Garden fountains add irreplaceable charm and beauty to any garden. You can build a garden fountain yourself from stone, and the construction of such a system usually does not take long, especially since there are ready-made systems on the market – automatic pumps and filters, as well as ready-to-install foils for your garden installation. We offer you a project for a stone-lined garden fountain with two chambers, which does not require much space, but combines the charm of a waterfall with the grace of a fountain.
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Why build a garden fountain yourself from stone
Every homeowner wants a unique garden , which creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere. For this purpose, of course, water features in the garden are indispensable. Why build a garden fountain from stone yourself? Stone provides stability and is a durable material that does not require as much maintenance as, for example, wood or metal. Therefore, a stone fountain in the garden can be a lasting asset while giving your garden a great look.
Tools and materials needed
- 15 Curb stones + decorative flat stones / limestone / blocks of approximately 56 x 40 cm.
- 50 stone blocks to line the fountain.
- River pebbles of different shapes and sizes to fill the fountain
- Sand /for leveling/
- Ready-made kit for the water features – mold and pump for the fountain, mold and pump for the “waterfall” in the lower part of the fountain and filter for water purification (optional)
- 1 ready mold for the fountain – with a capacity of about 150 l.
- screwdriver
- working gloves
- spirit level
- scissors
- spade
- Liquid silicone
- Teflon tape
Note: If you do not have the necessary skills and experience to install this garden feature, you should hire a professional to handle this part of the project and install it quickly and safely. Check with a professional to find out what electrical equipment you can use when installing water features (it must be specifically designed to come in contact with water) and how to proceed.
Step-by-step instructions for construction
Step 1: Determine the location of the fountain.
The dimensions of the fountain, which consists of two different parts, are about 120 x 215 cm. Pre-shape it with a rope and then mark the working area around it. Remove only the upper part of the terrain – the grass, and then free the area from roots and other objects (stones, branches, etc.). Make sure the ground is level and not sloped. Remove the rope and start building the outermost wall of the well, starting with the lowest outer row. After laying each row, check that it is built level.
Step 2: Installation of the liner
To build the partition that surrounds the finished stone wall, make a circle of 15 cm from one end of the built structure from its base. Add more rows, 2 or 3, according to the depth of the mold for the fountain.
Step 3: Prepare the waterfall and pump.
Wrap the overflow device of the fountain with Teflon tape and attach it to its back. Apply liquid silicone around the joints – both the outer and inner edges. Allow the silicone to dry thoroughly. If you have provided a filter, place it on top of the overflow and cover it with the mesh provided. Fill the fountain with clean river pebbles. Attach one end of the pipe to the back and clamp it with a hose clamp.
Step 4: Positioning the overflow of the fountain
Place the finished overflow system on the partition and lay the piping. Cut the piping to the required length and install the pump. Thoroughly clean the liner and start filling the fountain with water. Place a decorative stone on each side of the spillway and place a stone tile on top.
Step 5: Finishing the fountain
Check to make sure the fountain is level. Finish building the outer wall around the second half of the fountain – where the fountain is located. On the side of the spillway, you can add a soil mix and plant flowers and greenery. Place a layer of river pebbles on top to cover the bottom. It’s that easy to spruce up your garden with this cute rock craft!
Note: Consult a professional for electrical wiring, as the devices have direct contact with water. In such cases, circuit breakers with fault protection must be used.