How to Build a Stack Stone Fountain

Using stones to build your fountain can give it the appearance of a natural spring.

Homeowners often look for projects to improve the appearance of their yards. Common, basic projects often involve planting flower beds or trees, but you have other options available to you. One such option is building a stacked stone fountain. Completing this project can give your yard a natural-looking fountain that provides the sound of water flowing gently over rocks, which many people find relaxing.

Things You'll Need

• Shovel
• Tape measure
• 1-inch PVC conduit
• PVC sleeves
• Gravel
• Tamp
• Plastic basin
• Pump
• Fiberglass or aluminum window screen
• Marker
• Utility scissors
• 1/2-inch copper pipe at least 1 foot longer than the height of the fountain
• Pipe cutter
• 1/2-inch ball valve
• 1/2-inch threaded compression adapter
• Adjustable wrench
• Composite decking
• Hacksaw
• Hammer drill
• 5/8-inch masonry bit
• Large flat stones
• Safety goggles
• Clear silicone adhesive
• Small stones

Instructions

1. Dig a hole for the fountain that is 2 inches deeper and slightly wider than the plastic basin that will be used to hold the water.

2. Dig a 3-inch deep trench between the hole for the basin and the closest electrical outlet. This will be used for the pump's electrical cord.

3. Measure the length of the trench and cut a piece of one-inch PVC pipe to fit. This will be a conduit for the cord.

4. Pour 2 inches of gravel into the bottom of the hole, then smooth it out and tamp it down. Place the basin in the pit.

5. Insert the pump's electrical cord through the PVC pipe, then lay the pipe into the trench with the plug right by the outlet. Backfill the trench with dirt.

6. Place the pump in the middle of the basin with the outlet hole pointing up.

7. Place an aluminum or fiberglass screen on the ground over the basin. Draw a circle an inch wide over the location of the outlet hole, then cut that circle out of the screen, as well as a flap on the side of the screen large enough to fit your hand through. This will provide you with access to the pump after the fountain is complete.

8. Cut a piece of copper pipe 4 inches long with a pipe cutter.

9. Attach the piece of pipe to one end of a 1/2-inch ball valve by tightening the nut on the ball valve. This valve controls how fast the water flows through the pipe.

10. Connect the longer piece of copper pipe to the other end of the ball valve.

11. Remove the pump from the basin and screw a threaded adapter to the outlet hole. Connect the open end of the 4-inch pipe to the threaded adapter, tightening the nuts with a wrench.

12. Pour 2 inches of gravel into the bottom of the basin, then smooth it out and tamp it down. Place the pump into the center of the basin with the pipe pointing up.

13. Place the screen over the basin by sliding the hole over the pipe and positioning the screen so that the flap is over the end of the trench holding the pump's electrical cord.

14. Measure the width of the pit and add 6 inches to that figure. Cut four pieces of composite decking to fit that length, and lay them across the pit. Keep them spaced evenly, but don't cover the flap.

15. Drill holes through the center of the stones with a hammer drill. Pour water onto the stone and drill bit once every minute, and drill slowly to prevent the stone from cracking as you drill it.

16. Install the stone by sliding them over the pipe and laying them on the decking. Improve the stability of the fountain by balancing each stone as you place it. After you have stacked all of the stones, mark the edge of the top stone on the pipe.

17. Take the top stone off of the pipe, then cut the pipe a quarter-inch below the mark. Place the stone back onto the fountain.

18. Fill the basin with water until it's about 5 inches above the pump. Open the ball valve completely, then turn the pump on. Slowly close the ball valve until the water is flowing at the desired rate, then shut the pump off.

19. Place clear silicone adhesive into the gaps between the stones to improve the fountain's stability. Allow the adhesive to set for the time specified on the packaging before turning the water back on.

20. Place small stones on top of the screen to help camouflage it.

Tips & Warnings

• If you live in a climate that gets cold during the winter, drain the water from the basin and store the pump in a dry, safe place until the spring.

References

• "This Old House"; How to Build a Fountain; Harry Sawyers
• "The Family Handyman": How to Build a Garden Fountain