Don't Have A Level For Your Lawn? Here's An Easy DIY Tool

Bumpy lawns are not only unsightly, but they pose a tripping hazard. Plus, uneven ground makes it hard for your mower to cut the grass evenly and can lead to drainage problems. Lawn leveling rakes are convenient, but they are a bit pricey, which can be hard to justify if you don't need them regularly. If you want to level an uneven lawn without renting expensive equipment, you can easily make a DIY tool from scrap wood. By building a wooden leveling drag or rake, you can redistribute the soil throughout your yard for a much lower cost.

You don't need to run around looking for a wood pallet (though that would work, too) — any scrap wood can be turned into a genius yard tool that makes leveling an uneven lawn a breeze. You can build this DIY in different ways, either adding a pull to drag it or a handle to push it across your yard. Depending on how you build it, you may need different tools for this project. For example, you might need a saw to cut a pallet or a drill to screw together leftover boards from another project.

Ease of use varies as well. If you build a drag-style lawn level, pulling it with a vehicle like a four-wheeler or tractor will make the job much easier. However, the level should be light enough for many to pull by hand.

This DIY level has a grid design similar to commercial leveling drags. Lay four wood planks of the same length parallel to each other. Leave plenty of space between the boards to create the frame's width. Place shorter boards perpendicular to these pieces and attach them with screws to form the grid. The open squares in the grid will allow loose material such as topsoil, sand, or compost to collect and move with the frame.

For a simpler build, attach a vertical plank onto each end of the horizontal rows. Alternatively, secure three or four pieces of lumber evenly spaced across the base. Customize the dimensions, making a larger tool for a drag or a smaller one for a rake-style level. Pallets are similar in shape and design to this project. In fact, one of the easiest shortcuts is to cut a pallet in half and repurpose it as your leveling drag.

For a simple drag, attach chains or a strong rope to the build. Consider installing metal loops in the wood to keep your pull sturdy and secure. To use the DIY tool as a rake, attach another wooden board as a handle. Screw a hinge into the center of the base, and affix a perpendicular rod for the handle. To level a bumpy, uneven lawn, pull or push your DIY tool across your yard until the divots fill in.