Let's face it; if you're considering making your own compost bin, you obviously want one that will stand out above the crowd. After all, why would you even want to find out how to build a compost bin unless you wanted one which works better than those you can buy, while at the same time costing you less money? Of course, one cannot help but wonder what it is exactly that makes a compost bin a good one. Is it the materials you use, is it the size of the bin, is it the location, or does it all depend on what you put into it?

One things is sure however, you need to be able to keep animals out, while at the same time providing the ideal environment for organic material to decompose? In fact, much of it depends on how much available space you have, and also on what area you live in. Additionally, it also depends on what you'll be trying to compost in the first place. In order to try and make things a little easier, here are some factors which you'll need to take into consideration in order to build a compost bin.

Note: If you enjoy this guide then you may want to check out how to build a hydroponics system, my newest Hub!

As far as materials are concerned, you're quite literally spoilt for choice, but of course you need to bear in mind that the quality of the material you use will ultimately determine how strong and how durable your bin will be. For example, you can make a compost bin by using snow fencing, and while it may be simple and cheap to make, it may not be strong enough to meet your requirements. Yes, they are very light and easy to move, but of course this can be an advantage or disadvantage, in that a light compost bin is easy for animals, including pets, to tip over. This is particularly true if you live out in the country where there may be raccoons or other forms of wildlife roaming about. In that case, you would need to secure the compost bin to the ground in order to keep inquisitive animals out.

The very first thing you'll need to take into consideration is whether or not you intend composting large or small quantities at a time. Bear in mind that you'll require far more space if you intend composting all your garden waste, in addition leftover vegetable scraps and other organic waste. If you live out in the country, you may already be keeping some chickens, and as such, you may want to compost their bedding and etc. as well. On the other hand, maybe you simply want a way to dispose of organic kitchen waste and the odd bits of paper here and there.

According to those in the know, the ideal size for a compost bin in terms of efficiency is three feet by three feet, but of course, you need to take your own requirements into consideration as well. For example, are you intending to compost enough waste to treat your entire garden regularly, or do you just want enough to add to your flowerbeds from time to time. Bear in mind though that compost bins which are too small or too big will probably not be as efficient as one which is the ideal size mentioned above. For this reason, if you intend composting on a relatively large scale in order to ensure you have a regular supply, then you should ideally consider building several smaller compost bins rather than just one huge bin. Not only do smaller bins work faster, but if you have several of them, you'll be able to stagger your composting to best meet your requirements.

Weather is something else you need to take into consideration when you decide to build a compost bin. If the weather is too dry or too wet, you may experience a lot of difficulty producing good quality compost, but of course that's not to say it can't be done. If for example, you live in an area with a high annual rainfall, then you may need to take a few extra precautions in order to ensure that your compost bin is sheltered from the rain. This can be done by simply constructing a small roof or covering above it. On the other hand, if you live in an area which doesn't receive much rain, you'll need to take certain measures to ensure that your compost doesn't end up drying out too much. In fact, if you do live in a very dry area, you should even consider using a waterproof liner in order to help retain moisture. You could also consider placing your compost bin below ground level in order to protect it from the heat. Even so, you'll probably have to water it regularly, bearing in mind however, that if you have indeed used a waterproof liner, you'll need to avoid watering it to such an extent that it becomes soggy.

Lastly but not least, you need to take your own handiwork capabilities into consideration if you're adamant about building your own Tumbling Compost Bin. Obviously, if you're not very good with your hands, then you should ideally opt for building one which is of a simple, straightforward design. On the other hand, if you do have the necessary skills, nothing stops you from making quite an elaborate composter capable of lasting many years.