Build a portable patio fountain

Mark Rayner comes up with a simple water feature to enhance your deck or patio - and it can be built in a few hours.

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You will need:

Four pieces of treated 22mm plywood measuring 400mm x 600mm
50mm galvanised jolt head nails
Exterior PVA glue
Saw, drill and drill bits, craft knife, hammer, sandpaper, tape measure and paintbrush
Smooth pebbles
Small outdoor water pump with 'bell fountain' attachment
Two plastic storage crates
Resene Quick Dry Waterborne primer undercoat
Resene Lumbersider tinted to Resene Frangipani

Top tip: Always follow manufacturer's recommendations when fitting and operating pumps for out-door water features.

Step one
Measure and cut the plywood to the dimensions listed above.

Step two
Cutting in a straight line, saw the base off one of the plastic storage crates and smooth any rough edges with sandpaper. This sawn-off base will form the top drainage tray of the water feature.

Step three
Drill eight 10mm drainage holes in the sawn-off base and one larger central hole to accommodate the pump pipe and attachment, as shown.

Step four
Use a craft knife to cut a small notch in the top of the other storage crate, making sure it's large enough to accommodate the power cord of the water pump.

Step five
Using PVA glue and nails, assemble the four pieces of plywood to create a rectangular structure, as shown. Drill a large hole at the base of one of the sides to accommodate the power cord of the water pump.

Step six
Apply one coat of Resene Quick Dry to the plywood structure and allow to dry for one hour.

Step seven
Apply two coats of Resene Frangipani to this plywood base, allowing two hours for each coat to dry, then sand the plywood structure in position. Place the larger section of sawn-off storage crate in it and stack the other crate on top.

Step eight
Position the water pump as shown - feed its cord through the notch in the crate and hole in the base. Fill the crate with water. Place the drainage tray on top so the pipe and fountain attachment coincide through the central hole. Cover the tray with pebbles.

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