Building a terra cotta fountain is not as hard or expensive to build if you follow these easy steps.
Building your own backyard water feature can be very rewarding, and will provide years of enjoyment for just one weekend!
Step 1. Gathering the materials
In order to build the best terra cotta fountain, you need a few key ingredients:
- 14-inch Terra Cotta Saucer
- 7-inch terra cotta saucer
- 6-inch terra cotta saucer
- 3 4-inch terra cotta saucers
- 6-inch Terra Cotta flower pot
- 4-inch Terra Cotta flower pot
- One Fountain pump
- Plastic tubing
- Silicone rubber sealant
- Clear concrete sealer
- Round file
- Drill with 3/8-inch masonry bit
Step 2. Preparing the Flower Pots
Do not be intimidated by the thought of working with terra cotta.
Simply spray the inside of the 14-inch pot with clear sealer, immerse the rest of the saucers in water for an hour at least (this will soften the terra cotta material) and you can drill holes and file notches later!
Step 3. Drilling and Filling
As you are making the light stand, be sure to drill a hole in one of its center so that your cord can pass through. A 7 inch saucer with enough support under it and an appropriately sized piece for drilling will work well here!
Make sure to file four notches in the lip of it. One notch needs to accommodate power cord from pump and should be large enough for that purpose only!
Finally, file 4 notches on one of the 4-inch saucers. Next put a notch into its lip at an angle so there is less wasted space and create what will be used for winterizing your storage needs!
Step 4. Attaching the Fountain Pump
Attach the plastic tubing to your pump’s outlet. Turn the 6 inch pot upside down, before continuing into the 7 Inch saucer, which has been left open for you on top of it!
Seal and protect with a clear spray!
Step 5. Installing the Remaining Flower Pots
Now, place the 4-notched saucer over your tubing. Then turn an upside down 4-inch flower pot beside it so they are lined up beside the first column. Then, match them and place onto a 6 inch saucer for stability.
Place a 4-inch saucer upside down for the third column and place it next to the second one. The last 4-inch pot is placed on top.
Step 6. Filling the Fountain With Water
Once the base is filled with water, plug in a ground fault protected outlet so that you can continue filling it.
Step 7. Adding the Finishing Touches
You can make your new terra cotta fountain even more beautiful with the right accents. Fill it up, add some pebbles and flowers pots for an extra splash of color!