Rain Bench tips & tricks

The instructions are pretty self-explanatory, but here are a few little tips and tricks that we have figured out after building a few of these Rain Bench things…

1. First, read through the instructions before you start. I know, I know, they always say that, but it might save you some hassle, that’s all I’m saying. (It’s only 5 pages or so, and mostly pictures)

2. You’ll notice the large panels can be cut for free at some supply yards. That would be ideal, as they have a panel saw and can zip them right down for you. If not, no worries. Just take a circular (Skil) saw, a long straight edge (like a straight board) and 2 wood clamps, like you can see I did in this little video:

3. You will also notice in the video a note about using a drill and compass saw for notches. Here’s how:

Mark the notch according to the instructions,

Cut the 2 lines up from edge (miter or circular saw ideally),

Drill holes along the horizontal line,

Break off the middle piece,

Clean up the drilled edge with a compass saw

(a pruning saw or even a sharp utility knife might work for this – but be careful!!)

And voila, a nice rectangular notch for the liner to slide right into.

**Update** Here is a lil video from the 400 gallon bench in Mom’s Solar Thermal Studio:

If you are in the process and have any questions about building this or hooking it up, please shoot us an email or give us a call! Cheers!

By sgear|2017-03-08T12:42:31+00:00April 16th, 2015|how-to, raindom|2 Comments

About the Author: sgear

Scott is a landscape designer who's philosophy has always centered around living closer to nature. Since 2000, his designs have reflected this and increasingly he has become obsessed with designing creative ways to save water in landscapes. As a designer, the focus of enhancing both form and function have led to this inevitable conclusion: something has to be done to make water conservation more attractive. That something, he believes, is integrating its storage into every possible landscape element, and that is what he and his wife Emily are doing at Second Rain.

2 Comments

Jessica Holbrook October 11, 2015 at 3:06 pm - Reply

Love these benches! And I have a SawTrax panel saw at home to help me with the cuts. Thanks!
Sam Maxi September 21, 2019 at 5:25 am - Reply

I read out your article your tips are awesome and very informative. I got some good idea about rain bench from this article. Thank you.

Rain Bench tips & tricks