheel

Consider buying a wheelbarrow wheel or salvaging one from an old piece of equipment. A small bicycle wheel will do.

Step 2 - The Carrier

The size of the body of the wooden wheelbarrow is determined by how much capacity you need. Capacity will also determine how stout the timbers will need to be.

Step 3 - Building a Simple Carrier

Following are instructions for building a box-style carrier on wheels.

Step 4 - Build the Frame

Make a frame with the four pieces of eight-inch wood. Apply glue to one end of a 16-inch piece and nail it at right angles to the end of one of the 30-inch pieces keeping the edges flush. Repeat the process until you have a frame that is 30 x 20 x 8 inches. Clamp it tightly with sash clamps until the glue is dry. Ensure the frame stays square.

Step 5 - Variations

You can refine the appearance of the carrier by cutting the ends of the longer pieces at an angle to give a tapered appearance.

Step 6 - Finish

Finish the carrier by applying glue to one edge of the frame. Place the piece of plywood onto the frame and line up the edges and secure with nails. Place a heavy weight on the plywood and allow the glue to dry.

Step 7 - The Handles

Handles that extend under the carrier and out to the wheel are the best for a wooden wheelbarrow.

Step 8 - Carving

Draw the profile you want to have for the handles at one end of one of the long pieces. This could be as simple as drawing a line along the center of the piece for eight inches and then taking the end of that line at an angle to the side.