How to build a simple drain cover?

If you want to disguise drain covers in the garden, you should use plastic sheeting. The best way to do this is to cut out a circle shape from the plastic sheeting.

Then, place the plastic sheeting around the drain cover. Finally, put some gravel inside the plastic sheeting.

This method works well for disguising drain covers in the garden.

You can also use plants or artificial grasses to disguise drain covers in your garden.

Best choice for homeowners

The most popular choice for drain standard covers is PVC pipe. This type of cover is easy to install and remove. It's also very durable.

But, if you have a small garden, it may be not easy to find a suitable size for PVC pipes.

Besides, PVC pipes are not good at hiding drains because they are visible through the holes.

So, if you don't like PVC pipes, you can choose other types of covers.

Drain circular cover

The circular cover is one of the most straightforward designs. You only need to buy a piece of plastic sheeting with a diameter that fits around the drain cover.

After cutting off the excess plastic sheeting, you can stick the plastic sheeting on the drain cover.

Next, you will need to fill the space between the drain cover and the plastic sheeting with gravel.

This design is perfect for small gardens. But, when installing this kind of cover, make sure that there is enough room.

There is a seamless finish circular cover available as well. These covers are metal made. They look great but are more expensive than plastic ones.

Galvanised steel manhole covers

You can go for galvanised steel manhole covers for the best permanent cover.

These covers come in different sizes and shapes. So, you need to pick the right one according to your needs.

But, these covers are pretty heavy, so you might need to hire a professional to help you install them.

These options are best for extensive gardens. It has quick access and is easy to clean.

It's also possible to hide the utility hole cover using plants. But, you need to keep an eye on the drainage system while planting the plants.

Gulley grid drain cover lid black PVC

The PVC grid black is perfect for natural lawns if you want easy maintenance.

A gully grid drain cover is a drainage system covering the open top of a stormwater gully.

They are in Australia for catchment areas developed on steep slopes.

Take care of the water runoff by placing a few rocks near the drain cover. This option is ideal for small gardens.

It's easy to install and maintain.

Yet, if you live in a cold climate, you should consider buying a unique cover for winter.

Or you can get a custom-made cover that suits your needs.

Industrial looking cover

The industrial drain access covers are popular in the UK. They are to look like old fashioned sewer covers.

These covers are from cast iron and steel. The installation process is fast and straightforward.

But, if the area where you plan to install the cover is too narrow, you may need to use some tools to cut the surface.

Also, if the area is too broad, you may need to buy more parts such as hinges or handles.

You can paint the cover to match the rest of the house. Or, you can leave it unpainted.

This option is best for more extensive gardens.

You can also add a decorative touch to the cover. For example, you can put a stone or brick inside the cover.

Industrial-looking metal or ceramic covers

The metal cover with block paving looks beautiful.

You can choose from various colours. Also, you can customise the colour of the cover.

But, it would help if you were careful about the size of the opening. If the gap is too big, then it could cause flooding problems.

So, measure the width of the opening before purchasing the cover. You can also buy a surface with a removable lid.

This option is suitable for smaller gardens.

Lightweight ground covers

The lightweight covers are popular infill options.

It's easy and cheap to install.

But, they are not suitable for all types of soil.

They won't work in clay soils.

So, make sure to check the soil composition before installing this type of cover.

If you don't know what kind of soil you have, you can ask your local gardener.

You can also try adding sand or pebbles around the base of the drain cover.

It will prevent the soil from washing away.

And you can create a raised bed by filling up the space between the drain cover and the ground.

Stainless steel drain cover

To avoid water leaks, you can use stainless steel drain covers.

But, these drains are expensive. So, it would be best if you only used them when necessary.

For example, if you have a large garden, you need to protect the drain cover from heavy rainfall.

Or if you want to hide the drain cover from neighbours.

You can also use a stainless steel cover for small gardens. But, if you do so, you should remember to place gravel at the bottom of the surface.

It will help to reduce erosion risks.

Grass drain cover

For simple landscape design, the grass is one of the easiest ways to disguise a drainage system.

You can plant grass on top of the drain cover. And you can also grow grass along the edges of the surface.

Yet, if you want to keep the grass long, you should apply fertiliser.

Otherwise, the grass will die.

You can also plant flowers near the drain cover. It will attract butterflies and bees.

You can also create a pond using an old bathtub.

How to measure your access cover?

The best way to measure your access drain covers is to use a tape measure. Measure from the bottom of the access drain cover to the top of the ground.

If the distance is greater than 10 inches, you need to replace your access drain cover.

Last words 

There are countless designs for drain covers.

But, there are some things that you need to consider before buying one.

First, you need to decide whether you want to conceal the drain cover or not.

Second, you need to determine how much money you want to spend.