One of the most annoying aspects of gardening, for me at least, is the garden hose. It’s often unwieldy, impossible to reel back neatly, and often ends up a tangled, unsightly mess under the tap. Yulema González’s clever IKEA TRONES hack seems to put an end to this.
On her Instagram channel, @yule_home_deco, she transforms the simple shoe storage unit into a functional garden hose box. This easy and quick hack hides away the garden hose and helps keep her outdoor space looking spick and span. Here’s a step-by-step guide to achieving this nifty garden hose hideaway cabinet.
Supplies Needed:
- IKEA TRONES shoe cabinet
- Garden hose reel
- Drill with appropriate bits
- Jigsaw
- Screws and wall anchors
- Measuring tape
- Pencil
- Safety glasses and gloves
DIY Garden Hose Box To Hideaway The Reel
Step 1: Measure and Mark
For this IKEA hack, the TRONES unit will be installed over the water tap. Start by marking the exact location of the water tap on the back panel of the TRONES unit. This will indicate where you need to cut a hole to accommodate the tap
Step 2: Cut the Back Panel
Use a hole saw (or drill) to make the initial hole, then a jigsaw to carefully cut a larger hole in the back panel of the TRONES shoe cabinet. This hole should be large enough to fit the tap through.
Safety first: Wear safety glasses and a face mask while cutting to protect yourself from flying debris.
Step 3: Position and Secure the TRONES Unit
With the hole cut, position the TRONES shoe cabinet against the wall where you want to install it. Use a pencil to mark the spots where you’ll need to drill holes for the screws. Drill the holes, insert wall anchors if needed, and then screw the TRONES unit securely into the wall. Use a spirit level to ensure the installation is aligned and level.
Step 4: Modify the Drawer Cabinet
Next, you’ll need to modify the drawer cabinet to accommodate the garden hose reel. Use a pencil to mark the edges of the cabinet. Cut away the back of the drawer cabinet to create space for the hose reel to fit through. Make sure the cut is clean and smooth to avoid damaging the hose.
Step 5: Assemble the TRONES
Reinstall the drawer cabinet back into the TRONES frame. It should work as usual and, when closed, look like a regular shoe box.
Step 6: Install the Garden Hose Reel
Attach the hose nozzle to the tap and spool the reel into the modified drawer cabinet. Close the garden hose cabinet door, and the reel should now be neatly hidden away inside the TRONES unit. No more ugly, tangled mess!
TLDR, view the IG reel below.
Other Ideas for the Garden Hose Box
- Attach a wooden panel to the top of the TRONES unit to create a stylish ledge, perfect for displaying plants or holding a refreshing glass of ice-cold drink while you relax on the patio.
- Drill drainage holes at the base of the cabinet drawer to allow any residual water from the hose to escape, keeping the box dry and preventing water buildup.
- Paint the plastic garden hose box to match your decor. Opt for spray paint designed specifically for plastic surfaces to ensure proper adhesion and a long-lasting finish.
- Add another TRONES unit above the garden hose box to store gardening supplies. Inside the drawer cabinet, attach adhesive hooks to conveniently hang gloves and small gardening tools.
- See how to use the IKEA TRONES in every room in your home.