Updated Rain Barrel Platform
December 17th, 2011 by Marc Opperman
My old makeshift rain barrel platform (constructed of pieces of old pressure-treated lumber) was sinking into the ground, and my rain barrel was listing. So I got a few concrete blocks, some spare brick, and a couple 24″ pavers and constructed a new one:
It is very sturdy, level and ultimately reusable. Nothing is mortared together – just heavy enough to stay in place, even if the barrel is empty of the 440 pounds of water it could hold.
I arranged the blocks in such a way that toads and other small critters have an opening to the interior and can access the inside and hide out in little “rooms” formed by the different blocks.
I want to go back to the homebrew store and buy another barrel. I’m eager to double my capacity.
- 3 Comments »
- Posted in sustainability, water
Very nice! So, the homebrew stores sell barrels? Are they very costly?
Caroline, Austin Homebrew Supply sells these blue barrels for $30. Since they had malt in them, they usually need a good rinsing and some parts to turn them into rain barrels. The parts cost about $10, and you can add in another $20 for a base like I made. So, $60 gets you a 55 gal. rain barrel. I now have two, and they are connected. I plan to do a step-by-step post about how to make one soon.
That’s a great price. I’m looking forward to your how-to!