Drain cover decoration.

Discussion in 'Garden Projects and DIY' started by madpenguin, Dec 17, 2025.

  1. madpenguin

    madpenguin Gardener

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    In the spring I am having some paving near my back gate redone as the area has slumped over time and the drain is a trip hazard.
    The drain cover is right on the path so cannot be moved and is walked over daily.
    It can't really be disguised so thought I would paint it,maybe all black and gold to highlight the sticky up bits.
    Has anyone else done something like this?
     

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    • Plantminded

      Plantminded Total Gardener

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      When I had the paving redone in my garden, the contractor removed the old drain cover and replaced it with a frame and removable insert to hold similar paving to cover the drain. It sits level with the other paving and is not a trip hazard. It may be worth considering this. (I think your drain cover is quite attractive though.) This is my inset drain cover, needs some repointing now :).

      DSC03561.jpeg
       
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        Last edited: Dec 17, 2025
      • shiney

        shiney President, Grumpy Old Men's Club Staff Member

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        I have similar to plantminded, I'll see whether I can remember to take a photo or two in the morning. I have three of them.
         
      • pete

        pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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        I've never seen a round one, I assume it's possible to replace it with a rectangular one.
         
      • ViewAhead

        ViewAhead Total Gardener

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        It looks almost like a sundial, @madpenguin. I like it! :)
         
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        • NigelJ

          NigelJ Total Gardener

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          There is a hobby called drain spotting were people visit, photograph, and take rubbings of old and unusual drain and manhole covers.
          Apparently Japan has some very artistic ones.
          In the UK they were often cast by local foundries to their own pattern with their name on it.
           
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          • NigelJ

            NigelJ Total Gardener

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            @madpenguin sounds a good idea to me.
             
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            • pete

              pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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              Unfortunately I thought it looked like a dustbin lid.:biggrin:
               
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              • NigelJ

                NigelJ Total Gardener

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                That is a problem with the modern pressed covers. I've got a plastic one outside my extension.
                 
              • ViewAhead

                ViewAhead Total Gardener

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                Not seen a dustbin for yrs, so my memory of their details has faded.
                 
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                • pete

                  pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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                  Plastic???
                  Not seen those either.

                  There are the thin galvanised ones that bend when you walk on them.
                   
                • shiney

                  shiney President, Grumpy Old Men's Club Staff Member

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                  This is what we did with ours:-

                  I'm just about to pressure wash the patio so these are a bit mucky
                  upload_2025-12-19_14-18-58.jpeg

                  upload_2025-12-19_14-18-58.jpeg

                  upload_2025-12-19_14-18-58.jpeg
                   
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                  • madpenguin

                    madpenguin Gardener

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                    Yes it does a bit or maybe a compass?
                    Will think about that and see what I can com up with.
                    If I can't hide it I can make a feature of it!
                     
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                    • CarolineL

                      CarolineL Total Gardener

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                      Re sundial - you could look up the correct angle for a gnomon and make one from sheet material so you could take it out when you need to walk there...
                       
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                      • CanadianLori

                        CanadianLori Total Gardener

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                        I'd either paint it with colourful tones or use a colour that matches it's surround so that it simply blends in. I love sundials but I think that you just want a flat surface so as not to create an obstacle?
                         
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