When we extended our outdoor living space during lockdown, we didn’t realize we were setting ourselves up for a drainage dilemma.
The new L-shaped roof created a runoff point several feet from the nearest surface drain—definitely not ideal.
Instead of installing a bulky downpipe or digging new drainage, we took a more creative route: a homemade rain chain.
Inspired by a charming memory from Switzerland and a clever presentation at a local gastropub, this elegant water feature turned out to be a practical and eye-catching solution—costing less than $30. Here’s how we made it.
Why This Plan Works
- 🪣 Functional and decorative alternative to a traditional downpipe
- 🌧️ Controls water flow while reducing splash and mess
- 💰 Budget-friendly (under $30 for a 2.5m chain)
- 🔧 Simple tools and readily available materials
- 🎨 Customizable to suit your aesthetic
What You Will Need
- Stainless steel or aluminum chain (link size approx. 9-10mm x 15-20mm)
- 15 mini stainless steel “presentation buckets” (about 55mm high, 70mm top diameter)
- Approx. 150–300mm of rustproof heavy-gauge wire
- Drill with a 10mm HSS bit and smaller pilot bit
- Center punch (or a small nail) and hammer
- Needle file (round or half-round)
- Pliers (pad with rag to avoid scratching)
Step 1: Choose Your Buckets and Chain
We began by selecting buckets and chain that could handle the roof runoff—about 12.5m² of roof surface. Our buckets were small stainless steel pails typically used in trendy restaurants to serve fries or condiments. For larger roofs, upsize your buckets and choose a chain proportionate to the bucket opening.
We opted for lightweight stainless steel buckets (30g each) and an aluminum chain to keep the overall weight manageable. Before finalizing, we calculated the total load: bucket + water weight + chain length, which came to only 2.5kg—well within the gutter’s capacity.
Step 2: Determine Chain Length and Bucket Spacing
First, measure from the gutter to your intended water catchment—be it a gravel pit, rain barrel, or decorative basin. Add a little extra to that length to allow for adjustments.
Bucket spacing is partly aesthetic, but tighter spacing means more water will be funneled directly through the buckets, reducing splashing. As a guide, we spaced our buckets so each hung about one bucket-height apart. We also tested spacing with plastic pipe mockups and even edited some images in GIMP to visualize the layout before buying all our materials.
Tip: Always order one extra bucket—you’ll thank yourself later.
Step 3: Drill Bucket Holes
Every bucket needs a hole in the center of its base for the chain to pass through. The hole should be slightly wider than your chain links to allow free movement.
Mark the center by cutting a circular paper template that fits inside the bucket.
Fold the paper to find the center, then use it to punch a guide mark on the bucket base.
Support the bucket on a stable surface and drill a pilot hole, followed by the larger hole.
Smooth sharp edges using a needle file to prevent the chain from snagging.
Step 4: Attach Buckets to the Chain
To begin, remove the handle from your first bucket. Thread the chain up through the base of the bucket and hook the bucket handle into a chain link at your desired spacing. Then reattach the handle so the bucket hangs from the chain.
Repeat this process:
Count the number of links between buckets to maintain consistent spacing.
After adding several buckets, hang the chain temporarily and step back to evaluate the overall look.
Adjust spacing if needed before continuing.
We ended up using 11 out of 15 buckets, saving the rest in case we extend the chain later or want to change the spacing.
Step 5: Secure the Chain to Your Gutter
For an existing gutter with a stopend outlet (the usual pipe outlet at the low end), create a simple V-shaped hook from your wire. The “V” supports the top link of the chain inside the gutter while remaining discreetly hidden from view.
Bend wire into a V-shape with outstretched horizontal arms to rest inside the spigot or custom-drilled hole.
Insert the top chain link onto the wire.
Slide the wire into the spigot so the chain dangles securely but invisibly.
We used a snug-fitting plastic pipe to extend our small-diameter gutter, then drilled into it to hang the chain. This step may vary depending on your gutter configuration, but the key is to ensure the chain is stable and debris won’t collect at the top.
Note: Add a few inches of chain above the top bucket to allow for suspension adjustments and to keep the mounting wire out of sight.
Other Details Display
- Bucket Size: 55mm height, 70mm top diameter, 50mm base diameter
- Chain Material: Aluminum (lightweight, rustproof)
- Bucket Material: Stainless steel (restaurant-style condiment buckets)
- Spacing: Approx. 1 bucket-height between buckets
- Weight of Entire Chain (approx.): 2.5 kg with water
- Tools Used: Drill, pliers, center punch, needle file
- Mounting Method: Wire hook inside spigot or drilled hole in gutter extension
- Optional Finishing Touches: Place a matching garden bucket, gravel basin, or decorative pot underneath the final link
Summary
Building a DIY rain chain is a rewarding way to solve drainage issues while adding charm to your home.
This stylish, rustproof version cost us under $30 and completely transformed our outdoor space. With just a bit of planning and a few simple tools, you can create your own rain chain and enjoy every drop of it.
This plan is a contribution by [Yorkshire Lass]. Project Via Instructables – Get the PDF Instructions here. If you have a plan to share, we welcome your submissions!
