When we first created this website, there was very little information about making low-cost, well-designed rainbarrels. Now, we still think we have one of the highest quality rainbarrel designs and some of the best construction/setup tips. In fact, Fine Gardening magazine solicited an article from me about rain barrels and published it in their Nov/Dec 2008 issue.

Please consider making a secure donation in any amount - or check out the ads on the right - if you find any of the information here useful. Donate $4 (or more!) and we'll send you an email with a pdf document attached that has the parts list from below, PLUS additional key information: assembly directions fully illustrated with pictures.

Constructing a Rain Barrel

with André "Dangerous with Tools" Guirard

Preface

This project is suitable for someone with basic skills using the tools needed. My Labor Pool (a.k.a. husband) put his first rain barrel together in less than a couple of hours and only two trips to the hardware store (not the usual requisite three--a major coup for DIYers everywhere!). He reports that now that he's made over a dozen of them, he's got the construction time down to < 1 hr).

You can benefit from our efforts--the eight barrels gracing our yard took hours of intensive internet research, many visits to area hardware and DIY stores to seek out the best parts available, and one instance of installing a plug where an "oops" hole was drilled... With our tips and best practices, you can avoid the common pitfalls and benefit from the best DIY rain barrel design and put together one of your own in no time.

Happy watering!