7 Best Flat-Back Rain Barrels for Tight Spaces (October 2026)
The best flat-back rain barrels include the RTS ECO 50-Gallon Rain Barrel for recycled plastic, the RTS 50-Gallon Brass Spigot Barrel for brass-spigot buyers, and the FCMP 50-Gallon Flat-Back Barrel for ready-made kits.
On this page (7 sections)
The RTS ECO 50-Gallon Rain Barrel is the best flat back rain barrel for most tight spaces because it combines 50-gallon capacity, a 24 x 19 in footprint and 100% recycled plastic. The RTS Oak has a smaller stated footprint and brass spigot, while the FCMP Catalina is the shortest option.
Measure the wall, downspout and available depth before choosing a barrel. Leave room to reach the outlet, place a watering can, and direct overflow away from the foundation.
Our picks at a glance
-
1
-
2
-
3
- 4
Check itFCMP Catalina 45-Gallon Barrel
Best for low downspouts - 5
Check itRTS 50-Gallon Oak Brass Spigot Barrel
Best for narrow paths - 6
Check itRTS Premium 55-Gallon Woodgrain Barrel
Best for bigger gardens - 7
Check itRTS Premium 55-Gallon Eco Barrel
Best for easy spigot access
How we chose flat-back rain barrels
We compared capacity, dimensions, spigot type, overflow features and included parts against the needs of a tight installation. The picks below serve different limits: shallow depth, low clearance, fewer extra purchases or more stored water.
For a small space, capacity alone can lead to a poor fit. Compare width, depth and height with the actual wall area, then allow access for the spigot and any hose.
A flat back helps position a barrel near a wall, but it does not make every model equally narrow. The RTS Oak is the smallest stated footprint in this group; the FCMP 50-gallon model is 24 in deep and needs more room in front.
Downspout placement and overflow matter as much as the barrel outline. Read our guide to installing a rain barrel on a downspout and plan where rain barrel overflow should go before setting the base.
| Product | Best for | Capacity | Dimensions | Spigot | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RTS ECO 50-Gallon Rain Barrel | recycled plastic | 50 gallons | 24 x 19 x 34 in | Plastic | 8.6 |
| RTS 50-Gallon Brass Spigot Barrel | brass-spigot buyers | 50 gallons | 21 x 19 x 34 in | Brass | 8.3 |
| FCMP 50-Gallon Flat-Back Barrel | ready-made kits | 50 gallons | 24 x 24 x 32 in | Side spigots | 8.0 |
| FCMP Catalina 45-Gallon Barrel | low downspouts | 45 gallons | 22.5 x 20.5 x 29.75 in | Shut-off valve with garden hose | 7.9 |
| RTS 50-Gallon Oak Brass Spigot Barrel | narrow paths | 50 gallons | 18.25 x 18.25 x 33.5 in | Brass | 7.8 |
| RTS Premium 55-Gallon Woodgrain Barrel | bigger gardens | 55 gallons | 33.5 x 21.25 x 33.5 in | Brass | 7.7 |
| RTS Premium 55-Gallon Eco Barrel | easy spigot access | 55 gallons | Not specified | Plastic | 7.5 |
The best flat-back rain barrels by use
The RTS ECO fits the broadest set of tight-space needs, while the other barrels solve specific constraints such as outlet material, height, included accessories or extra capacity. Match the measurements and setup details to your yard before choosing.
RTS ECO 50-Gallon Rain Barrel: Best for recycled plastic
- 50-gallon capacity
- Made from 100% recycled plastic
- 24 x 19 x 34 in
- Built-in overflow valve
This flat-back barrel holds 50 gallons and is made from 100% recycled plastic. Its built-in overflow valve can manage excess water or connect to another barrel.
Pros
- 100% recycled plastic
- 50-gallon capacity
- Built-in overflow valve
Cons
- Stand sold separately
- Plastic spigot
The RTS ECO is the best fit if you want 50 gallons and recycled material in a defined wall-side footprint. It measures 24 x 19 x 34 in, so reserve 19 in of depth for the body and more space in front for the spigot and watering container.
The barrel is made from 100% recycled plastic and has a built-in overflow valve. That valve can help manage excess water or connect another barrel, which is useful if you want to expand storage later.
The plastic spigot suits a straightforward gravity-fed setup. Skip this model if a brass outlet is a must or if you cannot accommodate its 34 in height; its stand is sold separately.
Before placement, decide where the overflow will run and leave enough room to turn or attach the spigot. Choose this model when recycled plastic and a 50-gallon capacity matter more than a brass outlet or included stand.
RTS 50-Gallon Brass Spigot Barrel: Best for brass-spigot buyers
- 50-gallon capacity
- Brass spigot
- 21 x 19 x 34 in
- Built-in overflow valve
A 50-gallon flat-back barrel with a brass spigot and built-in overflow valve. Its 21 x 19 in footprint is narrower than the ECO model's.
Pros
- Brass spigot
- 50-gallon capacity
- Built-in overflow valve
Cons
- Stand sold separately
- Check clearance for the 34 in height
Choose the RTS walnut barrel if you want a brass spigot with 50 gallons and need a slightly narrower stated length than the ECO. Its footprint is 21 x 19 x 34 in, so it still needs the same 19 in depth and clearance above the barrel.
The built-in overflow valve gives you a way to manage excess water and connect multiple barrels. RTS describes the polyethylene as UV-resistant, and the walnut color and textured surface suit a wall or fence where appearance matters.
This is a practical pick when outlet material is a priority and you have room for the 34 in height. Skip it if you need a stand in the box or want the smallest stated footprint; the stand is optional.
Check where a watering can will sit beneath the spigot. If you plan to move water farther from the barrel, our guide to rain barrel pumps explains when a pump can help.
FCMP 50-Gallon Flat-Back Barrel: Best for ready-made kits
- 50-gallon capacity
- 24 x 24 x 32 in
- Debris screen
- Garden hose, shut-off valve and overflow hose
This 50-gallon barrel includes a debris screen, garden hose, shut-off thumb valve, overflow hose and a kit for linking multiple barrels.
Pros
- Several accessories included
- Side spigots for linking barrels
- 32 in height
Cons
- 24 in depth needs more room than narrower picks
- Confirm the included hose setup suits your downspout
The FCMP 50-Gallon Flat-Back Barrel suits buyers who want a ready-made set of water-handling accessories. The kit includes a debris screen, garden hose, shut-off thumb valve, overflow hose, hanging hose clips and parts for connecting multiple barrels.
At 24 x 24 x 32 in, it is wider from wall to front than the RTS ECO. Its 32 in height is lower than the RTS 50-gallon models above, which can help when overhead clearance is limited.
Side spigots support linking additional barrels, and the debris screen helps keep leaves and other debris out of collected water. Choose it if the supplied hose and connection parts fit your downspout layout; skip it if the 24 in depth would narrow a path.
Check that the hose can reach the watering area without crossing a walkway. Plan the overflow hose route before the first rainfall so excess water leaves the area safely.
FCMP Catalina 45-Gallon Barrel: Best for low downspouts
- 45-gallon capacity
- 22.5 x 20.5 x 29.75 in
- Fixed lid
- 3.5 ft garden hose and shut-off valve
The Catalina is 29.75 in tall and includes a 3.5 ft garden hose with shut-off valve. Its fixed lid has a small opening.
Pros
- Shortest height among these picks
- Fixed lid with small opening
- Recycled, UV-inhibited, BPA-free polyethylene
Cons
- Holds 5 gallons less than the 50-gallon options
- Fixed lid
The FCMP Catalina is the best choice when height is the main constraint. It is 29.75 in tall, the shortest barrel in this group, and holds 45 gallons rather than 50 or 55.
Its fixed lid has a small opening, and the barrel includes a 3.5 ft garden hose with a shut-off valve. That hose can fill a watering can or connect to a longer hose, so the outlet arrangement is useful when you want to direct water away from the barrel.
The Catalina is made from recycled, UV-inhibited, BPA-free polyethylene. Its footprint is 22.5 x 20.5 in, so it is short but not the shallowest pick.
Choose it for low clearance and a built-in hose arrangement. Skip it if you want a removable lid or need every bit of capacity; the fixed lid and 45-gallon volume are its main trade-offs.
RTS 50-Gallon Oak Brass Spigot Barrel: Best for narrow paths
- 50-gallon capacity
- Brass spigot
- 18.25 x 18.25 x 33.5 in
- Built-in overflow valve
This oak-colored, flat-back barrel has a brass spigot and a built-in overflow valve. Its footprint is the smallest among the RTS 50-gallon options here.
Pros
- Compact 18.25 x 18.25 in footprint
- Brass spigot
- Built-in overflow valve
Cons
- Stand sold separately
- Check the tan color against your outdoor space
The RTS Oak Brass Spigot Barrel is the strongest fit for narrow paths and compact wall sections. Its stated footprint is 18.25 x 18.25 in, the smallest among the RTS 50-gallon models here, while capacity remains 50 gallons.
It has a brass spigot and built-in overflow valve, with an oak-colored molded texture. RTS describes the polyethylene as UV-resistant, and the tan finish can blend with wood fences or garden features.
Choose this barrel if width and depth are your main limits and you want a brass outlet. Skip it if height is the constraint: it stands 33.5 in tall, and the optional stand raises the outlet but adds to the total setup height.
Measure the complete space if you plan to use a stand, including room below the outlet for a watering can. Our guide to rain barrel stands for 50-gallon barrels covers the access trade-off.
RTS Premium 55-Gallon Woodgrain Barrel: Best for bigger gardens
- 55-gallon capacity
- 33.5 x 21.25 x 33.5 in
- Removable lid
- Brass spigot
This 55-gallon flat-back barrel offers the most capacity in the group, with a removable lid, brass spigot and overflow system.
Pros
- Largest stated capacity here
- Removable lid
- Brass spigot
Cons
- 33.5 in length needs more wall space
- Stand sold separately
The RTS Premium Woodgrain Barrel is for a yard that needs a little more reserve capacity and has adequate wall length. It holds 55 gallons and measures 33.5 x 21.25 x 33.5 in, making it the longest stated barrel in this group.
Its removable lid gives access for cleaning and water retrieval. The included parts are a brass spigot, aluminum screen, hose barb and Teflon tape, and an overflow system redirects excess water.
Choose it if the extra 5 gallons over a 50-gallon model and removable lid are useful. Skip it for a narrow passage or short wall section, where its 33.5 in length could interfere with a gate or path; the stand is sold separately.
The woodgrain with black stripes offers a distinct look, but the longer body needs careful placement. Measure along the wall and account for the downspout connection and overflow route before setting the barrel in place.
RTS Premium 55-Gallon Eco Barrel: Best for easy spigot access
- 55-gallon capacity
- Made from 100% recycled plastic
- Removable lid
- Stand included
This 55-gallon flat-back eco barrel is made from 100% recycled plastic and comes with a stand. Its dimensions are not specified here, so check that it fits your available space.
Pros
- Stand included
- 100% recycled plastic
- Removable lid
Cons
- Dimensions not specified
- Plastic spigot
The RTS Premium Eco Barrel makes sense if you want a raised outlet and recycled plastic in one purchase. It holds 55 gallons, uses 100% recycled plastic, and includes a stand and removable lid.
The stand raises the spigot for easier access when filling a watering can. The spigot is plastic, and the barrel dimensions are not specified, so confirm the full dimensions of the barrel and stand before assigning it a tight spot.
Choose this model if the included stand solves an access problem and the recycled material fits your priorities. Skip it if you need to make a precise fit without first confirming dimensions, or if you specifically want a brass spigot.
Plan the stand, barrel, inlet and overflow together. The extra height can help with water access, but the complete arrangement still needs a stable, level base and clear space around the outlet.
How do you choose a flat-back rain barrel?
Choose by the tightest constraint first: depth, height, width, outlet access or downspout position. Then compare capacity and materials among the models that physically fit.
Measure the space from the wall to the nearest path edge. Compare that with the barrel's depth, and leave an access strip in front so you can operate the spigot, place a watering can or attach a hose.
Measure along the wall as well as upward. The RTS Oak needs 18.25 in of stated width and depth, while the 55-gallon woodgrain model needs 33.5 in along the wall; a gate, window well or downspout can make either measurement harder to use.
Next, check the height under windows, eaves and the downspout outlet. If vertical clearance is tight, the 29.75 in Catalina is the shortest choice; if capacity matters more and height allows it, the RTS Premium models hold 55 gallons.
Decide how you want to draw water. A plastic or brass spigot offers a direct outlet, while the Catalina and FCMP kit include hose arrangements that can make filling a can or directing water more convenient.
Finally, plan overflow and base support before you buy. Some overflow valves can support barrel connections, while the FCMP kit includes an overflow hose; either way, route excess water away from the home's foundation.
What does flat back mean for placement?
A flat-back barrel is shaped to sit close to a wall or fence, which can help in a side yard or narrow garden area. The shape does not remove the need to measure its full depth, height, width and service access.
Do not press the barrel so tightly against the wall that the spigot or hose becomes hard to reach. Keep enough room to inspect the outlet, connect any hose and clear debris from the inlet area.
Set it near the downspout only after checking where water enters the barrel. The wall-side position should leave a clear route for overflow and avoid blocking a gate or walkway.
A stand may raise the outlet to make watering cans easier to place beneath it. Check the stand's footprint and total height as part of the layout, and see whether a rain barrel needs a stand.
How should you set up and use a rain barrel?
Start with a stable, level base that can support the barrel when full. A 50-gallon barrel can hold a substantial volume of water, so avoid placing it on an uneven or shifting surface.
Position the barrel where the downspout can feed it and where you can reach the outlet. If you use a hose, make sure its route does not create a trip hazard or block access to the barrel.
Install the overflow path before collecting water. Direct excess water away from the foundation and places where it can pool, and keep the outlet clear of neighbors' property and walkways.
Use the screen or inlet arrangement that comes with the selected model. Check periodically for leaves and debris, especially after windy weather, and clear the inlet so rain can enter.
For routine watering, use the spigot or included hose and close the shut-off valve after drawing water where the model has one. Avoid assuming that rainwater is suitable for every household use; these barrels are presented for garden, lawn and outdoor plant watering.
If you want more storage, confirm that the model supports the connection you intend to make before buying fittings. The RTS models with built-in overflow valves and the FCMP side-spigot setup use different connection approaches, so follow the arrangement for the chosen barrel; our guide to connecting two rain barrels side by side covers planning.
What mistakes make a tight-space setup harder?
The most common mistake is measuring only the flat side or the nominal capacity. Check the full body dimensions, then add room for the spigot, hose, stand and overflow route.
Another mistake is choosing the shortest barrel without checking depth. The Catalina is the shortest by height, but its 20.5 in depth is greater than the RTS models' stated 19 in or the Oak model's 18.25 in.
A barrel can fit the ground space and still miss the downspout. Confirm the inlet position and downspout alignment before final placement, and plan any adjustment needed to bring rainwater into the barrel.
Do not aim overflow at the wall or a path. Set its direction first and confirm it can carry excess water away without making a muddy or slippery area.
Finally, do not buy a barrel with unspecified dimensions for a precise fit until you confirm the measurements. This matters especially for the RTS Premium Eco model, which includes a stand but has no dimensions stated here.
Which flat-back rain barrel should you choose?
Pick the RTS ECO if you want 50 gallons and 100% recycled plastic; choose the RTS Oak if you need the smallest stated footprint and a brass spigot. The Catalina fits lower overhead spaces, while the FCMP 50-gallon barrel is the better choice when its included hose and overflow parts suit your layout.
Choose the 55-gallon woodgrain RTS model for more capacity and a removable lid when you have enough wall length. Pick the 55-gallon Eco model when an included stand is useful, after confirming its dimensions.
Before buying, compare the barrel with the wall, downspout, walkway and watering routine as one setup. Then decide whether a stand or rain barrel pump would make the stored water easier to use.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
-
1
-
2
-
3
Frequently asked questions
What is a flat-back rain barrel?
A flat-back rain barrel has one side shaped to sit close to a wall or fence. Measure its depth and the space around the downspout before choosing one, since flat backs still vary in footprint.
Leave room to reach the spigot and manage overflow.
How much space does a flat-back rain barrel need?
Check the barrel's width, depth and height against the space, then leave room for the spigot, hose and overflow path. The RTS ECO measures 24 x 19 x 34 in, while the FCMP Catalina measures 22.5 x 20.5 x 29.75 in.
Check downspout alignment and access before setting the barrel in place.
Should a rain barrel sit directly on the ground?
A stable, level base helps support a full rain barrel. A stand can raise the spigot and leave more room to place a watering can below it.
See our guide to rain barrel stands and whether a rain barrel needs a stand.
Can you connect flat-back rain barrels together?
Some models have an overflow valve or side fittings that allow connections between barrels. The RTS ECO and RTS brass spigot models have built-in overflow valves, while FCMP's barrel has side spigots for linking multiple barrels.
Check the connection method and plan where excess water will go.
Where should rain barrel overflow go?
Direct overflow away from the home's foundation and toward a spot that can handle extra water. Keep the outlet clear of walkways and neighboring property, and follow local rules for rainwater drainage.
Our guide to rain barrel overflow placement covers the main planning steps.
