DIY Waterfall Guide

Start by transferring the dimensions from the fountain plans onto your 1/2-inch exterior-grade plywood.

A straight edge makes it easier to mark clean, accurate cut lines. Mark all of your cuts before beginning so you can organize the pieces and minimize mistakes.

You’ll also cut the 2x2 lumber used to reinforce the corners and provide mounting points throughout the fountain.

Tip: Choose plywood that is as flat and clean as possible. A flat exterior-grade sheet will make assembly and finishing much easier.

Once your pieces are cut, begin assembling the two side sections.

Attach the 2x2 reinforcement pieces to the inside of the side panels using waterproof glue and deck screws. Keep the reinforcement pieces flush with the bottom and face of the plywood.

Repeat the process for the opposite side, making sure the reinforced portions face inward.

Next, attach the front panel to the two side sections. Take your time during this stage and make sure each connection is square and flush before tightening the screws.

Once the front and sides are assembled, the basic shape of your modern waterfall fountain will begin to take form.

The next stage is creating the upper rim that surrounds the water reservoir.

Use the additional 2x2 pieces specified in the plans to reinforce the upper portion of the fountain. Glue and screw the pieces into place, keeping the edges flush.

Some of the reinforcement pieces intentionally stop short of the top. This allows the lip of the water reservoir to fit into the frame without interference.

Small spacer pieces are also used to account for the shape of the tote and create the proper surface for attaching the finished exterior pieces.

One of the important details in this DIY fountain design is the return lip.

The upper decorative pieces are designed so that water splashing near the spillway is directed back toward the reservoir rather than escaping over the front edge.

This small design detail can make a big difference. Without it, splashing water can eventually create puddles around the base of the fountain.

The return also gives the finished fountain a more polished appearance.

Continue attaching the top pieces and decorative trim according to the fountain plans.

Before permanently securing each component, check that everything is aligned and flush. If a piece is slightly too long, trim it before continuing rather than trying to sand the excess away later.

If your fountain will be positioned against a wall, the design can be built without a full back panel. Additional 2x2 reinforcement can be installed to prevent the structure from flexing.

Because this is a water feature, protecting the plywood is an important part of the build.

An epoxy coating can be applied to the wooden structure to help seal the wood against moisture. The build shown in the video recommends coating the entire structure, paying particular attention to end grain, the bottom, interior surfaces, and areas where water is likely to splash.

Allow the epoxy to cure completely before moving on to the next finishing stage.

Important: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific epoxy, including mixing ratios, ventilation, curing time, and protective equipment.

Once the epoxy has cured, install your chosen facing material.

The example fountain uses composite decking boards, but you can customize the appearance with cedar or another appropriate exterior-rated material.

Start at the top and work downward. Starting with a full board at the top helps keep the most visible portion of the fountain looking clean and finished.

If you need to rip a board to fit the remaining space, placing the narrower piece toward the bottom can make the final result look more intentional.

Now it’s time to create the opening where your waterfall spillway will be installed.

Position the spillway and determine where you want the water to emerge. In the example build, the spillway is positioned roughly 30 inches from the point where the water reaches the fountain, with the recommendation not to go much beyond approximately 32 inches.

Mark the center of the spillway and carefully cut the required slot.

Test-fit the spillway before permanently installing it. This allows you to make any necessary adjustments while the surrounding components are still accessible.

The final front board may need to be notched around the corners of the water reservoir.

A simple cardboard template can make this step much easier.

Create a template that matches the width of your board, position it around the reservoir, and mark exactly where material needs to be removed. Transfer those measurements to your actual board and make the cuts.

This approach helps you achieve a clean fit without repeatedly cutting and adjusting the finished material.

Once the exterior is assembled, lightly sand the surface before applying the textured finish.

The example build uses 80-grit sandpaper to remove the surface glaze and give the coating something to adhere to. After sanding, wipe away the dust before applying the finish.

Next, apply a premixed mortar or acrylic stucco-style coating.

A bucket scraper or modified putty knife can be used to spread the material. Work the coating in different directions to create a natural stone-like texture.

Keep the coating relatively thin. The video recommends applying enough material to create the desired texture without building up an excessively thick layer, which can increase the chance of shrinking or cracking.

The beauty of this technique is that you can customize the texture. A cross-hatched or dragged finish creates a stone-like appearance, while other tools and techniques can create different textures.

Allow the textured coating to dry completely before lightly sanding the surface.

Knock down any prominent high spots and lightly bevel the corners. This small finishing step can help the fountain look more refined once painted.

Use a quality exterior house paint and apply two coats, allowing the first coat to dry before applying the second.

For a more natural stone appearance, a flat or satin finish can help maintain the look of the textured surface without adding excessive shine.

Once the fountain’s finish is complete, install the spillway and plumbing.

A 1 1/2-inch coupler can be installed at the bottom of the spillway, with silicone used around the connection to help create a watertight seal.

Attach the hose to the pump and secure the connection with a hose clamp. Position the pump inside the reservoir and route the hose up the back of the fountain to the spillway.

The hose can then be cut to the appropriate length and secured to the spillway connection.

Once everything is connected, the basic fountain is ready for water.

Want to make your modern waterfall stand out after dark?

The build can also incorporate a lighted spillway, LED lighting, and optional splash filtration.

A lighted spillway can illuminate the water as it flows through the opening, adding another visual element to the fountain. The example build also demonstrates connecting the lighting receiver and using a remote to change the LED colors.

You can choose whether to keep your fountain simple and minimalist or add lighting for a more dramatic nighttime effect.