DIY riding mower shed. A Lawn Mower Shed: These Are Your Options

Tractor Shed Plans

This step by step diy project is about 16×24 tractor shed plans. If you want to shelter your tractor, your ATV or other agricultural equipment, you should take a look over these loafing shed plans. Take a look over the rest of my woodworking plans, if you want to get more building inspiration. Remember that you need to select the site for the shed with attention and that you have to comply with a few legal regulations.

When buying the lumber, you should select the planks with great care, making sure they are straight and without any visible flaws (cracks, knots, twists, decay). Investing in cedar or other weather resistant lumber is a good idea, as it will pay off on the long run. Use a spirit level to plumb and align the components, before inserting the galvanized screws, otherwise the project won’t have a symmetrical look. If you have all the materials and tools required for the project, you could get the job done in about a day. See all my Premium Plans HERE.

Tractor Shed Plans

• 2 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 16′
• 2 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 12′
• 8 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 16′
• 41 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 8′
• 3 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 24′
• 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 18′
• 14 pieces of T1-11 siding – 4’x8′
• 1 5/8″ screws, 2 1/2″ screws, 3 1/2″ screws, 6d nails
• wood filler. wood glue, stain/paint

Lean to tractor shed plans

Building the base components

The first step of the project is to build the skids for the tractor shed. Build the skids from 4×4 lumber. Make notches to both ends of the skids by using a circular saw. Make 1 3/4″ parallel cuts to the beams and then remove the excess with a chisel. Smooth the surface with sandpaper for a professional result.

Select the right location for the tractor shed, making sure it is perfectly level. Compact a layer of gravel or pour a concrete slat. There are a few options you can choose from, so make sure you check them before taking a decision. Make sure the corners are square, after assembling the skids. Drill pilot holes and insert 3 1/2″ screws.

Build the side walls for the tractor shed from 2×4 lumber. Drill pilot holes through the top plates and insert 3 1/2″ screws into the studs. Place the studs every 24″ on center and make sure the corners are square. Fit the top plate to the side walls. Drill pilot holes and insert 2 1/2″ screws to lock the top plates into place.

Assemble the back wall for the tractor shed from 2×4 lumber. Cut all the components at the right dimensions and then lay them down a level surface. Drill pilot holes through the plates and insert 3 1/2″ screws into the studs. Place the studs every 24″ on center and make sure the corners are square.

Assembling the shed frame

Fit the wall frames to the skids and then align the edges with attention. Drill pilot holes through the bottom plates and insert 3 1/2″ screws into the skids. Use a spirit level to plumb the walls vertically. In addition, you need to lock the adjacent walls together tightly by drilling pilot holes and inserting 3 1/2″ screws.

Fitting the back wall siding

Fit the T1-11 siding sheets to the back wall of the shed. Align the edges flush with the wall frame and then insert 6-8d nails, every 8″, so you can lock the panels into place tightly.

Fit the siding sheets to the sides of the tractor shed. Leave no gaps between the sheets and use 6-8d nails to lock them into place tightly.

Build the side top walls from 2×4 lumber. Cut all the components at the right dimensions and shape and then lock everything together tightly with 3 1/2″ screws. Place the studs every 24″ on center for a professional result.

Fitting the back top plate

Fit a piece of 2×4 lumber to the back of the shed. Use 2 1/2″ screws to lock the slat into place.

Fitting the top side walls

Fit the wall frames to the sides of the shed. Align the edges flush, drill pilot holes through the bottom plates and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the side walls. Use a spirit level to plumb the side top walls.

Make sure you check out PART 2 of the tractor shed project, where I show you how to build the roof.

Tractor Shed Plans – Front view

This tractor run in shed is ideal if you have agricultural equipment in your yard and you want to shelter them. You can easily make adjustments to the project, if you have a larger tractor.

This woodworking project was about 16×24 run in shed plans free. If you want to see more outdoor plans, check out the rest of our step by step projects and follow the instructions to obtain a professional result.

×10 Gable Shed Roof Plans

×24 Gambrel Shed Roof Plans

×18 Gable Shed Plans

About The Author

I’ve been a designer and a woodworker since I first developed consciousness.

One Response

Basically a good plan, but due to Covid supply issues, we had to make modifications. It still worked out fine. We couldn’t find 24′ or 18′ lumber anywhere. We lowered the front to 12′ which was adequate for my tractor. We can have strong winds here, so built the walls off of 4 4 x 4 PT corner posts, sunk in concrete, and used skids under the walls to raise off the ground. We used PT 4 x 4 skids, but had to join 8′ lengths as, again, no 16′ or 24 ‘ PT lumber anywhere. We added a center 6 x 6 timber for support in the middle. Rafters were PT 2 x 6 x 8 that I already had. We ran two 8 ‘ supports from side walls to front and back sides of center support and ran two 8 ‘ rafters rather than an 18′ rafter as no 18’ wood anywhere, first one from back to center then center to front. I used metal roofing instead of shingles to reduce weight load on the roof. All in all a nice shed, lots of room for tractor, pickup (a little short), and two riding lawn mowers plus all the lawn tools on one wall. It went together very quickly.

A Lawn Mower Shed: These Are Your Options

Sheds are important storage facilities that provide a variety of shelter options for your lawnmower as well as other accessories. Investing in a storage shed is a great way of keeping your lawnmower safe and out of the elements as well as your much-needed garage or basement space. Storage sheds are available in a variety of styles and sizes and can suit different kinds of needs and budgets. Once you have a well-built storage shed that suits your needs, you won’t have to worry about the weather or security, as all your tools and equipment will be safely locked away inside.

A lawn mower shed, these are your options:

• Keter Fusion Composite Storage Shed
• Arrow Newburgh Steel Storage Shed
• Suncast Tremont Storage Shed
• Rowlinson Secure Storage Shed
• Rubbermaid Outdoor Vertical Storage Shed

The size of your storage shed will depend mainly on the size of your equipment. Most riding lawn mowers will need at least a 5 by 5-foot space, while some may even require a 7 by 5-foot space, all depending on the size of your mower. Apart from the size, other factors such as the cost, and probably the style or color you prefer, also play an important role. It may seem like something simple, but a storage shed can be a pretty big investment, that you can be looking at for the next 15 to 20 years! This is why you need to make the right and best choice in the long run.

Did you just invest in a new mower for the upcoming mowing season? Do you already have a mower used in previous seasons, and you just need to get it out of the weather? Do you want to know the options of storage sheds available for you? You’re in the right place. In this article, we will be looking at different types of storage sheds used for lawn mowers, which can include a push mower, a zero-turn, or a riding lawnmower. Regardless of the type of mower you own, you’re going to find important information that would help you make the right decision for your situation.

Types of Lawn Mower Storage Sheds

Generally speaking, there are three different types of material to consider when looking at a shed. These include wood, resin, and metal. Below are a few major differences associated with each type.

Wooden Sheds

These are perhaps the most commonly recognized garden building in many households. Wooden sheds have been helping many people out for a very long time, and they are generally the more traditional approach. If you’re looking to create your shed plan, it is recommended that you build it from scratch, or better still, follow a pre-made plan. Hence this option might be great for you. Wooden sheds are available in many styles and designs to suit your taste. For people interested in a traditional shed, an apex shed is most likely the best choice to complement your traditional garden. Having different options like customization, and not having to worry about a predefined size, some people might consider this the best possible option.

To assemble the shed, takes roughly 1 to 2 days, including the foundation construction time. If you are looking for a stylish storage option that is safe and durable, you should consider the Keter Fusion line.

Arrow Newburgh Steel Storage Shed

With an internal dimension of 7’10” wide x 5’6″ deep x 5’6″ tall and an external dimension of 8′ wide x 5’11” deep x 5’7″ tall, this Steel storage shed is very durable with strong and secure walls. The exterior of this storage shed is made up of electro-galvanized, UV-resistant steel that can thrive well in the summer. Also, its low-gable reinforced roof serves as protection from rain and other weather conditions.

To assemble the shed takes about 6 hours including foundation construction time, and pre-cut and drilled parts make DIY assembly easier. They have sliding double doors that meet in the middle where they can be padlocked to prevent unwanted entry. However, the padlock connection point is low strength. There is no floor for this shed, so you will have to build one yourself.

Suncast Tremont Storage Shed

Made with blow-molded resin construction, this sturdy resin plastic shed is extremely durable and strong enough to last a long time. Its design and security are quite simple but appealing to the eyes, and it is also easy to assemble: takes about 2 to 5 hours to assemble including foundation construction time.

If you’re looking for a medium to large-sized shed to match your backyard space, this 8’x10′ size shed will provide ample storage space.

Rowlinson Secure Storage Shed

• External dimension: 6’4″ wide x 8’1″ deep x 7’7″ tall

This wooden garden shed brings a touch of Britain to your location. The storage shed is large and tall enough to house all your garden tools with extra room to spare. To assemble, it may require more than one person, as well as a little professional help, and it takes roughly 1 to 2 days to assemble including foundation construction time. The tongue and groove flooring is solid and great, which will fit perfectly on your constructed foundation. However, you’ll be required to supply your shingles for the roof as it does not come with these.

Rubbermaid Outdoor Vertical Storage Shed

• Dimensions: External: 72” wide x 25” deep x 30” tall
• Internal: 69” wide x 19.6” deep x 27” tall

If you have limited space but still want a great shed, this Rubbermaid resin shed may be just the right option for you. The 18 cubic feet interior offers a surprising amount of storage capacity, and the shed comes with five different shelves to house and organize your garden tools. It is also very easy to assemble, taking about 2 to 3 hours. This shed comes with a metal locking tab that goes through one of the doors to keep it shut. This ensures good security, but you must first be willing to put in extra work while assembling it. Since it isn’t bolted together, you can disassemble it to remove its contents.

Cheapest Way To Build A Shed [A DIY Guide]

Building your own storage shed might seem daunting – after all, the cost coupled with all the extra work might not seem worth your time. But if you can’t stomach paying someone else to do a job that you could do yourself, then finding the cheapest way to build a shed is your priority. But how can you do it without spending a fortune?

The cheapest way to build a shed is by doing it yourself. Hiring someone adds labor costs plus materials, and pre-fabricated sheds are marked up anywhere from 50 to 100% – or more. Building a shed from pallets, specifically, is the most affordable way to construct a garden shed.

In this article, we’ll cover the most inexpensive ways to approach every step of your shed construction, from planning down to the last nail – or screw. We’ll also cover how building a shed with pallets can be an extremely cost-effective shed project.

• Is It Cheaper to Build Your Own Shed?
• What is the Cheapest Way to Build a Shed?
• How to Build a Cheap Shed from Scratch

• 1. Find Free or Cheap Storage Shed Plans
• 2. Tools
• 3. Foundation
• 4. Floor Framing
• 5. Wall Framing
• 6. Roof Framing
• 7. Siding
• 8. Roofing
• 9. Windows
• 10. Doors

• Cost of Shed Materials

Is It Cheaper to Build Your Own Shed?

Whether you are building a shed or fixing a car, completing a DIY task yourself saves you from paying labor costs. Contractors will add anywhere from 10% to 50% – or more – to account for labor costs. If you opt to buy a 4000 shed, then you could reasonably expect to build that shed yourself for less than 3000.

When you build your own shed, you also get to choose your materials. Sourcing cheap lumber and building materials also saves money. You also get to take your time, complete the job right, and have the knowledge you did it yourself. If something breaks, then you’ll be able to fix it.

What is the Cheapest Way to Build a Shed?

Building a storage shed yourself is cheaper than buying a shed – most of the time. Yes, you can buy a pre-fabricated 8×8 shed made out of fiberglass or plastic for cheaper than you could make it with wood. However, there is a way to make a really cheap shed that no store can compete with – using pallets.

Using pallets to build a shed is the most affordable of shed building methods. There are nearly infinite ways to make a pallet shed, but most use pallets as the primary building material. You can use them for the shed framing and siding, saving you hundreds or thousands of dollars if your shed is really big.

With so many options for building a pallet shed, it can be overwhelming to choose which is best. It largely depends on what kind of pallets you have, but one of the best ways to use pallets is for the framing, with few pieces of lumber to reinforce the pallets and keep the structure together.

Remember, pallets are free. Keep a lookout on the side of the road for businesses discarding old pallets, or simply go to an area of town with lots of warehouses. Check the backs of big box stores; there may be an employee who is more than happy to have the old stack of pallets of their hands.

How to Build a Cheap Shed from Scratch

Let’s go through every step of the wooden shed building process, starting with the tools you’ll need. Remember, this article is meant to cover the cheapest – and most effective – methods for shed construction. For a more thorough overview of how to build a shed, see my article on shed construction.

Find Free or Cheap Storage Shed Plans

First, you need a plan to build your shed. Yes, you could buy one at your local home reno store or online, but many places online offer free shed plans, too. If money is an issue for you, there is no need to pay for a shed plan – check out my article where I listed 159 Free DIY Storage Shed Plans.

A plan is critical. It allows you to see all the materials you’ll need in advance. This will then let you plan your purchases or make alterations to the materials before starting your build. Consider also your building hardware, as this will be a cost.

Plan every material purchase first, so you can determine what you can source for free or at a discount.

Tools

What tools do you need for building a shed on a budget? I see many articles claiming you need a compressor and pneumatic nail gun or a sliding miter saw. Sure, those tools make shed building faster, but you can still build a shed without them.

At a minimum, you need a tape measure, speed square, saw, hammer and drill. I recommend a cheap corded drill. This will be powerful enough to drive any screw or drill any hole you’ll need. You’ll also need an extension cord, a square #2 bit, and a set of drill bits.

A hammer is always essential. Remember, using nails is much cheaper than using screws. In most cases, nails have a far greater shear strength than screws. Use nails to save money.

Finally, you’ll need a saw. A miter or circular saw is ideal, but they are expensive. A true cost-saving measure would be to use a 14” handsaw. This takes lots of muscle over the course of a shed build but is about 100 cheaper than a miter saw.

Foundation

You have many options for a shed foundation: skids, concrete piers, concrete slab, and more. The cheapest DIY option is using concrete blocks or deck blocks. Putting your shed floor framing on top of these blocks is the simplest and most affordable solution for anchoring your shed.

Deck blocks are extremely cheap. You can purchase them for under 10 and they are grooved to fit 2x lumber, making them perfect foundation for nesting into your shed floor framing. Alternatively, concrete blocks, such as cinder blocks, make a viable alternative. Many of you may have them sitting around your yard, making them the lowest cost option.

The cost of lumber and pouring concrete slab makes blocks the most inexpensive option. You should put some effort into site preparation for the deck or concrete blocks, such as digging below and adding gravel. But even then, this option is your cheapest shed foundation method.

Floor Framing

You should not frame your shed floor with any size of lumber less than 2×6. You could use 2×4 lumber, but you would need to significantly increase the number of deck blocks supporting the floor frame.

Instead, use 2×6 lumber. This will ensure your deck floor does not fail. Treated lumber is imperative. But if you have some exterior paint sitting around, then you could purchase untreated lumber and paint it. This would save you some money as treated lumber is more expensive than untreated.

Wall Framing

The cheapest material for wall framing is to use 2×4 lumber. You could use 2×3 lumber, but you risk the integrity of the entire structure if you opt for this route. Remember, your entire roof structure will bear on your shed walls. If you have snow loads, don’t even consider 2×3 walls.

The other drawback to 2×3 walls is that they split more easily when you nail siding into them or when nailing them to one another. With less physical material to work with, fastening material to a 2×3 or fastening them together becomes difficult and potentially unsafe.

2x4s are your best bet, and most affordable, for constructing low-cost shed walls. Opt for 2×3 walls at your own risk, but I don’t recommend this. Remember also that even cheaper than 2x4s are using pallets if you are comfortable attempting a pallet shed.

Roof Framing

Just as 2x4s are the cheapest for wall framing, so they are also for roof framing. For sheds in the smaller category, such as 10×10 or less, then rafters made from 2x4s are the most affordable framing option. You can buy 2x4s in 10’ and 12’ lengths or greater, which helps minimize waste.

Trusses will use more wood than rafters and still use 2x4s. Whether you opt for a gable style roof or single slant, 2×4 rafters are a simple and sturdy solution for your roof frame. Heavy snow is a concern, although if your shed is unheated, you won’t have to worry about heavy ice on your roof.

The design of your roof can help you mitigate costs, too. A gable roof forces you to use slightly more lumber than a single slant roof, as a gable requires four angle cuts for a length of 2×4. Plan your roof slope so you can use just one 2×4 per rafter or set of rafters for a gable roof. That cuts down on waste and minimizes your costs.

Siding

Figuring the most cost-effective way to side a shed can be tricky because there are tons of options. I’ve found that the easiest and most affordable method to side a shed is to use LP SmartSiding. It’s a painted, engineered 4×8 panel designed for exterior exposure. All you have to do is fasten it to your framing and call it a day.

These panels are cheaper than plywood exterior panels and more weatherproof. Plywood siding panels don’t hold up as well under constant exposure to moisture unless painted, which is an additional cost that you don’t have to deal with if you use an LP panel.

Other options include lap siding or shingle siding, but these require more material and, thus, more cost. LP siding offers the cheapest and easiest install while providing a long-term and maintenance-free solution.

Roofing

Asphalt shingles are your low-cost solution to roof a shed cheaply. There is a reason asphalt shingles dominate the homes in your neighborhood – cost. Metal roofing is much more expensive, and other roofing materials such as rubber or corrugated plastic are also less affordable or not adequate for a shed structure.

Consider a 10×10 shed. Let’s say the shed roof is that size or slightly larger. That means the roof is around 100 square feet. We know that it takes, on average, 3 bundles of shingles to roof one tile – 100 square feet. 3 bundles of shingles are about as cheap as you can get for roofing material.

Windows

If building a shed as cheaply as possible is your goal, then omitting a window is necessary. A new window, even a very cheap window, will cost you over 50. And that’s for a fixed, non-opening window of minimal size.

Instead, opt for a solar light or simply use an extension cord with a bulb at the end if you need a little light in your shed. A window is costly and will also force you to use more lumber in the wall framing of your garden shed.

Doors

Exterior door is expensive. A quick glance at your local home reno store will show that exterior doors cost anywhere from 200 to 500 and more. Instead, use 2x4s to make a wooden door frame and cover the frame with the same siding you used for the rest of the shed – LP SmartSiding.

There won’t be much added cost whether you have a double or single door since you are simply using more 2x4s and siding. Using 2x4s also allows you to make the door as wide as you’d like, and you’ll save hundreds of dollars not buying a proper exterior door.

You’ll need a set of hinges and some type of latching mechanism. This hardware is cheap and can be purchased for under 20, total, not including a padlock of some kind if you need one.

How Much Does it Cost to Build a 10×10 Shed?

Using the most affordable methods of shed building, the cost of a 10×10 shed could be as low as 1000 or less. Obtaining supplies on sale and using materials you already have laying around will vary the final cost.

Below we’ll go over the cost of each material and add up what the final cost will be for a 10×10 storage shed. The total amount needed will be in parentheses.

Cost of Shed Materials

• Deck Blocks – 8 (9 needed)
• 2×6 Floor Framing – 20 (12)
• 2×4 Wall and Rafter Framing – 7 (~50)
• LP SmartSiding Panel – 42 (10)
• Shingles – 33 (3)

Add these totals and you get a total estimate of slightly over 1000. However, keep in mind that these were taken directly from big box store websites at the time of writing, without concern for sales or other deals.

Siding is one of the greatest costs. If you can source pallet wood, you could replace the siding and use pallet wood as your siding. Painting it could make for an effective weatherproof option and get your total cost well below 1000.

Conclusion

Building a cheap shed is a fun challenge for a DIYer, but you do not want to sacrifice safety. Sure, you could build a shed floor with 2×4 framing, but you may regret that after your riding mower falls through it in a few years.

It isn’t worth “going cheap” if the shed will fall apart one year later. You must still take pains to make your structure strong, even if it means getting slightly larger lumber materials or a sturdier siding option. Paying an extra 50 or 100 to keep your shed dry and upright is always the best option.

And finally, be sure to check out my other articles on pallet sheds and shed construction for more tips on shed building and making your dollars stretch before you start building your next shed project!

Eugene has been a DIY enthusiast for most of his life and loves being creative while inspiring creativity in others. He is passionately interested in home improvement, renovation and woodworking.

How to Store a Lawn Mower Outside Without a Shed

A shed is a good thing to have as you can store your gardening and other tools inside protecting them from the elements. But, the reality is that not all of us have a shed. You can keep small tools and equipment in your house or garage. But what happens with more massive machinery like a lawn mower? If you are here, you are looking for an answer. And not long ago, I too faced the problem of having to store my lawn mower for the winter. I didn’t have enough space, so I had to store it outside. How to store a lawn mower outside without a shed? To store a lawn mower outside without a shed you can use a waterproof cover or a plastic garden storage box. That way you will protect your lawn mower from the elements. For off-seasonal storage, however, proper maintenance needs to be done first. I had to do a lot of research to make sure I got everything covered. Lawnmowers are not cheap, so I didn’t want to take any chances on it. And here, I will share with you everything you need to know about storing your lawn mower if you don’t have a shed.

Is It Dangerous to Leave a Lawn Mower Outside Without a Shed?

Lawnmowers are designed for outside use, and as such, they have certain levels of protection against the elements. So leaving a lawn mower outside for a little while is not necessarily going to damage it. However, subjecting your lawn mower to the elements for more extended periods will cause your machine to wear out faster. And when we are talking about actually storing the lawn mower outside, we need to consider a few different storage aspects; how long you will be leaving your mower outside for, and what are the climate and weather conditions? Let’s take a look at each of these separately.

In What Weather Can I Leave a Lawn Mower Outside?

The weather is the main thing that will potentially damage your lawn mower and that we need to adapt to.

Can You Leave Your Lawn Mower Outside in the Sun?

Leaving your lawn mower outside in the sun is not recommended. However, it will not necessarily damage your mower. Mowers are designed to have a rough life, and they can survive a lot of different things. The major disadvantage of leaving a mower out in the heat is that the plastic parts may start to change their color or wear out faster and become more brittle. Leaving your mower in the sun with gasoline in the engine, although not recommended, is usually not dangerous. Gas tanks are designed to release gas vapors, and the engines are designed to work in a very hot environment and under a lot of pressure.

Can You Leave Your Lawn Mower Outside in the Rain?

It is not advisable to leave a lawn mower out in the rain, yet a lot of us do it, if even by accident. The biggest concern is when water gets inside the gas and oil tanks. If that happens, you will need to drain them both before starting up your mower. The chances of this happening are extremely low, however, as lawnmowers usually have protective covers and filters in place. Let’s say you forgot your lawn mower in the rain, now what? The chances are there will be nothing wrong with it, let it dry for a couple of hours out in the sun. The only downside to leaving it in the rain is that some parts may start to rust.

Can You Leave Your Lawn Mower Outside During the Winter?

The winter season and the cold may prove to be quite damaging to our lawn mower. This is also the time when most of us will look to store our lawnmowers for longer periods. Leaving your lawn mower outside during the winter is not advisable, and several steps need to be taken before doing so. I will cover them in a bit. The cold, snow, and ice can be extremely damaging and may cause irreparable damage to your mower. So during the winter, make sure to provide the mower with a protective cover.

Is My Lawn Mower Going to Rust If I Leave It Outside?

Mowers usually consist of different metal and plastic parts. Many of today’s models come with a special powder coating, which will prevent the steel from rusting. Some other metals, like aluminum, do not rust. If you notice that you have any chipped paint or broken plastic covers, it is advisable to try and cover the exposed parts with some paint. The only exposed steel part of a lawn mower is going to be the cutting blades – and they tend to be the most susceptible to rust. Even covering the blades or the entire lawn mower with a thick tarp or waterproof cover may not prove to be very useful. While a piece of tarp can keep water from getting on the mower, it can also trap it underneath, not allowing it to evaporate. As a result, the tarp may actually make things worse as it traps the water underneath. If you want, you can try to use some rust-preventative liquid, which you can apply to the blade(s) after use.

Methods to Store Your Lawn Mower Outside Without a Shed

When talking about outside storage, we need to differentiate between short-term and long-term, seasonal storage.

Routine or Short-Term Storage

Routine or short-term storage would mean that you are using your lawn mower every one or two weeks. This will keep the fuel from degrading, the engine properly lubricated, and the mower dry. You can use a waterproof cover or tarp for storing your mower outside during the season, which will be very effective at protecting your mower from the elements. Additionally, you can also place your lawn mower under an overhang or eave. A popup tent, a plastic garden storage box, or any other kind of container can also make for an excellent makeshift storage solution. For covering your mower, you can use the ToughCover Premium cover (you can buy it on Amazon). It’s a cover specifically designed for lawnmowers. It can protect your machine from water, UV rays, and it really isn’t a huge expense. It should be able to fit all standard-sized mowers. If you want to go a step further, you can get an outdoor storage box such as the Suncast Stow-Away Horizontal Storage Shed (you can also buy it on Amazon). I know this article is about storing your mower without a shed, so that name is really pushing it But in reality, it’s a 70 cubic feet storage box with a front door – ideal for storing a lawn mower and other tools outside safely.

Seasonal or Long-Term Storage

• If you are using a gas-powered lawn mower, make sure to drain all the gas;
• Disconnect and clean the spark plugs to avoid accidental starts;
• Remove the blade(s), and preferably store them somewhere inside where they can’t get any moisture. The blades are extremely sharp, so make sure to wear protective gloves;
• If your mower has a separate oil tank, make sure to drain the oil as well;
• Clean the mower. Make sure to scrape off all the dirt and grass that has accumulated and stuck in the undercarriage. Make sure you don’t store your lawn mower dirty, as this can accelerate the accumulation of rust. If you have fuel or oil in the mower, make sure to keep it in the upright position so as not to spill it over;
• When you are ready with the cleaning, fill the fuel tank with fresh gas, and the oil tank with fresh oil. Add gas stabilizer and let the lawn mower work for 5 to 10 minutes;

After all the maintenance has been done, you can proceed to safely store your lawn mower outside for the winter season using the same methods I have mentioned above.

However, keep in mind that using non-breathable materials to cover your mower can catch the water inside and subject the lawn mower to condensation and increased humidity.

If you are using anything like that, make sure to remove the protective cover for a few hours every few days whenever possible to allow the mower to breathe and the humidity to evaporate.

How to Store the Different Kinds of Lawnmowers Outside

So far, we have covered the essential details of how the weather will affect our lawn mower and what we need to do to take care of it.

Last but not least, I’d like to cover a few more caveats regarding lawnmowers’ storage. Generally speaking, there are three main types of lawnmowers.

Gas-Powered Lawn Mowers

The most sensitive part of these lawnmowers is the fuel. Fuel starts to degrade in as little as two to four weeks. This can lead to the clogging of the fuel system.

To prevent that, make sure to add a fuel stabilizer as I’ve mentioned before.

Electric Lawn Mowers

With electric lawnmowers, the main concern is going to be in connection with protecting the power cable.

Make sure you keep water away from it.

Battery-powered Lawn Mowers

When storing your battery-powered lawn mower, make sure to remove the battery and store it in your home (or someplace with room temperature).

Batteries are not designed to be stored outside for prolonged periods of time. They are best kept at room temperature in dry places and away from any heat sources.

Where Else Can I Store My Lawnmower?

If you decide that storing your mower outside just isn’t right for you, you should check out this article I wrote about the proper storage of mowers. It covers ideas such as storing your mower in a garage, storage unit, or (as an emergency measure) in your home.

If you want even more ideas, check out this collection of 22 mower storage ideas I wrote. Some of them are pretty unique, so there might be something in there you didn’t even think about!

Hi! I’m Peter, the owner of BackyardGadget. Working around the house has always been a big part of my life. I’ve created this site to share my experience, and to help people choose the right tools for the job. Thank you for stopping by!

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The Best Space-Saving Lawn Mower Storage Ideas

Keep your lawn mower from blocking foot traffic while still accessible with these simple storage ideas.

Mary Cornetta has been in the professional organizing industry for over 5 years. She knew she had a passion for decluttering and organization upon graduating Marist College in 2007, however, pursued it as a hobby instead of a career. All of that changed when Mary founded Sort and Sweet Inc on Long Island in 2017. Since then, she has worked hands-on and virtually with hundreds of clients to clear their clutter and create functional systems in their homes and offices. Mary runs the Sort and Sweet social media accounts, creating content and writing captions with organizing tips and inspiration for more than 12,000 followers. Recently relocated to Savannah, she continues to own and operate the business with the help of a talented team. Mary has been a weekly contributing writer for House Digest and has been interviewed as an expert by Martha Stewart Living, Real Simple, and Health magazines. She is the owner of the blog, Organized Overall, in which she details how she creates organization in her home.

Whether you own the kind you push, the type you ride on, or both, it’s essential to have an organized space for your lawn mower. Protecting your lawn mower from the elements can help extend its life and keep it running in good condition. The space you have available and the frequency with which you use your mower can help inform where you should store it. These lawn mower storage ideas include options for small spaces, outdoor sheds, and DIY shelving. Keeping your mower safely stored and easily accessible will help make tackling your lawn care a little easier.

Lawn Mower Storage Safety

There are a few things you can do to help preserve the life of your lawn mower over time. In a perfect world, the mower should always be stored in a cool, dry place to avoid any corrosion. The garage makes an ideal location. However, if you don’t have access to a garage or space is limited, make sure to keep it stored out of the sun. Never park the lawn mower directly on grass as the moisture from the ground can cause rust on the blades.

If you don’t use your lawn mower year round, take steps to prepare it for long term storage. Always drain the oil and remove the battery and spark plugs before putting it away for the season. Clean the mower and remove any debris caught in the underside. Sharpen or replace dull blades so it’s in top condition when you’re ready to mow again. Consider keeping the lawn mower in a storage unit or the basement if garage space is tight, and you know you won’t need it for a considerable amount of time.

Lawn Mower Storage Ideas

These lawn mower storage ideas will help address your current clutter issues or help plan for your future investment.

The Garage

A garage is the optimal place to store a lawn mower because it’s generally kept at a consistent, moderate temperature, stays dry, and is often cleaner than outdoor options. If you’re using the lawn mower frequently, carve out a designated corner or space. Be sure you can clear any parked cars along its path. It can even be helpful to box off the spot using tape.

If you have a foldable mower, consider collapsing and sliding it underneath garage shelving to save floor space.

Storage Shed

The next best area to store a lawn mower—especially if you’re working with a small or non-existent garage—is a storage or garden shed. The degree of heat or cold may fluctuate more than in the garage but it’ll be sheltered from the outside. If your yard doesn’t have one already, consider building a shed that will be large enough to fit not only the lawn mower but the rest of your landscaping tools.

The shed should have a wide opening and be flush to the ground or, at the very least, have a ramp so you can easily maneuver the mower in and out.

Mower Shed

For a smaller scale solution and one that doesn’t necessarily require a permit, opt for a lawn mower shed. Essentially, these are wider than an average outdoor storage cabinet but shorter than a shed. They are designed to fit the lawn mower and not a whole lot else. Make sure to have the correct mower dimensions on hand when shed shopping.

In addition, pay attention to the material. Resin is a preferred choice for outdoor organizers because it’s weather resistant, long lasting, and low maintenance. A small storage shed can sit right up against the side of the house. It will be out of the way of backyard activities but still handy when it’s time to trim the grass.

Waterproof Tent

Otherwise known as a lawn mower shelter, this is a temporary fixture that is also fairly inexpensive with some modest sized tents running just under 100. They’re generally made of a steel frame and fabric cover that is designed to deflect UV rays and precipitation. They have to be properly anchored into the ground so the area around it must be flat, not just so it can be secured but also so you can push or ride the mower in and out with ease. One benefit of a tent is that it’s portable, meaning you can relocate it if need be, and it can serve as a short-term solution.

Shelf Storage

If you’re short on space in your garage or garden shed, try adding shelving to store your mower. For the safest storage, build a low lying, heavy duty shelf made from plywood. The measurements of your push lawn mower are critical for this DIY project so it can fit comfortably and be reached and returned without an issue. The top of the shelf allows you to store other bulky items, lawn mower attachments, or oil cans (as long as they are out of the way of small children, of course).

Wall Storage

Consider this option only if your lawn mower is designed to be stored vertically. Otherwise, the fuel can easily drip onto the floor or into the engine. Not only that, most mowers are too heavy to safely hang on the wall. But if you do own one that is cleared for vertical storage by the manufacturer, such as an electric model lawn mower, this will save you the most amount of space. Choose an organizing system that is designed to support the weight and size of a lawn mower.

Waterproof Tarp

This is the last method you should consider but can be a short-term storage solution. If you don’t have any other space to store the lawn mower, cover it with a tarp and slide it into a shady spot such as under the deck. This will help protect it from sun and dust exposure. You’ll simply have to remove the tarp and rewrap it for each use.