Perfect for shifting soil and moving heavy DIY materials, a wheelbarrow is a fantastic tool to have in your garden shed if you're an avid gardener or have a particularly large outdoor space. Having one to hand save you time and effort from trawling heavy loads around your garden, most likely having to take multiple trips. Additionally, it can also make sure you're not putting unnecessary strain on your back. We've put together a list of the best wheelbarrows for you.
You may be surprised to hear that wheelbarrows come in a range of shapes and sizes, so finding the right one for you might require a little more research than just buying the first one you spot at your local gardening centre.
We've done the heavy lifting for you and shared the best wheelbarrows for a range of requirements so you know exactly what you should be looking for.
Best wheelbarrows UK 2023
Recommended
On Sale
Description
This robust wheelbarrow from Neo Direct makes handling heavy garden tasks a breeze. Made with soft
Pros
- Made from galvanised steel for added strength and resilience
Cons
- Assembly instructions tricky to understand
Top pick
Description
With over 60 years in the business, Walsall has a whole range of wheelbarrows well suited for
Pros
- It has a large capacity
- Lightweight and sturdy
Cons
- Not considered the most suitable for heavy lifting work
Best for rough-terrain gardens
www.waitrosegarden.com
Description
Another top pick from Walsall, this sturdy green barrow is ideal for everyday garden use with a
Pros
- We love that the heavy-duty tyres are puncture-proof
Cons
- Reviewers found it a bit of a struggle to assemble
Best two-wheeled wheelbarrow
Description
Unlike most wheelbarrows available, this pick from Oypla has two wheels, making it particularly
Pros
- It has comfortable soft foam handles
- Two wheels for better stability on flat ground
Cons
- Reviewers found it quite difficult to assemble
Best lightweight wheelbarrow
On Sale
Description
While this is technically called a garden caddy, this is a great alternative to the wheelbarrow if
Pros
- Affordable
- Lightweight
Cons
- Not designed like a traditional wheelbarrow
Best value wheelbarrow
www.diy.com
Description
For a wheelbarrow that combines a large volume, heavy-load capacity, and affordable price, look no
Pros
- Described as heavy-duty
- Huge max. load of 200kg
- Zero assembly required
Cons
- We couldn't think of any!
Best wheelbarrow for kids
Description
Want to get your little ones involved in gardening? This bright and fun wheelbarrow features
Pros
- Bright, fun, and colourful
- Great for getting the kids involved
Cons
- Reviewers found it a little fiddly to put together
FAQs
What is the best material for a wheelbarrow?
There are two main materials used in wheelbarrows; those with a steel or plastic bucket. The best material for yours depends on the work you'll be carrying out with each type having different benefits.
Wheelbarrows with a steel bucket can bear more weight. They're best for heavy-duty tasks such as moving large rocks, plants, and stone slabs. However, steel can rust and it will inevitably be heavier to move about too.
Wheelbarrows with a plastic bucket tend to be lighter, more affordable, and a good choice if you're just looking for a way to transport compost, mix fertiliser, and smaller plants. The downfall with this type is that you need to be careful not to overload the bucket as the plastic could crack under excessive weight.
Is a one- or two-wheel wheelbarrow better?
A two-wheel wheelbarrow is more stable on level ground, but a one-wheel wheelbarrow is universally the best choice for manoeuvrability. Positioned in the central point of the wheelbarrow, a one-wheel provides greater control for movement and unloading, with the ability to wheel in small spaces, over planks, in water, and over uneven ground - great for gardens!
How long should a wheelbarrow last?
They can last for years, making them a great investment, but if you want your new piece of kit to go the distance, you'll need to care for them. Here are some tips for keeping yours in good nick. You should clean the bucket regularly and be sure to dry your wheelbarrow before putting it away. Store it in a dry place to prevent rust and warping. From time to time apply grease to the axles to maintain the wheels. Inflate your wheelbarrow wheel with a bicycle pump if it's looking flat. Finally, clean the handles regularly and sand wooden handles if they become a bit rough.
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Description
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Eleanor Weaver is the Deputy Homes & Garden Product Editor for Modern Gardens, specialising in outdoor furniture, décor, and tools. She's always looking out for inspiration online for stylish and affordable designs, and enjoys spending time in nature.