FAQs
Click on the drop downs to see the answers to our frequently asked questions. If you can't find an answer, please pop us an email: don@thebarrel-man.co.uk
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My item has arrived damaged. What should I do?
Please send us an email with images of the damage: don@thebarrel-man.co.uk
Which courier is handling my order?
We use a variety of different couriers for dispatching orders. We most frequently use:
- DPD
- Royal Mail
- Parcelforce
- Pallet companies
Or if you're local, we can hand-deliver!
How long will it take for my order to be dispatched?
We aim to dispatch your item within 3 working days of your order being placed. This may be quicker during quieter periods.
My barrel has arrived and a hoop has fallen down
An easy fix – Turn the barrel upside down and use a block of wood and hammer to tap the ring back on the barrel.
Once in place, soak the barrel so the wood swells back up which will hold the hoop again.
I'm using the barrel as a water feature but water is seeping out the side
This is caused by the wood starting to dry out from time of being cut in half to being delivered to your door.
Keep topping the barrel up with water and after a day or
two the wood will swell back up and the leaking will stop.
In very hot conditions this can take up to a week.
Can I drill holes in the base of the barrel and will this effect its structure?
We recommending drilling holes (if not already done so) to allow drainage . Simply by drilling 5 holes around the size of a penny coin will not effect the barrels structure and will be idea for drainage.
My barrels have arrived inside each other and they are stuck together
Simply lay the barrels on their side with the top opening facing yourself.
Then use a mallet / sledge hammer to knock the side of the barrel near
the top opening and roll the barrels left to right. This will free them up.
My barrel has arrived and is falling apart
Sometimes, especially during warmer weather, the wood will become dehydrated and shrink.
If a barrel is emptied and allowed to dry out excessively then the staves will eventually shrink and become slack. The barrel will then no longer be watertight and may even collapse under conditions of extreme dryness. If the shrinkage is not too severe then by repeatedly filling the barrel with water the staves will swell again and the barrel will become watertight once more.
It is important therefore that the barrels should never be allowed to dry out.
If you are using your barrel as a water feature, please fill this up immediately with water even if you are not ready to use this yet.
If you are using the barrel as a planter, please fill with compost immediately and keep watered even if you`ve not planted yet.
By keeping the barrels watered means you are keeping them swollen and stopping them from drying out.