Looking for a creative way to upgrade your home’s exterior? A DIY rain chain adds visual charm and calming sound to rainy days.
With just a few tools and some decorative metal cups, we turned a basic downspout into a stunning water feature. Here’s how we did it—and how you can too.
Why This Rain Chain Project Works
- Visually enhances your gutter system with a custom, decorative twist
- Produces peaceful, waterfall-like sounds during rain
- Easy to customize with thrifted materials or budget-friendly finds
- Great project for intermediate DIYers using basic tools
- Offers an eco-friendly way to divert water into barrels or splash blocks
What You Will Need
Materials:
- Chain (length from gutter to ground)
- Decorative metal cups or candle holders
- Brass plumber’s chain
- Clear waterproof sealer
Tools:
- Safety glasses
- Bolt cutters
- Tape measure
- Drill + bits
- Two hole saw sizes (slightly larger & smaller than chain diameter)
- Dremel or rotary tool with attachments
Step 1: Choose Your Rain Chain Location
Select a visible, relaxing spot—like the corner of a porch or patio—where you can enjoy the sight and sound of falling water.
Decide how you want the water to be handled below the chain. A rain barrel is a smart eco-friendly option, while a splash block helps divert it away from your foundation.
Step 2: Plan the Cup Layout
Determine how many cups you’ll use and their spacing. Closer cups create more water interaction and noise, while wider spacing gives a cleaner, more minimal look.
Step 3: Drill a Hole in the Bottom of Each Cup
Using a hole saw that’s slightly larger than the chain diameter (we used 7/8″), drill one hole centered in the bottom of each cup. This allows the main chain to thread through easily.
Step 4: Drill Two Holes at the Top for Hanging
Mark two points opposite each other near the top rim of each cup. Drill holes large enough to hook in the smaller plumber’s chain, which will suspend the cups from the main chain.
Step 5: Smooth Out Any Sharp Edges
After cutting metal, burrs are inevitable. Start by scraping with a flat file, then use a round file or a Dremel with a grinding attachment to finish smoothing the edges completely.
Step 6: Clean and Polish the Cups
If you’ve sourced your cups from thrift stores like we did, clean them with Goo Gone or similar adhesive remover. Wipe them down with a paper towel, then polish the surface to bring out the shine.
For heavily tarnished pieces, use a metal brush attachment with your Dremel.
Step 7: Seal the Cut Surfaces
To prevent rust or tarnish where you drilled, apply a clear waterproof sealer to all exposed metal. A cotton swab works well for applying sealer inside holes and along cut edges.
Step 8: Cut the Plumber’s Chain
Cut 6-inch sections of brass plumber’s chain. Snip open the end links so they can function as hooks to connect the cups to the main chain.
Step 9: Thread the Main Chain Through Each Cup
Now thread the large chain through the holes you drilled at the bottom of each cup. This is your main structural line.
Step 10: Attach Cups to the Chain
Using your prepared plumber’s chain segments, hook one end into one top-side hole of a cup. Loop the chain around a link in the main chain, then secure the other end to the opposite hole on the same cup.
Pinch the ends tightly with pliers so the chain doesn’t slip out.
Tip: Hang your main chain vertically (we used a doorway) to make attaching each cup easier without tangling.
Step 11: Drill a Hole in the Gutter
Use an 11/16″ hole saw to cut a hole at the bottom of your gutter where you want to install the rain chain. Keep the hole small to prevent excessive water flow, which could overflow the cups.
Step 12: Hang the Chain from the Gutter
To hang the chain, cut a link from your main chain in half with bolt cutters. Loop this half-link through the topmost link of your rain chain and feed it through the hole in the gutter.
Since the half-link is wider than the hole, it will act as a stopper to support the chain’s weight.
If your chain isn’t wide enough, use a dowel, tabbed hanger, or a custom bracket to secure it.
Step 13: Enjoy the Results
That’s it! Your rain chain is now fully installed. When rain falls, it cascades beautifully down the cups, creating a serene visual and soothing sound. Even when dry, your chain adds an eye-catching decorative element to your exterior.
Note: If you live in a cold climate, remember that ice buildup in winter can add extra weight. Remove your rain chains before freezing temperatures if your gutter system isn’t built to support the load.
Other Details Display
- Cup Quantity & Material: Any number; metal candle holders or decorative cups
- Drill Hole Sizes: Bottom of cup ~7/8″, top holes just large enough for small chain
- Chain Types: Large steel chain (main line), brass plumber’s chain (for hanging)
- Placement Suggestion: Covered porch or corner of house with nearby rain barrel
- Cleaning Supplies: Goo Gone, paper towel, metal polish
- Tools for Burr Removal: Flat file, round file, Dremel with grinding bit
- Winter Tip: Remove before freezing to prevent weight damage
- Sealant: Clear waterproof coating, applied with cotton swab
- Hanging Hardware: Modified chain link or bar stopper
Summary
Creating your own decorative rain chain using metal cups is a rewarding DIY project that adds beauty and charm to any rainy day.
With a few basic tools and some creative flair, you can transform your gutter into a functional water feature that’s both practical and elegant. Enjoy the visual delight and soothing sounds every time it rains.
