Admittedly, a conventional water butt is really not an eye-catcher for the garden. Nevertheless, the collection container demands a (royal) throne. On closer inspection, your rain barrel actually deserves it. Because apart from the look, it brings you many advantages in garden care. Dedicate a little time to your water butt and make the base yourself. On this page you will find the appropriate instructions.

A stone or concrete base is more durable and holds more weight than wood

What is a pedestal for?

  • stability
  • Facilitate water drainage / water drainage
  • longevity

stability

So that your water butt does not fall over, it should not only be protected, but also placed at ground level. With a base you can optimize the site conditions.

Facilitate water drainage / water drainage

Before the first frost, you should empty your water butt by at least a third. Likewise, you probably use the water for watering flowers. Wouldn't it be tedious to keep hoisting a watering can or bucket into the barrel to skim off the water? It is best to install a spout tap in the lower area of the water butt. If you place the container on a base, you can easily place a watering can under the tap and let the water run out.

longevity

If the water freezes in the bin in winter, small stones in the subsoil can press on the material from the outside. With a base, you protect the water tank from cracks.

Build a base for the rain barrel yourself

Building a plinth is easy if you follow the tips below:

suitable material

Wood is particularly easy to cut into shape. However, it is not advisable to use it, as the material becomes rotten over time and has to be renewed. It is best to use paving stones that do not have to be cut to size in the first place.

building instructions

  1. Stack bricks on top of each other.
  2. The area must be larger than the diameter of the barrel.
  3. After a few layers, place a paving slab (also made of stone or concrete) on top of the base.
  4. Place the rain barrel on the pedestal.
  5. Check whether your watering can fits under the tap.
  6. If necessary, raise the base by a few layers of bricks.

Important tips

Your self-made base should be very stable, as a full water butt can weigh up to several tons. Keep this in mind when setting up the rain barrel. When testing whether your base is the right height, you should always work with an empty vessel. Fill this in later. Otherwise it will be difficult to balance the barrel onto the base.

Category:

Garden design