Creating a waterfall fountain adds tranquility and visual charm to any indoor or outdoor space. In this project, we’ll show you how to craft a beautiful, rustic waterfall fountain using only cement and sand. This design includes three mini barrels, one large base barrel, a sculpted mountain, and a plant pot—all designed using the Faux Bois technique for a wood-like finish.
Why This Plan Works
- Durable Materials: Cement and sand ensure long-lasting structure.
- Artistic Design: Faux Bois offers a natural, wood-inspired look without the maintenance.
- Multi-functional: Combines water features with plant pot integration.
- Indoor/Outdoor Use: Works equally well in gardens or interior decor.
- Custom Lighting: Submersible LED lights enhance ambiance.
What You Will Need
- Cutter, metal ruler (50cm), soldering iron, universal pliers
- Painting palette knives, masonry trowel, professional paint brushes
- Mini submersible pump, PVC tube (6mm inlet), submersible LED lights
- 0.5L plastic box, 12L plastic planter, 0.5x1m fine mesh (2mm)
- 10kg sand, 20kg cement, acrylic paint, 70g epoxy resin + hardener
How to Make
Step 1. Create Mini Barrel Mold
Use a 500g plastic yogurt container as a mold. Fill it with packed wet sand. Remove the mold gently in an upward motion to maintain the sand shape.
Step 2. Apply First Concrete Layer
Prepare a diluted mix (2.5 cups cement + 1 cup sand + water). Pour over the sand mold, covering evenly with a consistent thickness. Use palette knives to maintain precision and avoid collapsing the mold.
Step 3. Apply Second Concrete Layer
Use a thicker concrete mix. Cover the first layer with uniform thickness. Make a central hole in the barrel using the PVC tube for pump installation.
Step 4. Sculpt Wood Grain Detail
After an hour, carve straight, equidistant lines. Between them, draw wooden grooves for a Faux Bois effect.
Step 5. Make the Spout
Cut a 2x4cm opening at the barrel’s base. Use wet sand to mold the spout, cover it with a 1cm concrete layer, and trim excess with a cutter after 30–60 minutes.
Step 6. Add Barrel Belts
Form two wide belts with concrete. Refine and clean up any excess. Add small, even balls for tack nails.
Step 7. Remove Sand
After 3 hours, scoop out sand with a spoon. Wash interior with water and a brush. Patch cracks with thin cement. Add tack nails to belts.
Step 8. Create Two More Mini Barrels
Repeat Steps 1–7 to create two additional mini barrels for a three-tier waterfall.
Step 9. Mold Large Base Barrel
Use a 12L plastic planter. Fill with wet sand and compact thoroughly. Remove the mold gently.
Step 10. Shape Large Barrel
Apply diluted concrete mix over the sand mold. Once dry, add a second, thicker layer. Cover fine mesh for reinforcement.
Step 11. Carve Large Barrel Details
Carve wood grain lines. Cut a 9x22cm oval at the top and a 10cm hole opposite for the pump.
Step 12. Shape Basin and Plant Pot
Flip the barrel and dig a 15cm-deep basin in the sand. Pour diluted cement, reinforce with mesh, and maintain consistent thickness. Dig a 5x11cm, 10cm-deep hole for a plant pot with drainage holes.
Step 13. Remove Sand
After 24 hours, clear all sand. Rinse thoroughly to clean the pumping chamber.
Step 14. Add Belts to Base Barrel
Add two wide belts. Clean excess cement and add tack nail balls as before.
Step 15. Assemble Mini Barrels
Start with the lowest barrel. For higher barrels, glue four 8x14cm polystyrene blocks together. Carve barrel positions, cover with concrete, and sculpt into a stone mountain. Install by moistening the area, applying diluted cement, and setting barrels in place.
Step 16. Paint and Epoxy Coating
Clean dried cement dust. Use acrylic paint for moisture resistance. Coat all water-contact surfaces (mini barrels, spouts, basin) with two epoxy resin layers, 24 hours apart.
Step 17. Install Lights and Pump
Glue waterproof LED spotlights to barrel bottoms. Insert the PVC tube into the first barrel’s hole. Connect the pump and insert through the 10cm hole into the basin.
Step 18. Start the Fountain
Pour 4 liters of water into the basin. For outdoor use, ensure all electrical elements are weather-protected.
Note: Patience and precision are key. Each step builds toward a durable, stunning water feature.
Other Details Display
- Faux Bois technique mimics wood grain using cement.
- Polystyrene core used for lightweight mountain support.
- Basin includes integrated plant pot with drainage.
- Acrylic paint provides a rustic finish; epoxy seals against leaks.
- Submersible LEDs create adjustable lighting effects.
- Mini pump ensures consistent water flow.
Summary
This cement waterfall fountain combines art, craftsmanship, and functionality. Using sand casting, Faux Bois techniques, and durable materials, we’ve created a visually stunning, long-lasting water feature.
Whether for a garden or indoor space, it brings tranquility and charm—perfect for DIY enthusiasts seeking a unique project.
This plan is a contribution by [Creative D2H]. Project Via Instructables – Get the PDF Instructions here.