Splash Blocks

Splash blocks guide water from a downspout away from your foundation, protecting concrete, crawlspaces, and landscaping from runoff. By dispersing rainwater, they reduce erosion, muddy flowerbeds, basement leaks, and driveway staining. For many homes and small businesses, gutter splash blocks are a cost-effective, low-maintenance way to improve rainwater management without trenching or complex drainage systems.

You’ll find splash blocks in concrete, plastic, rubber, and decorative stone-look finishes. Concrete splash blocks offer weight and durability, staying put through storms and foot traffic. Plastic and rubber splash blocks are lightweight, affordable, and easy to reposition; look for UV-stable resins and textured channels that keep water moving. Decorative splash blocks blend with your exterior while still directing flow. Common lengths range from 18 to 36 inches; longer blocks help carry water farther from the wall, especially under high-flow roof valleys. A flared, sloped channel improves dispersal and minimizes soil displacement at the outlet.

Installation is simple: set a splash block directly under each downspout outlet with the narrow end beneath the elbow and the wide end pointing away from the structure. Ensure the ground beneath is level side to side and pitched away from the building (about 1 inch per foot of run). For added reach in wet areas, pair downspout splash blocks with extensions or a buried drain line. Periodically clear leaves and re-seat after mowing or snow melt. In freeze-thaw climates, consider heavier concrete; in windy, sunny regions, choose UV-resistant plastics and secure on compacted gravel.

Ready to buy? Measure the drop height of your downspout, the space available near walkways, and the distance you need to divert water (typically 3 to 5 feet). Browse concrete, plastic, and decorative splash blocks to protect your foundation, tidy your landscaping, and keep pathways drier after storms. Choose colors that match trim and stone.