If you’re looking to enhance your outdoor space, water feature construction offers an eye-catching, soothing addition that’s more approachable to build than most people expect. Our team specializes in creating sustainable landscape solutions that seamlessly integrate beautiful water features, and this guide walks through the same process we use to build a simple, striking stone fountain step by step.
This project uses a drilled stone that allows water to recirculate, giving the impression of a natural bubbling spring. Here’s exactly what it takes to build one.
What You’ll Need: Tools, Materials, Time & Skill Level
Materials:
- A fountain stone with a pre-drilled hole (or a stone you’ll drill yourself), less than 15 inches thick at the drill point
- Pond liner, sized to your reservoir
- Old carpet padding or similar protective underlayment
- Two to three plastic collection pails
- A submersible fountain pump sized for your stone and desired flow
- Tubing, tubing clamps, and an optional flow restrictor valve
- Pea gravel and larger decorative gravel or stone
- Pond foam for securing stones in place
Tools: shovel, rope or hose for marking the layout, spray paint, level, and a drill if your stone isn’t pre-drilled.
Time and skill level: most homeowners can complete this project in a weekend. It requires basic digging and assembly skills, but no specialized construction experience. The most important parts to get right are the reservoir depth and the electrical setup for the pump, both covered below.
Step 1: Select the Right Fountain Stone
Choose a stone that suits your space and allows water to flow smoothly. Stones with natural channels or basins help guide water and give the fountain a more organic look. Many stone suppliers offer pre-drilled stones, or you can drill one yourself with the proper masonry bit.
Keep the stone under 15 inches thick at the point where the hole will be, since anything thicker becomes difficult to drill through with basic equipment. Once you’ve selected your stone, test the flow by pouring water over it to see how it moves across the surface.
Step 2: Prepare the Site & Dig the Reservoir
Mark out the area where the water feature will sit using a rope to outline a natural-looking perimeter around the future fountain and gravel bed. Once you’re happy with the layout, trace the edges with spray paint.
Dig a reservoir beneath the fountain, deep enough to collect and recycle water without overflow issues. A depth of around six inches more than the height of your collection pails works well for most setups. Choose a spot with minimal slope to prevent water from pooling in the wrong direction, and make sure the deeper section where the pump will sit is wide and flat enough for stability.
Step 3: Install the Liner & Pails
Lay old carpeting or padding in the hole to protect the liner from sharp rocks or roots underneath. This padding extends the life of the liner, which holds the water in place and prevents leaks into the surrounding soil.
Unfold the liner and press it into the hole, pleating where needed to match the contours of the ground. Insert the pails that will act as water collection containers, drilling small holes in their sides and bottoms to allow water to circulate and prevent stagnation. Set the pails in the deeper part of the reservoir, with the pump pail positioned centrally and slightly raised above the rest.
Backfill around the pails with gravel, keeping the top of the pump pail just below ground level for a clean, even surface. Finish with a layer of pea gravel on top to cover the liner and enhance the look.
Step 4: Set Up the Pump & Water Line
Connect the water line to the pump, routing it away from any areas where heavy stones will be placed so it doesn’t get pinched or damaged. The line should be long enough to reach the fountain stone easily while staying discreetly hidden under the gravel.
Use tubing clamps to secure the water line and prevent leaks at the connection points. If the flow feels too strong or too weak for your design, install a restrictor valve near the pump to dial it in.
On the electrical side, the pump should run on a GFCI-protected outlet, which is required for any electrical equipment near water and helps prevent shock hazards if there’s ever a short or a leak. If you don’t already have a GFCI outlet near the install site, this is worth addressing before you bury any wiring, and it’s a good point to bring in an electrician if you’re not comfortable with outdoor electrical work.
Step 5: Arrange, Test & Finish the Fountain
With the pump and reservoir ready, arrange the stones for your fountain. Position the drilled stone where you want the water to flow from, adjusting its angle to guide the water in the most natural direction. Add other decorative stones around the main fountain stone to create a cohesive look.
Before permanently securing anything, test the water flow by running the pump and adjusting stone placement as needed to create a smooth water path. Once you’re happy with the result, use pond foam to fill gaps between stones, which locks them in place and helps direct the flow more precisely.
Trim away any excess liner sticking out around the edges, then add potted plants or additional decorative stones to round out the design. Fill the reservoir with water, switch on the pump, and check that the flow is steady and the fountain looks complete.
Maintenance Tips for Your Water Feature
Regularly clean the pump to prevent clogs from debris, and check the water level to keep the system running at full capacity. If you notice mineral buildup, especially common in areas with hard water, use a specialized water treatment solution to keep the fountain running efficiently and looking its best.
During winter, drain the water feature and cover it to protect it from freezing temperatures, which can crack stone or damage the pump. It’s also worth periodically checking the surrounding landscape to keep the area tidy and looking its best alongside the fountain.
FAQ
Most homeowners can complete this project over a weekend, though larger or more elaborate designs may take longer.
If you already have a GFCI outlet near the installation site, a comfortable DIYer can usually handle the rest. If you need to add new wiring or an outlet, it’s worth hiring an electrician for that portion of the work.
Aim for about six inches more than the height of your collection pails. This gives enough depth to recycle water without risking overflow.
In freezing climates, drain the water and cover the feature to prevent cracking. In milder climates, running the pump periodically can help prevent standing water from freezing solid.
The core steps, reservoir digging, liner installation, and pump setup, are similar, though a pond typically needs a larger liner, more substantial edging, and considerations for fish or plants if you’re adding them.