How to Build a Backyard Rock Waterfall

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

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Building a backyard rock waterfall adds value and beauty to a landscape or patio seating area. The soothing sounds of a rock waterfall provides a sense of calm and peace after a long day or enhances a wonderful evening or dinner party. Adding a small rock waterfall to a pond is another way to add an attractive feature to a landscaped area. Read on to learn more.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Shovel
Pond insert with pump unit
River rocks

Step1

Determine where in the backyard the rock waterfall will be situated. Proper placement of the feature puts more or less emphasis on noise and any chance of splashing. Putting a rock waterfall too near a home can cause unnecessary distraction.

Step2

Pick a proper size for the feature. Too large a waterfall results in obstructed views and loud noise levels. Look for a reasonable size.

Step3

Dig a hole large enough for the project that will house the water and the pump unit. Most waterfalls should deliver 100 gallons of water per hour over each inch of waterfall width.

Step4

Consider the fall of the water and the noise it creates. Experiment with the height of the water drop to achieve a suitable sound. The rocks placed should be solid river rocks that weather well when water travels across them.

Step5

Look into a backyard rock waterfall that needs no pond at all. Consult with a landscaping professional to determine the requirements of the waterfall area.

Tips & Warnings

Think about adding Koi or other suitable fish to the backyard rock waterfall pond. These fish offer a soothing visual experience.
Look for hearty water plants to incorporate into the rock waterfall design.
Wear eye protection and gloves during this project.