The sound of a trickling waterfall soothes and relaxes the mind. Plus, the sound can drown out other unwanted noises and create an interesting focal point in a backyard. However, landscapers can charge thousands of dollars to install a water feature. If you want to save some money, here are some ideas for DIY outdoor water fountains.
Alternatively, you can build one yourself. You can save yourself a lot of money and still get the sound effects that you want. That said, this DIY project can take a lot of time and effort (especially if you don’t know what you’re doing).
Ideas for DIY Outdoor Water Fountains:
Do you want to save money and tackle this backyard project yourself? You can save yourself lots of hours, work and potential frustration by getting a DIY water feature kit.
For example, you can buy a fountain, pump, electrical kit, water basin and sometimes even lighting – in a single package.
These packages work well for the do-it-yourselfer who either doesn’t have a lot of time or patience. At the same time, they don’t want to give up the beauty of a professionally-landscaped fountain.
These turn-key kits, enable you to install them quickly in your desired location. This saves homeowners the hassle of having to know how to make a water fountain themselves.
So here we go. These are just some ideas to help you get started – and know what to look for. Did you know that there are solar water fountains? Indoor-outdoor water features? Waterfalls that light up at night? Well, yes there are…
Indoor-Outdoor Floating Sphere Waterslide Fountain
This unique water feature may look hand-crafted, but it is made of lightweight durable resin and is ready to set up straight out the box. Seriously, you can set it up in under 30 minutes.
At almost 3 feet tall, this piece can really make a statement in a yard – or even by a front entryway. And, since it’s made of lightweight material, it only weighs 35 lbs.
- What’s included: water feature, recirculating pump
- Dimensions: 35″ Tall, 17″ wide x 17″ Deep
Faux Marble Bowl & Pillar Fountain
This water feature can be used both indoors or out – and it has built-in lights! It you sit out on your patio at night or want the entrance to your home to have a sophisticated focal point (that stays lit at night), you’ll probably like this fountain.
Even though it looks like marble stone, it’s super lightweight due to it’s polyresin construction (seeing a pattern here?). It has more of an elegant and formal feel, so make sure this fits the look and feel of your home or it may look out of place.
- What’s included: fountain, pump and 5-feet of cord, two 10 watt 12 volt halogen bulbs
- Dimensions: 34 1/2″ high. 15″ wide. 17″ deep
Tuscan Patio Floor Fountain
Floor fountain.
Faux stone and ceramic finish.
Lightweight resin construction.
Pump is included.
Plugs into any standard wall outlet.
This floor fountain features water cascading from 2 spouts cut into a low-sided bowl. Faux stone steps and a faux brick pedestal create a tiered effect.
Once again, you can use this indoors or out. Position it among some ferns, grasses or other greenery in your yard or create a relaxing front entry centerpiece (or both!).
- What’s included: fountain, pump, two 5 watt halogen bulbs, 5 ft cord
- Dimensions: 31 1/2″ high. 19″ wide. 19″ deep
Outdoor Pond-Less Rock Fountain
It you want a water feature that looks like it naturally exists in your yard, check this out.
This faux stone fountain fits small spaces but also adds ambiance near a dry creek or by water gardens or ponds. It gives you the trickling waterfall sound you want. In addition, it doubles as a natural birdbath.
This realistic-looking stone actually only weighs 25 lbs, so you can set it up with ease. The fountain reservoir base is entirely self-contained. It holds about 12 gallons of water, along with the submersible magnetic-drive pump.
- What’s included: fountain, pump, water flow adjustment valve, hose
- Dimensions: 2′ x 2′
Faux Stone Wishing Well Solar Water Fountain
Whether you want a water feature on your patio or among flowers and shrubs in your yard, this outdoor solar fountain can be used anywhere there is sun (it also includes an electric option if you decide to plug it in).
The cobblestone design fits perfectly in a natural or rustic environment, and it’s ideal for people who want to attract birds into their backyard without having to buy and re-fill a bird feeder.
You might be surprised that this solid-looking piece weighs only 17 pounds, but that’s because it is made from durable yet lightweight polyresin material. From a distance, it looks like a professional landscaper could have custom built it for you.
- What’s included: fountain, solar panel, pump, electrical adapter
- Dimensions: 15 3/8″ x 15 3/8″ x 25″ high
These DIY outdoor water fountains cost less than $500. However, they don’t look cheap like you might expect. Do you want large, decorative additions to your backyard landscape? These fountains can provide an easy way to get the look, sound and ambiance that you want. Plus, you won’t have to pay a high price or waste a bunch of water!