How to mount gardena hose reel to cladded house?

Question

Hi,

I would like to mount the Gardena 20m Hose Reel Set (https://www.bunnings.com.au/gardena-20m-hose-reel-set_p0298515) to the back of my house.

The external walls have some cladding on them (not sure of the thickness) and the house has a steel frame, so I would want it to be mounted into the steel studs for better support.

My main question is whether the included mounting screws would be enough for this or if I should get longer and stronger screws, in which case, which screws would you recommend? I have attached a photo of the corner I would like to mount it on, just above the tap.

Also I'm happy for suggestions for a cover that would protect it from UV rays for longevity as Gardena don't appear to sell a designated cover for it.

Cheers!

R4addZ · Answer

Hi @Psilo

If you can find some metalwork in the wall, another option is to use toggle type cavity wall fixings which would have a lot more grip than just the threads of a screw. however the main issue with this would be the fact that all your fixings would be along one vertical line so you would also need to use similar fixings into the cladding either side of the centreline and those are the ones that would be the weakest point as the hose reel is pulled around by the hose.

EricL · Answer

Hello @Psilo

Here is a nice inspirational image to give you an idea of how to mount your Gardena hose reel.

Eric

MitchellMc · Answer

Hi @Psilo,

You’re right to think about how it’s mounted, as retractable reels put a lot more stress on fixings than people expect.

The Gardena 20m Hose Reel Set is designed to be installed either into timber studs or masonry (brick/concrete), and the included fixings reflect that. They’re not intended for steel framing.

Mounting directly into steel studs is where things get tricky:

* Steel studs are thin-gauge metal, so self-drilling screws only bite into a very small thickness and I'm not aware of any longer than 30mm.
* Those screws have fine threads, which don’t hold as strongly under repeated load.
* The mounting holes on the reel bracket are quite large, while steel screws tend to have small heads, so they don’t “capture” well unless you add washers.
* Most importantly, a retractable hose creates dynamic, repetitive forces (pulling, retracting, side load). That’s very different from static loads like a TV bracket or shelf.

In practice, even if you manage to fix it into the studs, there’s a real risk the screws will loosen or tear out over time. It’s not uncommon to see even masonry anchors fail with these reels if they’re heavily used. There is a possibility of using

https://www.bunnings.com.au/buildex-12g-x-60mm-class-3-galvanised-superteks-series-1000-screws-50-pack_p0920325

, though, as they are a relatively new product, I haven't heard of them being used for such purposes.

As an alternative to direct mounting I'd suggest:

1. Freestanding post (most robust)

* Install a treated timber post concreted into the ground in front of the wall, or even mounting it to the brickwall.
* Mount the reel directly to that.
* This completely isolates the load from your wall and is the most durable long-term solution.

2. Mounting board fixed to multiple studs (good compromise)

* Fix a solid board (e.g. ~140 × 19 mm merbau or similar) vertically onto the stud.
* Then mount the reel onto that board using the supplied Gardena screws (which are better suited to timber).
* This spreads the load and gives the screws proper purchase.

If you go this route:

* Use plenty of metal self-drilling screws into each stud (and washers if needed).
* Make sure the board is well anchored before attaching the reel.

Since Gardena doesn’t make a cover:

* A simple kettle BBQ cover or small outdoor equipment cover works well.
* Or mount it in a slightly sheltered spot (eaves) if possible.

However, I've never seen any reports of the units degrading due to UV exposure.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell