Depending on how much rain you get, a rain chain might not be efficient. You might end up with a more condensed torrent, dropping at a fast rate into one very small area. That will cause a whole host of problems like dirt splashing up, a crater being formed, worst case scenario a minor flood. It also won't really accomplish what you're hoping as far as watering the garden because it will be localized to that back corner rather than distributed across the whole bed.

I'm a big fan of rain barrels. What if your rain chain (or downspout if your climate requires) ended in a rain barrel in the corner there? Sometimes people elevate them on platforms and use a spigot for easy filling of watering cans. This is a pretty example, but not raised.

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You want gutters to run around the perimeter and tie into the gutters on the ajoining areas so there are no downspots in the courtyard.

lindsey - you're right in that I think the amount of rain I'd want it to handle would be pushing it - I was going to get a big chain with cups which claims to solve the problem of splashing (but who knows). I do think we would just end up with a pile of water in one spot though, even if it doesn't splash. I love rain barrels, but I'm not sure we want standing water right there (mosquito heaven). Nor have I found awesome looking rain barrels. I'll have to do some digging.

BeverlyFLADeziner - That would be the easiest! I'm not sure I want that many gutters surrounding the entry...but I guess if we are putting them on one side what's two more?!? I just thought we could come up with something a little sleeker looking.

If you do some research you'll find there are many profiles for gutters. Just depends on whether the contractor you hire has the profile you want.

BeverlyFLADeziner - Do you think it would be OK to mix and match gutter types? Especially given they would be flowing into one another?

You also dont want all that water from a bigger rain storm, coming down the rain chain and ending up by your foundation. The idea is to drain downspouts out away from the house, not right next to it.

Jen-

If you have different profile gutters, it will be difficult-to-impossible to join them and have the joints remain waterproof. You should stick with one style. If you really are choosy about what the new gutter around the entry will look like, then you should also consider replacing the old gutter if you want a different style.

Do the gutters. It will look weird to not have them on the sides (regardless of function) because they will look naked if you don't. Make them all match, and if you can swap them all out to a simple modern profile, they will ALL look better.

That's an unusual layout. Most people would want a roof over the porch. If it were my house, I'd be inclined to add one. Then I'd just continue the gutter across the front.

If you like the light -- maybe skylights? That's above my pay grade, though.

Fori - I think that's the way we are going to go. Decided it won't look as bad as we thought.

DavidR - It is unusual. We aren't going to close it in because of the light we get from the opening. Thought about skylights but that is WAY down the road if we would do that.

Just wanted to update: We went the original rain chain route, with a gutter just on the 13' stretch over the door (not down the sides). The gutter blends in well, and the rain chain looks pretty neat. We got a heavy duty one - large cups that are close together (no chain in between cups) and we don't have any splashing. We had heavy rains a few times and the chain handled well. We are either going to put a larger flower put under it, or make a little rock drainage trail away from the house. Thanks everyone!

Gentle reminder; keep a close watch on the siding where it touches the cement and mulch. Those are the first areas where water damage will become apparent.

Would love to see pics!

Like your solution. You could put a few river rocks at the base of the chain to handle heavier downpours.

I also thought about extending your roof line and getting rid of the cross brace.

Your door looks so much better!

Thanks Elizabeth B! Now on to paint...maybe next summer :)

I like it! I wanted rain chains to end in my rain barrels but Husband won't have it, he fears they won't handle our PNW rain load.