Man Uses Old Wood Pallets To Build A Backyard Rain Barrel Stand With An Impressive DIY

If you're doing your best to make your home eco-friendly, you're likely trying to conserve water. One of the best water conservation tips is to get a rain barrel. While rain barrel stands aren't necessary, they make reaching the spigot easier. Raising them also increases the water pressure. DIYer Sow the Land shared his technique for making a stand that might make your rainwater harvesting tank both easier to use and more efficient. In addition to the platform under the barrel, he installed a second layer on top of it. He then added a second rain barrel on top and connected the two. This allows the system to collect more water while keeping the footprint small. To build your own, you'll need some pallets or other scrap wood, a drill and screws, two rain barrels, spigots, and tubing.

You can adjust the supply list based on your stand's size, but in general you'll need at least four boards for the base, four to eight for the posts, and at least four to eight more for the top. Wood pallets are a great source, since you can find free pallets in many communities, and one pallet can provide multiple boards. However, you should avoid ones that are rotting or that have been chemically treated. Although these treatments make the wood more resistant to weather or insects, they can also be toxic. Look for the pallet's international treatment stamp: "HT" indicates heat-treated wood, while "MB" indicates methyl bromide fumigation. Avoid MB-marked pallets, and remember that a stamp alone doesn't guarantee the wood is clean or safe for every use. Because water-filled barrels are extremely heavy, use sturdy, undamaged boards and plan a stand that can safely support the full weight of both barrels.

Measure your barrels and the available space to ensure you have enough wood, then flatten the ground where it will stand. Wear thick gloves and boots when deconstructing your pallet, as there may be loose nails or splinters. The nails holding pallets together are particularly tough, so take your time to keep the boards and your hands intact. Lay out the four posts that will serve as the structure's corner supports. Mark the height you want the bottom platform to be, then attach the boards from your pallet at that height, connecting the posts to each other. Sow the Land used one piece of wood on either side, with two additional pieces running in the opposite direction over them. Repeat at the top of the posts, then use extra pieces from your wood pallet to reinforce the posts. Add diagonal bracing if needed to help prevent the stand from wobbling, and make sure each platform is strong enough to support a full barrel.

Dig holes to fit the posts into and add concrete to make it permanent, or use suitable structural hardware to anchor it securely to a stable structure. Paint or stain the structure, then seal the wood for protection. These outdoor wood rot prevention tips may be helpful. Place your rain barrels and drill a hole for the spigot. Drill an additional hole near the top of both barrels, then connect them with a tube or hose. This allows excess water to flow from the top barrel to the one below. Consider adding decor, such as decorative rocks or planters, around it for added beauty, but keep the base accessible so you can check for leaks, inspect the wood, and maintain the spigots.