How to Build an Indoor Fountain With Pebble Tile

Pebble tile adds a natural element to an indoor fountain.

An indoor fountain, whether as a serene centerpiece for a room or as part of an indoor water garden, adds a natural element to the decor. You can build your fountain from an almost infinite number of components, including the vessel to hold the water, the size of the fountain and its decorative touches. Using pebble tile creates an undulating surface for the flowing water. Build on the basic design with different sizes of containers and multiple tiles.

Things You'll Need

• Small rectangular plastic planter box or shallow flowerpot without drainage holes
• Fountain pump
• One pebble tile
• One ceramic tile
• Waterproof glue
• Pebbles, marbles or other decorative rocks
• Copper tubing
• Handsaw

Instructions

1. Pour water into the planter box and check for leaks. If you find any, repair them immediately so the water doesn't flow out of the container.

2. Position the pump along one of the long sides of the box. Drape the electrical cord over the side of the box and set the water intake facing the its center.

3. Glue the pebble tile to a ceramic tile of the same size. Pebble tile is typically on a mesh backing that flexes. Gluing it to the ceramic tile allows it to stand erect in the fountain.

4. Set the pebble tile in front of the fountain and set pebbles, marbles or decorative rocks around the base to hold it in place while you finish the fountain. Do not cover the water outlet on the pump.

5. Cut a piece of copper tubing the length of the distance between the water outlet on the pump and the top of the pebble tile, plus 2 inches.

6. Insert one end of the copper tubing into the water outlet, then measure and mark the distance to the top of the tile. Remove the tubing from the outlet and bend the other end of the tubing at the mark to direct down the front of the tile. Insert the straight end of the tubing in the outlet and hook the bent end over the tile.

7. Arrange pebbles, rocks or marbles around the pebble tile to make an attractive display. File the planter box with water taking care to cover the pump and plug the fountain in. Adjust the copper tubing and rearrange the rocks if necessary.

Tips & Warnings

• Fountain pumps are available at garden and home improvement stores.

• The diameter of the copper tubing you purchase is determined by the size of the water outlet on the pump.

• Decorate the planter box by painting it, making a mosaic with broken tile or covering it with contact paper.

• Clean the fountain about once a year.

• Add plants to the fountain by submerging their pots in the water.

• To avoid mineral deposits, use distilled water in the fountain if your water is hard.

Resources

• Reiman Gardens, Iowa State University: Water Gardens