Upcycle Old Garden Shovels To Create A Stunning Backyard Water Feature On A Budget

Even if you follow the essential tips for choosing the right shovel for your garden, you could end up with extras over the years. There are multiple types and sizes of garden shovels for a variety of purposes, so you may just overconsume. Also, many garden shovels have wooden handles that are durable but won't last forever. Tossing the whole blade just because of a broken handle seems like such a waste, though. Luckily, there are DIY projects that let you give new life to old shovels, including ones that are broken. YouTuber Vanessa The Salty Knitter shows one creative upcycle that takes your old shovels from rusting away in the back of the shed to the center of attention as a gorgeous water feature. Water starts at the top and runs down the shovel blades, bouncing back and forth for a zig-zag effect.

The original fountain by the YouTuber involves a wooden frame with six metal round-point shovel blades of equal size. The handles, grips, and sockets are all removed. At the bottom, there is a small stone basin. If you want to make your own, you can use any number of shovels and even multiple shapes and sizes for a more eclectic look that uses whatever you have at home. Just remember to adjust the size of your wooden frame based on your shovels. Along with these items, you'll also need a pump, flexible tubing that is durable enough for outdoor use, and waterproof sealant to build your own working fountain. Finally, we'll recommend some extras you can add for a decorative touch.

For this DIY to work, water needs to be pumped to the top of the wooden frame and poured onto the top shovel. Then, gravity takes over, and the water runs down the angled shovel to the next one, zig-zagging back and forth until it reaches the basin at the bottom. The shovels must be carefully spaced and angled to direct the water properly, and it might vary based on your water pressure.

To start, you'll need a wooden frame. Very roughly, there should be about a shovel blade's length between a tier on a single side, so if your blades are about 18 inches long, there should be a roughly 18-inch gap between the bottom of the shovel and the top of the next on the same side. The shovel from the other side should sit between them, roughly 9 inches away from each. For the two sides, you should be able to make them about two shovel blade lengths apart (36 inches apart for 18-inch blades). By adding wooden blocks to attach the blades, you can create more or less distance to adjust for your water flow. Begin with the topmost shovel, and work your way down using running water to ensure each shovel is in the right spot. Place the basin at the bottom to catch the water, and insert a submersible pump. Be sure to choose a pump that can push water to the height of your highest shovel. Attach your flexible tubing to the pump, and secure it to the back of one of the wooden posts so it deposits water on the top shovel.

With the basics complete, you can optimize for longevity. Adding a waterproof sealant to the basin and tubing seams to prevent leaks is a good first upgrade. After that, you should consider the shovels and their condition. When using old shovels, you may first need to explore some ways to remove rust and corrosion from tools, minus the elbow grease. The aged look is unique, but rust can damage the fountain's pump. Even if your shovels are in good condition now, you should treat them with an epoxy, polyurethane, powder, or ceramic coating to prevent the shovels from rusting while being exposed to the running water and elements. 

Be sure to reapply according to the product's instructions. Remember to keep up with regular maintenance, such as keeping the pump submerged and clean, and avoid turning the fountain on during extreme heat or cold. Once you know your fountain is protected, you can move on to aesthetic upgrade considerations.

Add stones to the basin, drape leafy green vines around the wooden frame, or add some outdoor fairy lights to make the fountain more natural and fantastical looking. Or, embrace the industrial vibe of it by keeping the area around it neatly manicured and pairing it with modern outdoor lights. You can also paint or stain the wooden frame and shovel blades to achieve a different style. For even more inspiration, learn about some underrated water features that give your yard a luxurious touch.