What's inside
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A hose bench solves two garden problems at once: it gives you a place to sit and keeps a long hose from becoming a muddy coil. This plan makes a roughly 30-inch-wide storage box with a hinged lid, an open hose outlet and a removable reel inside. It suits a beginner who can make square cuts and drive screws. Allow a weekend, including finish drying time.
Contents
Plan the bench and choose a reel
The finished bench is about 30 inches wide, 18 inches deep and 20 inches high, including the lid. Those dimensions fit a compact wall-mounted or freestanding hose reel, but measure your reel before buying lumber. Leave at least 2 inches of clearance around the reel handle and hose connections so you can remove or operate it without dismantling the bench.
A reel reduces kinks and makes winding easier, while a simple open drum costs less and has fewer moving parts. A loose coil is the cheapest option, but it can snag and takes more effort to put away. Check the hose diameter and length as well as the reel’s dimensions; a reel rated for a shorter or thinner hose may be difficult to wind when full.
| Storage approach | Best for | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Reel inside the bench | Frequent use and tidy storage | Costs more and needs clearance for the handle |
| Open drum or cradle | Occasional use and a smaller budget | Less controlled winding; hose can slip off |
| Loose coil | Very light use | Cheapest, but easiest to kink or tangle |
For an outdoor build, cedar or pressure-treated lumber resists decay better than untreated construction pine. Cedar is easier to cut and lighter; treated lumber is often cheaper but can be wet, heavy and prone to movement as it dries. Choose a hose reel sized for your hose only after checking its footprint and mounting instructions.
Materials and tools
For the dimensions above, gather about five 1-by-6 boards, four 2-by-2s for corner posts and lid supports, exterior screws, two outdoor-rated hinges and one lid stay or chain. Use 1-by-6 boards sold as ¾ by 5½ inches. You will also need exterior wood glue, sandpaper, a drill-driver, saw, square, tape measure and clamps. A circular saw is convenient; a handsaw is fine for this number of cuts.
Use corrosion-resistant exterior screws, such as coated or stainless fasteners. Ordinary interior screws can rust and stain the wood. A pair of exterior wood screws in 1⅝-inch and 2½-inch lengths covers most joints in this plan. Pre-drilling near board ends helps prevent splits, especially in cedar.
Cut list
Cut the front and back panels from six 1-by-6 boards, each 30 inches long. Cut the two sides from six more pieces, each 16½ inches long; the side panels sit between the front and back, giving a 30-inch outside width. Cut four 2-by-2 corner posts to 18½ inches. For the lid, use three 1-by-6 boards at 30 inches long, joined edge to edge. The lid will be about 16½ inches deep.
These measurements assume ¾-inch-thick boards and a ¾-inch-thick lid. With the box panels resting on the ground and the lid on top, the total height is approximately 20 inches. Dry-fit the pieces before assembly: lumber widths vary, and a small correction is easier before screws go in.
Build the box
Lay three front boards flat, edges touching. Apply a thin bead of exterior glue along the seams, then fasten them to two corner posts with 1⅝-inch screws. Place screws about 1 inch from the board ends and roughly 8 inches apart. Repeat for the back. Attach the side boards between the front and back panels, screwing through them into the corner posts. Check that the box is square by measuring diagonally from corner to corner; the two measurements should be within about ⅛ inch.
Fit the bottom using three 1-by-6 boards cut to about 28½ inches, supported by cleats screwed to the inside faces of the panels. Leave a ⅛-inch gap between bottom boards for drainage. Drill several ½-inch drainage holes through the bottom if water could collect. Do not seal the box airtight: trapped moisture can damage both the hose and the wood.
Make the hose opening and fit the reel
Mark the hose outlet on a side panel at reel height, leaving at least 2 inches from a board edge. Drill a pilot hole, then cut a rounded slot wide enough for the hose and its connector—typically about 1½ inches across. Sand the edges smooth so they do not abrade the hose. A short piece of plastic or rubber edging can protect the opening, but a smooth, rounded wood edge is adequate if checked regularly.
Place the reel inside and route the hose through the slot. If the reel needs to be fixed down, screw it into a solid support or a plywood pad secured across the bottom cleats; do not rely on thin floorboards alone. Confirm that the supply hose can reach the faucet without being sharply bent. Keep the connector accessible, and make sure the reel handle clears the lid supports.
Build the lid and protect the wood
Join the three lid boards with glue and two battens across the underside, set back from the front and rear edges. Use exterior screws long enough to pass through the battens and into the boards without coming through the top. Sand the top and corners, then attach the lid with two outdoor-rated hinges. Add a chain or lid stay so wind cannot slam the lid onto fingers; a lid that stays open is safer and easier to load.
Round the front corners slightly and sand all edges to at least 120 grit. Apply an exterior oil, stain or paint according to its label, including the underside and cut ends. Clear finishes need more frequent upkeep in full sun than opaque paint. Keep the bench off wet soil on pavers or feet, and refresh the finish when water stops beading or the wood looks dry.
Test it before regular use
Put the reel in place, wind the hose fully, close the lid and check for rubbing or pinching. Then sit on the bench and listen for movement. A lid that flexes needs another support batten; a box that racks needs its corners checked for square and its screws tightened. Do not use the lid as a seat unless its battens and hinges are firmly fastened and the finished bench feels stable under your weight.
At the end of the season, disconnect the hose, drain it and store it according to the hose and reel instructions. In freezing climates, leaving water in the hose can split it, while a damp hose sealed in the box encourages mildew. A quick inspection of the opening, hinges, screws and finish each spring catches wear before it turns into a repair.