Outdoor Fountain Projects to Beautify Your Garden – DIY Style

Create the backyard oasis of your dreams…

DIY outdoor fountain projects are one of the fastest growing trends in residential landscaping. Best of all, you don’t need any professional landscaping experience to start.

The good news?

If you have some basic DIY skills, there are plenty of simple outdoor fountain ideas that add visual beauty and soothing sounds to your yard.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• Why Outdoor Fountains Are Worth Your Time
• The Best DIY Fountain Projects For Beginners
• Selecting The Best Fountain Materials
• How To Maintain Your Outdoor Fountain

Why Outdoor Fountains Are Worth Your Time

Outdoor garden fountains offer more than just an aesthetic element to the landscaping of your yard. They also provide a relaxing soundscape that changes the way you experience your outdoor space.

Consider these benefits:

• The sound of running water mutes street noise and other outdoor distractions. The result is a naturally relaxing atmosphere.
• Birds and butterflies flock to a water feature. Your fountain draws wildlife to your yard.
• Increases property value. Landscaping with water features always increases home value. A lot.

According to market research, the outdoor fountain market was valued at $949.8 million in 2022. It is projected to reach $1.71 billion by 2033.

Now here’s the rub…

Professional fountain installation services can run you thousands of dollars. DIY fountain projects allow you to create high-end features on a much smaller budget.

Don’t believe me?

Whether you prefer minimalist designs on a tabletop or a statement tall garden fountain that centers your home landscape, there is a perfect DIY project for every skill level and budget.

The Best DIY Fountain Projects For Beginners

Wondering where to start?

Check out these projects for people new to building outdoor fountains:

The Classic Pot Fountain

As the name suggests, this is the easiest DIY fountain you can create. All it takes is:

• A large ceramic pot with a drainage hole at the bottom
• A smaller pot to nest inside the larger one
• A submersible pump
• A few handfuls of river rocks or pebbles
• Waterproof silicone sealant

Nest the pots inside of each other, seal the drainage hole with silicone, and set the pump inside. Add the rocks, water, and test your pump.

Voila! You have created a simple fountain with water overflowing from the smaller pot cascading down the larger one. It really is that simple.

The Stacked Stone Fountain

For a more natural effect, flat river stones stacked on top of each other with a pump in the center create an organic looking waterfall. The water flows slowly over each layer of rock to create that signature soothing sound people love.

This project takes around 2-3 hours and will cost less than $100 to complete.

The Barrel Fountain

Old whiskey barrels can be easily turned into rustic looking fountains. Simply cut a whiskey barrel in half, add a liner, and install a small pump. You end up with a charming water feature that pairs beautifully with cottage gardens.

Pretty sweet, huh?

Selecting The Best Fountain Materials

Material selection can make or break your fountain project. Keep these tips in mind:

Ceramic and Terra Cotta: Beautiful but not great in freezing conditions. These materials crack when the water inside freezes. Ceramic and terra cotta are best in mild climates where you can store the fountain indoors in winter.

Concrete: Durable and classic looking. Concrete will last decades with proper sealing. Heavyweight so won’t topple in the wind.

Resin: Lightweight and affordable. Modern resin fountains convincingly imitate stone and concrete. They are the perfect choice for renters or people who might move the fountain.

Natural Stone: The best of the best. Stone fountains weather beautifully and can last generations. They cost more initially but are very low maintenance.

With the pump, make sure to choose a model that is rated for outdoor use. Solar-powered fountains work great if you have a sunny location. These pumps require no electrical connections, but only run in direct sunlight.

And here’s one little-known tip…

Pay attention to basin size. You need a basin that can hold a good amount of water. Enough that even after hot, sunny days of evaporation, the pump will still be submerged. Running the pump dry will destroy it very quickly.

Step-by-Step Guide: Building A Tiered Fountain

Let me show you how to build a three-tier fountain from graduated pot sizes:

Materials needed:

• Three terracotta pots (14″, 12″, and 8″ diameter)
• One large basin or catch pot (18″+ diameter)
• Submersible pump (200-300 GPH rating)
• Flexible tubing
• Waterproof silicone sealant
• Decorative stones

Process:

1. Seal all drainage holes with silicone and allow to cure 24 hours
2. Place the largest pot upside down in the basin. This will act as a riser.
3. Position the medium pot on top of the large one, right side up
4. Run tubing from the pump through all three layers
5. Stack the smallest pot at the top of the fountain
6. Fill with water and test pump
7. Adjust water flow and add decorative stones

The whole project should take one weekend and cost between $75-$150 depending on pot selection.

How To Maintain Your Outdoor Fountain

DIY fountains require regular maintenance to continue operating. According to a CivicScience study, 43% of homeowners tackle home improvement projects 100% themselves, including maintenance.

Here’s the weekly to seasonal maintenance checklist to keep your fountain in top condition:

Weekly:

• Top off water levels as needed
• Remove fallen leaves and debris
• Check that the pump is working properly

Monthly:

• Clean pump intake
• Scrub algae from all surfaces
• Check tubing for clogs

Seasonal:

• Deep clean entire fountain
• Replace the pump if needed
• Winterize fountains in cold climates

Algae growth is the biggest challenge most fountain owners face. Sprinkle a small amount of fountain algaecide in the water or place a handful of barley straw in the fountain to naturally prevent green water buildup.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Looking to build your very first fountain? Avoid these mistakes beginners make:

• Wrong pump size. If the pump is too small, the water will barely trickle. Too big and the water will splash everywhere. Size the pump correctly for your fountain’s height and basin size.
• Ignoring the electrical setup. Outdoor pumps need a GFCI-protected outlet. Do not use indoor extension cords outside.
• Forgetting about winterization. Water expands when frozen. Empty your fountain before the first hard freeze or buy a de-icer for your fountain.
• Skipping the level check. An uneven fountain looks bad and causes uneven water flow. Level your fountain properly before turning it on.

Wrapping It Up

DIY outdoor fountain projects are a fun and affordable way to enhance your home design and garden decor. Not to mention save you time on hiring professionals, money on installation costs, and effort on searching for the perfect pre-made fountain.

So to recap:

• Start with easy projects like pot fountains
• Choose climate-appropriate materials
• Get the pump size right
• Maintain your fountain regularly to prevent issues
• Winterize fountains before freezing temperatures arrive

The sense of accomplishment of building something beautiful with your own two hands? Priceless. Your garden will thank you.