How Rain Chains Work
A rain chain hangs from the gutter outlet. Water enters the top cup, fills it, overflows into the next cup below, and cascades down through each cup to the ground. The chain slows water, reduces splash, and directs flow.
Making Rain Chain Cups
Throwing the Cups
Throw small cups about three inches in diameter and two inches deep using four to six ounces of clay. Form a slight flare at the rim.
Drilling the Bottom Hole
Drill a hole about three-eighths of an inch diameter through the center bottom at leather-hard stage.
How Many Cups
Eight to twelve cups for single-story, fifteen to twenty for two-story. Space six to eight inches apart.
Assembly
String cups on galvanized wire or stainless steel cable. The top attaches to the gutter outlet. The bottom directs water to a rain barrel or drain.
Outdoor Durability
Use stoneware fired to cone 6 or higher. Glaze all surfaces completely to prevent water absorption.
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Stephen's pottery video lessons teach the cup-throwing and small-form techniques that rain chains require. One-time purchase, lifetime access to all lessons.
Designing the Cups
Rain chain cups can be functional simple or elaborately decorative. Simple cups — cylinders with flared rims — are easiest to throw consistently and perform reliably. Decorative cups can feature carved patterns, applied textures, or sculptural elements like leaves, flowers, or waves. The key is balancing visual appeal with functional water management — overly complex forms may direct water unpredictably or create maintenance challenges.
The rim design matters for water behavior. A slightly flared rim directs overflow water outward, creating a curtain effect visible from a distance. A straight or inward-curving rim channels overflow down the outside of the cup, keeping the water stream tight and contained. Experiment with both styles to find the visual effect you prefer. In light rain, most water passes through the bottom hole. In heavy rain, overflow from the rim creates the dramatic cascading display that makes rain chains so captivating.