Water Feature

Create a relaxing addition to your outdoor space with this

unique water feature. All it takes is a few boards, some
common plumbing parts, a sheet of decorative aluminum,
and a little time in the workroom.

Make the Box

Step 1: From a 1"×12", cut the sides (A) and top (B) to length (Cutting List & Diagram). From
1"×4" boards, cut the bottoms (C), cross rails (F), and side rails (G) to length. From a 1"×8", cut
the wave boards (D) and front (E) to length.

Step 2: Assemble the outer frame—the sides, top, and bottoms—using glue and 2" deck screws
(Drawing 1, Project Diagram).

Step 3: Print the wave board patterns and trim them to size. Attach the four parts of the pattern to
one of the wave boards using spray adhesive (Drawing 2 & Wave Board Patterns, Project
Diagram). Use a jigsaw to cut the wave boards into front and back halves. Trace the profile from
the first cut wave board onto the remaining board and cut to shape.

Good to Know: When using a spray adhesive for mounting patterns to a board, use a light coat;
the pattern should come off easily after you cut the part to shape. If the paper pattern sticks and is
difficult to remove, wipe the pattern with mineral spirits and peel the paper off. (Wear rubber
gloves when handling mineral spirits.)

Step 4: Lay the frame assembly on its back and secure the back halves of the wave boards into
position using glue and 1 1/4" screws—use 1 1/2"-thick scrap material to position the back edge
of the wave boards off your work surface (Photo 1).
Step 5: Set the aluminum screen into position. Start by attaching the bottom edge flush with the
bottoms of the wave boards using #6×1/2" screws. With the help of a friend, gently press the
aluminum over the wave boards to form the curve (Photo 2). Use screws to secure the aluminum
to the wave boards every 8" along the curve.
Step 6: Place the front halves of the wave boards in position and secure to the sides with screws
and glue (Photo 3).
Step 7: Install the remaining internal parts: the front (E), side rails (G), and cross rails (F)
(Drawing 2 & Wave Board Patterns, Project Diagram) and (Photo 4), driving screws through
the sides into the parts.
Step 8: Apply masking tape to the screen adjacent to the wood and apply an exterior stain with a
brush. When the finish has cured, remove the tape.

Plumb the Fountain

Step 1: Apply silicone sealant to any drain holes in the bottom of the window box and set aside
to cure.

Step 2: Cut two pieces of 1/2" CPVC pipe to 21 1/4" and 4 1/2" in length. For the longer section,
drill  1⁄8” drain holes 2” apart along the length, then clear the debris from the pipe.

Step 3: Apply CPVC primer and cement to one end of the 21 1/4" pipe and install the 1/2"
CPVC cap; install a 1/2"elbow on the other end (Drawing 4, Project Diagram). Twist the pipe
so the holes are slightly angled toward the back of the water feature. Insert the 4 1/2" long pipe
into the elbow and then add a 1/2" wing elbow to the end of the pipe. Use primer and cement at
each connection.

Good to Know: When applying primer and cement to plastic pipe, use the swab applicator that
comes with the can, it’s attached to the inside of the lid. Apply the primer to the inside of the
fitting and the outside of the pipe. You need to prime only about 3/4" of the end of the pipe.
Then close the primer can, open the adhesive container, and swab the cement onto the outside of
the pipe and inside the elbow. Immediately push the pipe all the way into the fitting, hold for 15
seconds, and then wipe off the excess glue with a paper towel. Repeat for the remaining fittings.

Step 4: With the top pipe assembly complete, turn the water feature assembly upside down on
your workbench and fit the assembly into the box; secure the pipe assembly into the case by
driving stainless-steel screws through the wing elbow into the top (B).

Step 5: Cut the 1/2" aquatic hose to 37" in length, and then attach it to the 1/2" CPVC wing
elbow and pump using glue and primer. Run the hose behind the wave board and secure to the
side (A) using tubing straps and screws (Photo 5).
Step 6: Turn the water feature upright, attach the other end of the aquatic hose to the pump, and
place the water pump in the window box.

Step 7: Wash the marble stones to remove any debris that could clog the pump, and run the cord
out of the planter. Fill the planter with the stones, slip the window box into the water feature
assembly, and set outside. Fill the window box with water and plug in the pump. Now relax to
the sounds of your newest backyard creation!