Garden Trading Pretty Water Butts: Are They Worth It?

Updated 6 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

Garden Trading sells decorative water butts that look like traditional wooden barrels or stone urns, but they function as standard rain collectors. You get a stylish rain barrel that connects to your downpipe and stores water for your garden, with a tap and overflow kit included. This article explains how they work, what to check before buying, and whether the pretty design is worth the premium.

What Garden Trading Water Butts Actually Are

Garden Trading is a UK home and garden retailer that offers a range of “decorative” water butts. Unlike the plain black or green plastic cylinders you see at garden centres, these are designed to look like aged stone, terracotta, or timber. The most popular models include the Stone Effect Water Butt (a light grey, urn-shaped container) and the Wood Effect Water Butt (which mimics a wooden barrel with metal bands).

They are made from a single-piece moulded plastic (usually polyethylene) with a textured finish. The plastic is UV-stabilised to resist fading and cracking. Each butt comes with a lid, a brass or plastic tap, a diverter kit that connects to your downpipe, and an overflow hose connector. Sizes range from about 100 litres to 200 litres, which is smaller than many standard butts (typically 200–300 litres) but larger than a decorative urn.

How the Diverter and Overflow Work

The key to any water butt is the diverter kit. It fits into your existing downpipe (the vertical pipe from your gutter). You cut a hole in the downpipe, insert the diverter, and seal it. When it rains, water flows down the pipe, and once the butt is full, the diverter redirects the excess water back down the downpipe and into the drain. This prevents flooding and keeps the butt from overflowing.

Garden Trading’s diverter kits are universal and fit standard 68mm round downpipes, which are common in the UK. Some kits also include an adapter for square downpipes. The overflow hose on the butt connects to a drain or a second butt if you want to link them. A common mistake is forgetting to install the overflow hose – without it, the butt will overflow at the top, which can damage the decorative lid or cause water to pool around the base.

How to Choose the Right One for Your Garden

Before buying, measure the space where the butt will sit. The base needs to be level and firm – a paving slab or a flat piece of wood works well. The butt should be within reach of a downpipe, but you can extend the diverter with a flexible hose if needed. Consider the following:

Capacity: A 100-litre butt fills quickly from a small roof. A 200-litre butt is better for a larger garden or if you water frequently. Remember that 1mm of rain on 1 square metre of roof yields about 1 litre of water – so a 10m² roof section can fill a 100-litre butt with just 10mm of rain.
Tap height: Check where the tap sits. Some decorative butts have the tap near the bottom, which makes it hard to fill a watering can. A tap at mid-height is more practical.
Lid security: If you have children or pets, a lockable lid is safer. Garden Trading’s lids are generally secure but not lockable – you may need to add a bungee cord or a childproof latch.
Colour and finish: The stone effect looks great against brick walls, while the wood effect suits a cottage garden. But note that the finish can fade over a few years, especially in direct sun.

Installation and Setup Steps

Installing a Garden Trading water butt is a DIY job that takes about 30 minutes. Here are the steps:

Place the butt on a level, firm surface next to the downpipe. The base should be slightly raised (e.g., on a paver) so the tap is easier to use.
Attach the tap to the pre-drilled hole at the bottom of the butt. Use plumber’s tape on the threads to prevent leaks.
Mark the downpipe at the height where the diverter will connect – usually about 10cm below the top of the butt. Cut a hole using a holesaw or a sharp knife.
Insert the diverter into the hole and seal with the provided rubber gasket. Make sure the diverter’s outlet points towards the butt.
Connect the diverter hose to the top inlet of the butt. The hose should slope slightly downwards to allow water to flow in.
Attach the overflow hose to the outlet near the top of the butt. Lead it to a drain or a second butt.
Test by pouring water down the downpipe. Check for leaks at the diverter and tap.

If you have a square downpipe, you may need an adapter – not all kits include one, so check the product description.

Common Problems and How to Fix Them

Owners report a few recurring issues with decorative water butts:

Algae growth: Because they are opaque, they block light, but algae can still grow if the lid is left off or if the water is warm. Keep the lid on and consider adding a few drops of bleach (non-toxic for plants) or a barley straw pellet to inhibit growth.
Leaking tap: The brass tap can drip if the washer is worn. Replace the washer or apply PTFE tape to the threads.
Faded finish: UV light will fade the colour over time. You can paint the outside with a plastic-safe exterior paint, but this may void the warranty.
Overflow not working: If the overflow hose is blocked or kinked, the butt will overflow. Check the hose regularly and clear debris.
Mosquitoes: Stagnant water attracts mosquitoes. Use a fine mesh over the inlet or add a mosquito dunk (a larvicide tablet) to the water – these are safe for plants.

Costs and Value Compared to Standard Butts

Garden Trading water butts typically cost between £80 and £150, depending on size and finish. A standard plastic butt from a DIY store costs £20–£40. The premium is for the aesthetics – the decorative models are significantly more attractive and can be a focal point in a small courtyard or front garden where a plain butt would be an eyesore.

However, the capacity is often lower than a standard butt of the same price. For example, a £100 standard butt might hold 300 litres, while a £100 Garden Trading butt holds 150 litres. If you have a large garden and need to store a lot of water, a standard butt is more cost-effective. If you value appearance and have a small space, the decorative butt is a reasonable trade-off.

Another cost consideration: the diverter kit is often included, but some retailers sell it separately. Check the listing to avoid an extra £15–£20 surprise.

Alternatives to Garden Trading Butts

If you like the look but want more options, consider:

DIY upcycled barrels: You can buy a used oak barrel (from a wine or whisky distillery) and fit a tap and diverter yourself. This is cheaper and looks authentic, but requires more work and may leak.
Terracotta-style butts from other brands: Many garden centres sell similar decorative butts from brands like Harcostar or Bosmere, often at a lower price. They may not have the same finish quality, but they function identically.
Underground rainwater harvesting: If you have a large garden, an underground tank (e.g., a 1000-litre tank) can be buried and connected to a pump. This is a bigger project but stores far more water.
Simple rain chains: Instead of a butt, you can install a rain chain that directs water into a decorative bowl or planter – not a storage solution, but a pretty way to manage runoff.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Garden Trading water butts come with a stand?

No, they do not include a stand. The butt sits directly on the ground, but it’s recommended to place it on a flat, firm surface. You can buy a separate stand or use a paving slab to raise it for easier tap access.

Can I connect two Garden Trading water butts together?

Yes, you can link multiple butts using the overflow hose. Connect the first butt’s overflow to the second butt’s inlet. This allows you to increase total capacity without buying a larger single butt.

Are these water butts safe for watering vegetables?

Yes, the water collected is rainwater, which is fine for all plants, including edibles. However, if you use any additives like bleach or mosquito dunks, check that they are labelled safe for vegetable gardens. Generally, barley straw pellets are safe.

How long do Garden Trading water butts last?

With proper care, they should last 5–10 years. The plastic is UV-stabilised, but prolonged sun exposure will cause fading. Keeping the butt out of direct sunlight (e.g., behind a trellis) extends its life.

Can I leave the water butt out in winter?

Yes, but you should drain it completely and disconnect the hoses to prevent ice damage. Freezing water expands and can crack the butt or the tap. Store the tap and diverter indoors if possible.

Do I need planning permission for a water butt?

No, water butts are permitted development in the UK. They are considered a normal garden feature. However, if you live in a listed building or a conservation area, check with your local council, as some restrictions may apply to external fixtures.

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