What's inside
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The best storage idea for a lawn mower depends on its footprint: a push mower with the handle folded needs only about 2×3 ft of floor (or less if it stores upright), so a garage corner, wall bracket or small horizontal shed works, while a riding mower or lawn tractor needs roughly 5×7 ft plus a door at least a foot wider than its deck, which usually means a dedicated shed, lean-to or garage bay. Start by measuring the mower, then pick from the options below by space, budget and climate.
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Step One: Measure What You Are Storing
These typical footprints help you size a shed, tent or garage spot. Always measure your own mower at its widest point, which is usually the deck or the rear wheels.
| Mower type | Typical footprint (L x W) | Height | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21-inch push mower, handle up | about 55–65 x 22–24 in | about 40 in | Handle adds most of the length |
| 21-inch push mower, handle folded | about 32–40 x 22–24 in | about 20–30 in | Most folding handles reduce length by a third or more |
| Battery mower stored upright | about 22–24 x 16–20 in floor | about 40–48 in | Only if the maker designs it for vertical storage |
| Lawn tractor, 42-inch deck | about 68–72 x 48–56 in | about 40–45 in | Width includes deck and discharge chute |
| Lawn tractor, 54-inch deck | about 72–78 x 60–68 in | about 40–45 in | Wider doors needed |
| Zero-turn, 42–54 inch deck | about 70–80 x 52–68 in | about 40 in, more with ROPS bar up | Fold the roll bar for lower openings if the model allows |
Push Mower Storage Ideas
1. Fold and store upright
Many battery mowers, and some gas models designed for it, fold flat and stand on their rear end, taking up about the floor space of a trash can. Gas mowers not designed for upright storage can leak oil into the air filter or carburetor when tipped, causing smoke and hard starting. If your mower is not marked for vertical storage, keep it on its wheels.
2. Wall-mounted brackets
Steel brackets or heavy-duty storage hooks can hang a lightweight battery mower or a folded push mower on a garage wall. Mount into studs, not just drywall, and check the rated load against the mower’s weight; most 21-inch battery mowers weigh roughly 40–70 lb with the battery, while gas push mowers are often 60–100 lb, which is a lot to lift overhead. Low wall placement is safer.
3. Garage corner with a drip tray
The simplest option: park a folded mower in a garage corner on a rubber mat or drip tray. Keep gas mowers well away from water heaters, furnaces or anything with a pilot light, as fuel vapors are heavier than air and settle low.
4. Horizontal storage shed
Low-profile horizontal sheds in resin or metal, typically around 5–6 ft wide and 3 ft deep, hold a push mower plus a trimmer and a few tools. They fit beside a house or under a window where a taller shed would not, and lift-up lids with front doors make wheeling a mower in easy.
5. Under a deck
If your deck is at least 3–4 ft high, the space underneath works for a push mower if you add gravel or pavers to keep the mower out of mud and a lattice or panel door to keep rain off. Avoid this spot for gas mowers if the deck is directly outside a door or window.
Riding Lawn Mower Storage Ideas
1. Garage bay or end-of-garage parking
A lawn tractor fits nose-in to the end of a deep garage in front of a car if the bay has about 6 ft of spare depth. Back it in so you can drive straight out, and put a drip tray under the engine.
2. Dedicated shed with a ramp
A riding mower shed should be at least 8×8 ft for a 42-inch tractor and 8×10 or larger if you also store a trailer or attachments. The door should be at least 12 inches wider than the deck so you can drive in without scraping. A ramp of about 3–4 ft long for a 6-inch floor height keeps the incline manageable.
3. Lean-to against the house or garage
A lean-to with a sloped roof and open or curtained front is cheaper than a full shed and keeps rain and sun off. In snow country, choose a roof rated for local snow loads.
4. Fabric storage tent or carport cover
Portable shelters with steel frames and polyethylene or polyester covers are sized for lawn tractors and are the fastest option to set up. They last a few seasons in strong sun and need anchoring into ground or concrete to survive wind.
5. Fitted mower cover
The cheapest option is a waterproof cover fitted over the mower. It protects the seat and controls from UV and rain but not the deck from ground moisture, so park on pavers or gravel rather than grass.
Comparing the Options
| Option | Space used | Typical cost | Weather protection | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Upright folding storage | about 2 sq ft floor | $0 | Indoor level | Battery mowers in small garages |
| Wall bracket | No floor space | $20–$80 | Indoor level | Lightweight battery mowers |
| Horizontal resin shed | about 15–20 sq ft | $200–$600 | Good | Push mowers without garage space |
| Fitted cover | Mower footprint only | $25–$70 | Fair | Short-term or budget |
| Fabric storage tent | about 40–60 sq ft | $150–$500 | Good, a few seasons | Riding mowers, renters |
| Lean-to | about 40–80 sq ft | $500–$2,000 | Good | Riding mowers next to a building |
| Dedicated shed | 64–120 sq ft | $1,000–$5,000+ | Excellent | Riding mower plus tools and attachments |
Preparing a Mower for Long-Term Storage
Where you store a mower matters less than how it goes into storage. Before winter or any break of more than a month:
- Fuel: add stabilizer and run the engine for a few minutes so treated fuel reaches the carburetor, or run the tank dry. Ethanol fuel left untreated gums up carburetors over winter.
- Deck: scrape off packed grass; it holds moisture against the steel and causes rust.
- Battery mowers: remove the battery and store it indoors at partial charge, away from freezing temperatures and heat.
- Riding mowers: disconnect the starting battery or use a maintainer; a lead-acid battery left discharged in freezing weather can be damaged.
- Tires: check pressure; long storage on flat tires can damage sidewalls.
- Pests: mice nest in engine compartments and chew wiring. Close gaps in sheds and keep bird seed and pet food elsewhere.
Matching Storage to Your Situation
| Situation | Best idea |
|---|---|
| Small garage, battery push mower | Upright folding storage or a low wall bracket |
| No garage, push mower | Horizontal resin shed beside the house |
| Renting, riding mower | Fabric storage tent or cover on pavers |
| Homeowner, riding mower plus attachments | 8×10 ft or larger shed with ramp |
| Snowy climate | Solid-roof shed or garage; tents can collapse under snow |