hose hideout

From habitat highlights - issue 43, MasterStroke DIY

DIYer Simon Frew creates a sleek black hose cover.

This stylish and practical hose reel cover is a clever disguise for the not-so-chic piece of outdoor equipment that most of us have at home.

Portrait of DIYer Simon Frew

The sleek box is crafted from sturdy timber and stained in Resene Waterborne Woodsman Pitch Black to suit this home’s aesthetic. The hose cover is open at the back for moveability and sits up flush against the house, with a small slot at the top for the hose to poke through and a handy bolted door at the front for storing extra gear. This structure is a great way to elevate and add a finishing touch to your outdoor area, especially if you use it a lot for summer al fresco entertaining.

Step-by-step instructions:

top tip When you're decorating, tip a small amount of paint or stain into a Resene Paint Pot to prevent contaminating the whole tin.

Garden hose before completion of hose cover Before

Completed sleek black hose cover, built by Simon Frew using Resene Waterborne Woodsman Pitch Black After

Step-by-step instructions:

top tip When you're decorating, tip a small amount of paint or stain into a Resene Paint Pot to prevent contaminating the whole tin.

Garden hose before completion of hose cover Before

Completed sleek black hose cover, built by Simon Frew using Resene Waterborne Woodsman Pitch Black After

How to make a hose cover – step 1: measuring and cutting timber Step 1
Measure and cut the timber components and sand edges. Wipe off sanding dust.

How to make a hose cover – step 2: creating the frame for the hose reel cover Step 2
Create the frame for the hose reel cover by screwing the timber together to make a box, then add panel detailing.

How to make a hose cover – step 3: creating a hose slot and smoothing the edges Step 3
Create a hose slot and smooth the edges (so it doesn't puncture the hose). Drill a hole in the side of the cabinet wall for the hose connection.

How to make a hose cover – step 4: staining with two coats of Resene Waterborne Woodsman Pitch Black Step 4
Stain with two coats of Resene Waterborne Woodsman Pitch Black, allowing to dry between coats.

View the full step-by-step instructions on making this hose reel cover for your home.
Keep dark exterior colours cooler with Resene CoolColours, find out more or ask the team at your local Resene ColorShop or Resene reseller.

Colours and products mentioned in this article

Resene Pitch Black

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Resene Waterborne Woodsman

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▸ Download a PDF of this article

spring/summer 2025, issue 43

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