Not sure how you would put the chains in the center of the side of the porch. Are you planning on using the chains to direct the water to the ground instead of using downspouts? You need to pitch the gutters either one way or the other, you can’t really pitch them toward the middle. More important than how they look in one place or the other is where you want the water to end up.

Rain chains are normally used in place of the downspouts where the hole in the gutter is and that is usually at the corner. I am planning on getting several because our dogs have either chewed through or pulled off our downspouts as they went after chipmunks who took refuge there. Sheesh.

You too Cyn? Both our downspouts on the patio somehow became a toy. Sheesh is right.

I forgot to answer your question! I'd put them at the middle of the porch. It would be fun standing there watching them work.

They're cool-looking but still they are a water-control device. Put them in the corners, you can still see them, and it's easier to get to the rain barrels (those are quite stylish rain barrels, btw! Will they have covers?) without getting too muddy.

OT-Oakley, you cannot imagine how good that makes me feel-misery loves company and all that. I thought we were the only ones with crazy dogs! What kind of dog chews through metal? Yikes. Thanks!

I had to read this thread because I have always been intrigued by rain chains but never had one. I just like the idea and think some of them are fun or pretty to look at. I never realized people used them with gutters in place of downspouts. We have been talking about trying one at a corner without a gutter to soften the flow that hits our gill.

Cyn427, did you read Marley and Me or see the movie? That dog chewed concrete cinder block. I had just gotten my lab puppy when I read that book. Probably a good think I got the dog before the book (thought it scared me), because I would have missed out on 12-1/2 years (so far) of the best dog. She's starting to have some issues.... not at all ready for that

That’s an interesting installation of the chain. It seems like there’s a fair bit of splashing on the way down but it certainly looks better than a downspout on the porch corner. I like the idea of using a pot and small dry well for the runoff.

I love that pot with stones idea! I am going to finally get myself a rain chain...or six!

Looks great!

Nice! Next time it rains, take video so we can see it in action.

I love the rain chain idea. Yours looks very nice I have always been interested in them and have the perfect corner for one instead of the downspout that is now there.

Come to think of it, we have a perfect spot, too!

Hey, it works! Must be fun to watch. Does it fill the planter or drain somewhere?

Very cool!

That looks perfect!

Really pretty. It must be interesting to watch and listen when it rains. At least where I live (Deep South), there would be concerns about stagnant water, even if it is not much, wth the mosquitoes. We have confirmed cases of West Nile here. How do you keep the planter with stones reasonably free of stagnant water?

Nutsaboutplants, I was thinking the same thing. Standing water is an invitation to breeding. We have birdbaths, but those are refilled at least a couple times a week, if not daily. Also have a couple fountains that run every day.

What if you added BTI dunks or granules to the planter?

Good to know!