Uneven bumpy lawns can make mowing hard and watering a mess. Store-bought lawn leveling tools work, but they’re not cheap, and many are too small to handle large yards well. If you’ve got a few tools and a free afternoon, you can build a better one yourself. A homemade lawn leveling rake (a.k.a. lawn lute) does the job for a fraction of the cost, and you can size it to fit your yard.
Why a DIY Lawn Leveling Rake Works Better
Most garden rakes are too light and narrow to level a yard properly. They dig in too deep or glide right over low spots. A DIY version gives you more weight, more width, and more control. That means better results and less time spent pushing dirt around.
A rake made from steel holds up well and adds the right amount of weight. It helps the tool ride smoothly across the entire lawn surface instead of bouncing or skipping. For most yards, a width of three to four feet works well... wide enough to cover ground quickly, but still manageable. You can go smaller if you’re working in tight spots or narrower areas.
Building your own also lets you avoid the price tag of commercial levelers, which can easily hit $100 or more. This project usually costs less than half that, even with new materials.
What You’ll Need and How It Comes Together
You can find everything you need at a local hardware store or maybe even in your garage. You’ll build a wide rake out of steel bars and attach a long wooden handle. It’s strong enough to handle topdressing soil but gentle enough not to tear up grass.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Two 1” x 2” steel flat bars of sheet steel (3–4 feet long)
- Four 1” x 1” steel angle irons (2–3 feet long)
- Bolts, nuts, and washers (or welding skills)
- Drill bits for metal
- Hardwood broom or rake handle
- Broom adapter or broom bracket
- Metal file or sandpaper
Start by making the rectangular frame. Use the flat bars for the front and back. Then space the angle irons evenly across the width and attach them to the outer rectangle border from front to back. Drill holes at the contact points and bolt everything together. The angled bars help distribute soil across the surface evenly as you pull the rake.
Attach the handle to the center of the front bar. A slight angle works best, making it easier to pull. Use washers and bolts for a tight fit. The rake should feel solid and balanced in your hands. If you’re using wood instead of steel, keep in mind that it may wear down or warp more quickly, especially if it gets wet often.
Before using it, smooth out any rough edges with a file or sandpaper. You want the rake to glide, not scratch.
How to Use Your New Lawn Leveler
Once your rake is built, it’s time to get to work. You’ll need plenty of leveling mix, which is usually usually a blend of sand and compost or topsoil. Wait for dry weather and mow the grass short to make the job easier. Skip rainy days; it’s hard to get a smooth finish on wet ground.
Spread a thin layer of the surface soil mix over your lawn. Focus on the low or bumpy spots first. Then, use your new rake to pull the material back and forth across the area. The weight of the steel will help press the soil into place while the flat edges spread it smoothly. Don’t force it; let the tool do the work.
Keep your movements slow and steady. If you come across a low spot that still looks uneven after a pass or two, just add more mix and go over it again. There’s no need to rush. Leveling works best in thin layers.
A few helpful tips to keep in mind:
- Short grass and dry soil make leveling easier
- Work in small sections for more control
- Rake in multiple directions for an even spread
- Don’t overfill low spots in one pass; build them up gradually
- Clean and dry your rake after use to prevent rust
Most lawns only need this treatment once a year, usually in spring or early summer. You can also use the tool to spot-fix areas that collect water or feel uneven underfoot.
A homemade lawn leveling rake not only saves you money, it gives you a better result, especially if your size of rake fits your yard. With a few simple tools and a bit of time, you can make a simple, sturdy, versatile tool that works every time you need to even things out.
FAQ
Are there other ways to make DIY lawn leveling tools?
I've seen these made by lawn care enthusiasts with rebar pieces, a drag mat made of a piece of wood board with chain link fence attached to it (you've probably seen these at baseball fields) being dragged behind a lawn tractor, a pallet on a chain being pulled behind a lawn mower. A lawn enthusiast will use almost any leveling methods to get a nice level lawn.
Is this the same as lawn rolling?
No, a lawn roller/garden roller doesn't really work for levelling purposes. They're used for flattening out bumpy lawns, not to fix uneven spots and low areas to get a level yard.
