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Rainwater harvesting (Design-build), Ithaca, NY

Date: 2006

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Step-by-step construction method:

2. Next, I built pressure-treated wooden platforms to support the barrels above grade. There are three main reasons for supporting the barrels in this manner: (a) the water pressure for irrigation will be a bit greater; (b) it becomes possible to place a pail under the faucet at the bottom of the barrel; and (c) a level base keeps the barrel upright and stable. Note that a 50-gallon barrel filled with water weighs slightly more than 400 pounds; the design of a wooden platform needs to account for these loads (see my free online structures text for wood design methods).

rain barrel platform
a) I dig a shallow excavation in the hard clay soil for a pressure-treated wood footing.

rain barrel platform
b) The footings and posts (4x4 pressure-treated lumber) are pre-assembled with 3" deck screws and placed on a level gravel bed. The posts are tied together with two horizontal pieces of 2x6 pressure-treated lumber.

rain barrel platform
c) The platform is attached to the existing house addition with a 2x2 pressure-treated spacer and two 6" lag screws through the siding and into the 2x6 wall studs of the house.

rain barrel platform
d) Finally, 2x6 pressure-treated boards (less expensive than typical 5/4" deck material) are screwed into place, creating a level base for the barrels.

rain barrel platform
e) Smaller platforms, of similar design, are built for the single barrels on either side of the back patio door.

rain barrel platform

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last updated: 7 November 2006

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