Downspout Alternatives That Beautify Your Home (2024)

Home Improvement

Exterior Remodel

Lee Wallender

Lee has over two decades of hands-on experience remodeling, fixing, and improving homes, and has been providing home improvement advice for over 13 years.

Learn more about The Spruce'sEditorial Process

Updated on 02/20/23

One issue is that most downspouts tend to be fairly unattractive. Little thought is given to aesthetics when manufacturing these powder-coated, squared-off steel tubes. Basic function is the only thing in mind. Aesthetically, the best thing you can do with metal downspouts is paint them to match the house color.

Are there alternatives that look better and maybe even work better?

Downspout alternatives such as rain chains, inverted bells, and cups direct water in a more or less straight line to the ground or collection container. Some are literally chains, the type that you buy at a hardware store or home center. Others are a series of linked vertical cups, performing the same function as the chain-style ones.

All alternatives replace downspouts entirely, though they don't move as much water as downspouts do. Rain chains must be anchored at ground level to prevent swaying. It often helps to have multiple chains that allow for better water direction.

All downspouts and alternatives lead to a collection point, whether a gravel-filled pit, barrel, or diversion devicethat channels water away from the foundation.

Done right, downspout alternativesrise beyond mere functionality and become an artistic touch that graces your home.

01 of 06
Single Rain Chain
This type of rain chain is about as simple as it gets.All items are available at your local hardware or home improvement stores, such as Home Depot, Lowe's, Ace, or Menards.
Begin with a minimum of 1/4 inch sized chain and cut to length so that it reaches from the gutter to the ground, with about onefoot of chain draping on the ground.
If you want the modern look or just don't like rust, use a zinc-plated chain.It will remain shiny through the ages, as long as the plating is undisturbed.
Single chains are not the most effective solution for moving large amounts of water, but they are the least obtrusive.
Shop Amazon - Stanwood Copper Rain Chain
Tip
Rain chains place style over function.Nothing can be more effectivefor directing water than the fully enclosed tube of a conventional downspout.
02 of 06
Hammered Copper Rain Cups
Shining and dancing with light, these copper inverted umbrella cups are hand-hammered to lend rich texture to the surface. Beyond the visual appeal, these wider types of chains do a better job of keeping falling water vertical.
Rain cups can be rather expensive, especially when multiplied several times over to accommodate all downspout areas. But they are most likely to elicit murmurs of admiration from your guests.
Shop Direct - Monarch Rain Chains
03 of 06
Rain Chain Cups and Barrel
This is a solution to two problems. Rain cups descend from the gutter to direct rainwater into a barrel. The barrel prevents water from pooling around the foundation or, worse, blasting between the foundation and earth like a fire hose—a major cause of crawlspace flooding.
Adding the rain barrel to the chains will certainly make this set-up green and eco-friendly.Water that normally would have been wasted can be collected in barrels and sent to garden beds by tubes. Rainwater collection and usage is a major cornerstone for developing a net-zero water use home.
Shop Amazon - Rain Chain Decorative Lily-Shaped Cups
04 of 06
Multiple Rain Chains Mean Better Flow
Grouping rain chains is another quick and simple way to replace your downspouts. Keep the existing gutters and run the chains through the hole at the end of the gutter.
This owner formed a circle out of stiff wire (not visible) to keep the chains separated within the rain gutter.
Because gutters are formed from thin sheet metal and often not secured attached to the home's fascia, you should be cautious about loading them up with too much weight when you add multiple chains.
Tip
At the ground-level endpoint, downspouts can lead directly into a diversion tube, effectively moving water as far away from the house as you wish.Alternatively, downspouts can run into concrete, plastic, or recycled rubber splash blocks, moving water more than threefeet away. While rain chains can move water into tanks, it is difficult to accurately aim the water into diversion devices.
Continue to 5 of 6 below.
05 of 06
Round Downspouts
Most downspouts found at home centers and hardware stores have a square or rectangular shape, which allows them to fit tightly against the side of the house. But for a smoother, more organic look, consider round downspouts and elbows. At top, they connect to half-circle gutters. You can discharge water at the bottom into a basin, and then daylight the water off-property. Or send the water to a pop-up drain somewhere in the lawn.
06 of 06
Downspout Pavement Drainage
When water from the downspout drains directly onto hard paving, it can be a mess. The water creates a slip hazard, especially in winter when ice forms. The solution is a channel drain. Made of metal or plastic, a channel drain is 4 inches wide and comes in 10-foot lengths that can be cut down to size. A channel end cap plugs one end, with the other end left open to drain the water safely away.

As an expert with over two decades of hands-on experience in remodeling, fixing, and improving homes, I've encountered a myriad of challenges and solutions in the realm of home improvement. I've been providing valuable advice in this field for over 13 years, and my expertise extends to various aspects of exterior remodeling.

Now, let's delve into the concepts used in the article about downspouts and gutter alternatives for exterior home improvement:

Downspouts and Gutters Maintenance:
- Importance: Downspouts and gutters, when clean and well-maintained, provide cost-effective protection to the foundation and siding by channeling rainwater away from the house.
Downspout Aesthetics:
- Challenge: Traditional downspouts are often considered unattractive due to their basic, squared-off steel tube design.
- Solution: Painting metal downspouts to match the house color can improve their aesthetic appeal.
Downspout Alternatives:
- Options: Rain chains, inverted bells, and cups are alternatives that direct water more aesthetically compared to traditional downspouts.
- Functionality: While alternatives may not move as much water as downspouts, they add an artistic touch to the home exterior.
Rain Chain Types:
- Single Rain Chain: Simple, least obtrusive, and available at local hardware or home improvement stores.
- Hammered Copper Rain Cups: Hand-hammered copper cups for visual appeal and effective water direction.
Rain Chain Setup Variations:
- Rain Chain Cups and Barrel: Rain cups direct water into a barrel, preventing water pooling around the foundation.
- Multiple Rain Chains: Grouping chains can enhance water flow, but caution is needed to avoid overloading gutters.
Round Downspouts:
- Design Option: Consider using round downspouts for a smoother, more organic look.
- Connection: Round downspouts connect to half-circle gutters and can discharge water into a basin or a pop-up drain.
Downspout Pavement Drainage:
- Challenge: Direct drainage onto hard paving can create slip hazards, especially in winter.
- Solution: Channel drains made of metal or plastic offer a safe way to direct water away from paved areas.

In conclusion, the article explores various options to enhance the functionality and aesthetics of downspouts, providing insights into alternatives and design considerations for effective exterior remodeling.

Downspout Alternatives That Beautify Your Home (2024)

Single Rain Chain

Tip

Hammered Copper Rain Cups

Rain Chain Cups and Barrel

Multiple Rain Chains Mean Better Flow

Tip

Round Downspouts

Downspout Pavement Drainage