The Smart Lawn Mower Storage Solution That'll Keep Your Machine Hidden From View

Finding a way to store a walk-behind lawn mower to maximize space in a small garage can be quite challenging. When you want room for everything, you need some handy and inspirational garage storage ideas that are outside the norm. TikTok user bossanovawoodworks has a smart idea: to place the lawn mower underneath an existing workbench using a DIY pull-out storage shelf.

The TikTok video does not specify the directions for building the roll-out storage shelf, but it appears to have a sturdy plywood base that supports the weight of a walk-behind lawn mower, which typically ranges from about 40 to 65 pounds. It appears to use standard 2x4s to create the rectangular frame to support the plywood. You could use angle brackets to attach the 2x4s, or you could make miter cuts to create the proper angles for the corners. The best part of the frame is a hinged ramp. After attaching the frame to the plywood base, bossanovawoodworks added an extra piece of plywood to the frame with hinges. After extending the plywood ramp, they can just roll the mower off the pull-out shelf without ever having to lift it.

To make the lawn mower fit under the workbench, they had to fold down the handle. The shelf is large enough to accommodate the lawn mower, the collection bag, and a gas can, completely maximizing the available space. The shelf rolls easily, so it likely has hidden heavy-duty caster wheels underneath.

As shown in the TikTok video, bossanovawoodworks clearly made the pull-out shelf the perfect size to fit underneath the workbench. Being able to make the storage shelf an exact size is a significant advantage of building it as a DIY project.

However, you also could purchase a roll-out shelf that's large enough to accommodate your lawn mower. A furniture dolly might be the best solution if you want to buy a pre-made piece of hardware. The Home Depot offers a 24x48-inch hardwood furniture dolly with six caster wheels for about $115. It can support 1,200 pounds, which is more than enough for a walk-behind lawn mower. The most difficult part of using a pre-made dolly is finding one that's long and wide enough to fit your mower. Many walk-behind mowers are between 21 and 25 inches in width and around 39 inches in length with the handle folded down. You also would need to add a ramp to make it work as well as the TikTok option.

If your under-workbench storage area is too small to fully conceal the mower, another storage tip for putting away a walk-behind lawn mower is to try folding the handle and rolling it or sliding it sideways underneath the workbench as far as it will go without using a shelf or dolly. Even if it sticks out a little, you've still gained extra room in a small garage.