How to Make Concrete Outdoor Water Features Such as Fountains
Concrete is one of the most versatile materials that you can use to make outdoor water features such as fountains. Concrete will withstand the elements better than ceramic or terra cotta and will not crack if the temperatures change quickly. You can make your own concrete water fountains using existing concrete planters combined with a variety of decorative features. Paint or stain the concrete planter or embellish it with tiles to create a decorative outdoor water feature that will enhance your landscape. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Rectangular concrete planter
- Concrete sealer
- Paint brush
- Submersible fountain pump
- Rubber sheet
- Scissors
- Silicone sealant
- Measuring tape
- Copper tubing
- Marker
- Pipe cutter
- Copper foil
- Flower template
- Sharp shears
- Wet floral foam
- Serrated knife
- Fountainhead
Instructions
-
-
1
Seal the inside of a rectangular concrete planter that is at least 8 inches deep. Concrete sealer is available at most home improvement stores. Allow the sealant to dry.
-
2
Cut discs from a rubber sheet to cover any drainage openings in the concrete planter. Cut a slit halfway through one of the rubber discs to fit around the power cable attached to the pump. Omit this step if there are no drainage holes in the planter. With no drainage holes that will fit the power cord, plan to drape the cord over the least visible side of the planter.
-
-
3
Fit the slit rubber disc over the power cord. Sit the fountain pump inside the planter. Place it in the center. Fit the plug attached to the cord through one of the drainage holes. Glue all of the rubber discs to the concrete with silicone sealant to cover the drainage holes. Seal around the perimeter of each disc. Seal the slit and around the cord. Allow the sealant to dry. Omit this step if the planter does not have drainage holes.
-
4
Cut six lengths of copper tubing that are 2-feet longer than the height of the concrete planter. Measure and mark 2 feet from one end of each tube. Shape the 2-foot section of each tube to resemble a flower stem; curve the tubing or make a spiral.
-
5
Trace the flower blossom template onto a sheet of 5mil copper craft foil. Cut the blossom from the copper using sharp shears or tin snips. Make 18 flower blossoms.
-
6
Glue the flower blossoms to the curved/swirled sections of the copper tubing with silicone sealant. Space the flowers on the copper stems in any way that appeals to you. Allow the adhesive to dry.
-
7
Cut two sections of wet floral foam to fit the length of the concrete planter. Fit each section between the pump and the planter wall, inside the planter. Insert the straight ends of the copper flower stems into the floral foam.
-
8
Attach a fountainhead to the pump and extend it. Fill the planter with water. After plugging in the pump, the water should flow from the top of the fountainhead. Adjust the fountainhead to make sure that the water flows back into the fountain.
-
1
