Do-It-Yourself Deck Drain for Rain

A deck drain helps keep your deck free of excess water during rain storms. It also helps protect items on your deck, like barbecue grills and furniture, from getting ruined or damaged from too much exposure to standing water. Water can wear down the wood of your deck over time and can eventually lead to soft or rotted wood, making your deck dangerous and unappealing. Rather than hire someone to build a deck drain, you can build one yourself and save money in the process.

Handsaw or circular saw
Drainage channel
Hammer and nails or drill, screwdriver and screws
Caulk and caulk gun

Instructions

- 1
  Locate the optimal area for installing the drainage system on your deck. Ideally, you should install it in a corner or side of the deck that is slightly lower than the rest of the deck. This is because water will naturally flow downhill, so installing the drain at the low point will help collect the most water. If you are unsure, wait until it rains to determine where most of the water accumulates. This is the best spot for a drainage system.
- 2
  Obtain a drainage channel. You can buy one at a home repair store, or make one yourself out of plastic or a similar material. Some are square-shaped or circular-shaped, while others are V-shaped. Square-shaped drains are more likely to collect leaves and other debris, which might cause a clog. Opt for a circular or V-shaped drainage channel if possible.
- 3
  Measure the width of the drainage channel, and use the saw to cut a hole slightly wider than the channel. Sand around the hole to smooth it out to avoid splinters.
- 4
  Insert the drainage channel into the hole. Attach it using a hammer and nails, or by drilling holes and screwing it in with the screwdriver and screws. Use the caulking gun and caulk to seal the edges. Water will now flow off the deck, through the drainage channel and fall underneath the deck.

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