How to Build a Wall Fountain

Build a wall fountain for your garden to enhance the serene setting of your surroundings. The soothing sound of a wall fountain can help you relax in you backyard, transforming it into a calming oasis. By using materials and tools readily available in a home improvement store or a garden center, you can finish this job in one weekend and you can start enjoying the completed wall fountain immediately after. Furthermore, you will find yourself the envy of your friends and neighbors because you made it yourself.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cement backboard
• Glass tiles (subway tile types)
• Mortar
• Grout
• Trowel
• Float
• Sponge
• Bamboo
• Reservoir basin
• Recirculating pump
• Riser tube
• Water release head
• Gravel
• Water

1. Find a focal point area in your garden, preferably against a fence. You need the fence post to attach your wall fountain. Most wooden fences already have wooden fence posts. If your fence is not made of wood such as a stucco or brick wall, you can dig a hole on each side approximately 6 to 8 inches deep, and then place a 2" x 4" lumber about 6 feet high and 2 1/2 feet apart into each hole.

2. Measure and cut your cement backboard to 5 feet high by 3 feet wide. Attach the backboards onto the 2" x 4" wood frame or fence post.

3. Apply the mortar on the surface of the cement backboard using a hand trowel.

4. Place glass tiles on top of mortar. Install the tiles in horizontal subway style. Choose varying colors of blue and greens then, alternate those on the wall, no two like colors should be next to each other. Varying colors of green and blues placed horizontally can mimic the sea.

5. Apply grout on the surface of the tiles using a float.

6. Dip the sponge in water and wipe away the excess grout immediately to prevent it from drying. Doing so will give your water wall a clean finish.

7. Assemble the reservoir basin. You can buy a plastic basin used as a pond liner. Ensure that the size is as wide or at least an inch wider than the cement backerboard.

8. Dig a hole in the ground the same depth as the reservoir basin. This hole should be as close to the bottom of the wall.

9. Place the reservoir basin inside the hole.

10. Place the pump inside the reservoir basin.

11. Hook the riser tube along with the release head into the recirculating pump. The riser tube should be placed behind the wall. Ensure that the release head is 1 inch higher than the wall. You can buy pre-assembled riser tube and release head from stores specializing in fountains. You can also give them specifications so that they can assemble one that would work for your measurement.

12. Place gravel inside the reservoir, enough to hold the recirculating pump in place.

13. Cut a bamboo in half. This should be at least 3 feet wide. Puncture some holes on the bamboo after cutting. This is where the water will flow out.

14. Place the bamboo on the top of the wall to cover the release heads. Screw each end against the fence post or the wood pole to secure it in place. Flush or align the bamboo against the wall. Make sure the holes are facing down against the tiles. This will allow the water to flow down against the glass tiles.

15. Fill the reservoir basin with water then plug in the pump and turn it on. Water should start flowing down the wall fountain. You may need to help direct the flow of the water on the wall by wiping the water with your hands to spread the water on the entire wall surface. Make the necessary adjustments on the gadgets and bamboo as needed.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose a recirculating pump that is strong and big enough so that it can give more pressure to push the water upwards.
• Examine the water flow and adjust the bamboo if water does not flow against the wall.
• Place plants next to the wall fountain and the reservoir basin to give it a more natural look.
• Use caution when handling and cutting the glass tiles.