MODERN WATER FOUNTAINS

A SPLASH OF PEACE FOR YOUR PATIO

- MIKE BERNER

When I think of deep relaxation, the sound of water immediately comes to mind: crashing ocean waves, the trickle of a nearby brook, a cascading waterfall, light rain-you get the idea.

To bring this calming sound to your backyard, I've designed a sleek water feature using a simple box for a reservoir, a pump and basic plumbing parts to keep the water flowing. It can be disassembled easily and tucked away for winter or moved around your patio. I dressed mine up by using ipe hardwood and wrapping the reservoir with a sheet of copper. Using the ideas I share here, you can build a modified version to fit your favorite relaxation spot.

MEET THE BUILDER

MIKE BERNER, SENIOR PROJECT EDITOR, ENJOYS CREATING PROJECTS FOR EVERY LEVEL OF DIYER.

1 FRAME THE RESERVOIR 

Cut the reservoir frame  sides (A) and ends (B) from 2x2 lumber and fasten the bottom piece of marine plywood (C) to form the base of the reservoir.

Align the reservoir sides (D) with the ends of the base and fasten them to the 2x2s. Fasten the reservoir ends (E) to the 2x2s at the bottom with construction screws. Drive trim screws into the edges of the plywood toward the top.

2 PLACE THE LINER 

Two options are available for lining the reservoir. Flat pond liners, available at home centers, are an inexpensive option but require a bit of origami to fit properly.

I ordered a custom heavyduty box welded liner from everything-ponds.com that fit the reservoir perfectly. At $200, it was more expensive, but it was well made, strong and easier to install.

3 FASTEN THE LINER