Patio
Web and SaaS
tool rental marketplace
SHOW HN2025
255points
162comments
#231of 3,837 in 2025
Top 7%of 2025 by points
How HN took it
MixedNo clear lean
9 positive, 20 neutral or asking, 5 mixed, 20 critical, out of 54 comments about the project. Thread score -0.19.
Idea: 6 for, 8 againstDesign: 0 for, 3 againstExecution: 1 for, 1 againstPricing: 1 for, 1 againstDocs: 1 for, 1 against
The thread, comment by comment
Each row is a top-level comment and its replies, in HN's order. Select a cell to open that comment on HN.
positive neutral or mixed critical about another commenter or something else the maker
What HN said
What people liked
Tool libraries and sharing tools with neighbors is a good idea
From 2 comments
That's a really good idea. A community-run tool library with donations + a small monthly fee could be a game changer, especially in dense cities. It makes DIY more accessible…
GouacheApp on HNReally appreciate you sharing that example—it perfectly captures the kind of use case we’re building Patio for. DIY is awesome, but yeah, not every tool needs to be owned,…
GouacheApp on HN
Objections
Liability, damage and theft risk for tool owners
From 3 comments
Great question — this is one of the biggest challenges in peer-to-peer rentals, and something we take seriously. Right now, we’re working on adding features like optional…
GouacheApp on HNTotally valid concern — and one we take seriously. In a world where things can go wrong and legal issues can arise, it’s important to have safeguards. We're currently working on…
GouacheApp on HNThank you — really appreciate that, and you nailed one of the biggest problems we’re trying to solve. Those “budget” DIY videos often skip over the fact that the creator is using…
GouacheApp on HN
Desktop navigation is confusing
From 2 comments
Totally fair feedback — and you're right, the layout feels unexpected on desktop. We're designing mobile-first, since most of our early users are on phones, but we're actively…
GouacheApp on HNThank you for your feedback — — :) We will definitely improve the desktop navigation discoverability since it's not the first time we heard this issue. I'll also use less "—" in…
GouacheApp on HN
Content-first layout obscures the rental feature
From 2 comments
Totally fair point — and really appreciate the honest feedback. Our goal is to build a platform where people can learn, educate, rent, and share tools within a community that…
GouacheApp on HNReally appreciate that — and totally agree. We’re working on bringing the rental and community features to the forefront so it’s clear from the start what Patio is about. In a…
GouacheApp on HN
Requests
Add insurance, deposits and ID verification
From 3 comments
Great question — this is one of the biggest challenges in peer-to-peer rentals, and something we take seriously. Right now, we’re working on adding features like optional…
GouacheApp on HNTotally valid concern — and one we take seriously. In a world where things can go wrong and legal issues can arise, it’s important to have safeguards. We're currently working on…
GouacheApp on HNGreat questions — and ones we hear often. Patio is a community-driven platform that helps people rent and share tools locally while also discovering DIY tutorials and resources.…
GouacheApp on HN
Let users post requests as well as listings
From 1 comment
Great point — and thanks for sharing it. We’re actually exploring ways to let people post requests, not just listings, so it's easy to say “I need a hammer” and connect with…
GouacheApp on HN
Questions
How to handle no-shows, damage and unclear expectations
From 2 comments
Curious though — when you were lending or borrowing items, did you ever run into any issues or friction? Things like no-shows, damage, or unclear expectations? We’re trying to…
GouacheApp on HNGreat question — this is one of the biggest challenges in peer-to-peer rentals, and something we take seriously. Right now, we’re working on adding features like optional…
GouacheApp on HN
Alternatives named
Local tool libraries
From 3 comments
Seattle has a few non profit tool libraries. Membership is $60/yr. Instead of buying a $200 bulky tool I use once every 5 years that I have to keep sharp and maintain, I just go…
itake on HNThat’s awesome — $35/quarter for full access is such a great deal, and tool libraries like yours are doing amazing work for local communities! Unfortunately, not every city or…
GouacheApp on HNGreat question! Patio isn't a traditional tool library—it’s a peer-to-peer platform where anyone can list and rent tools directly from people nearby, similar way to Airbnb. So…
GouacheApp on HN
Justanswers and YouTube for DIY help
From 2 comments
You're right — justanwers.com is a good but can be pretty pricey (+50$ US/month).
GouacheApp on HNTotally get that — YouTube is great until your setup doesn’t match, especially with older homes. That missing link between general advice and your specific situation can be…
GouacheApp on HN