Build An Epic Water Fountain From Concrete Blocks

When we think of cinder blocks, projects like forming home foundations or highway barriers typically come to mind. Well, there's a first time for everything. YouTube channel ehowgarden showed us that these heavy stones can be used in more ways than one. In a video, an expert constructs an affordable DIY garden fountain using concrete blocks, a trash can, and a fountain pump. The cool thing about this project is that the concrete blocks also serve as a functional bench, which can be placed in a yard as a neat resting spot. The project is simple, affordable, and can be completed in a day or two.

Want to give it a try? A few things you'll need to get started include two concrete cap blocks and seven cinder blocks that are close in length to the cap blocks, so they line up neatly — both block types are available at Home Depot for around $2 each. Additional supplies include a fountain pump, such as the CWKJ Fountain Pump on Amazon, felt furniture pads, and a plastic trash can — one small enough to nestle in the center of a square where four concrete blocks meet. All these items can be purchased at a hardware store, and each typically costs under $15.

The project also calls for a construction adhesive, such as Loctite PL Premium Polyurethane Construction Adhesive, which is available on Amazon for about $8. As an aesthetic add-on, include a couple of sheet metal pieces (roughly 6x10 inches) and an aluminum square tube to your supplies list. Menards has 6x18-inch metal sheets available for about $7, and metal square tubing is available at Home Depot or local hardware stores; prices will vary by thickness.

While working on a flat surface, lay the cinder blocks lengthwise and place the felt pads beneath them — this'll help align them with the cap blocks. Next, lay two cap blocks lengthwise facing each other, tuck your trash can between them, then flank both sides with cinder blocks so all four form an even square around the trash can — ensure the side grooves on the cinder blocks face the same direction.

The top of the trash can should be flush with the bottom edge of the surrounding blocks. If needed, trim the top of the trash can with tin snips, or add a bag of sand or another supportive item beneath it. Once you've nailed down the fit, set your fountain pump inside the trash can and secure one cinder block to the adjacent cap blocks with adhesive. Then thread the power cord through the cinder block opening on that side. Now it's time to create an optional cover for the fountain area, which'll keep debris out of the trash can.

Cut the two metal sheets and then bend each one at a 90-degree angle so they'll rest evenly across the top edge of the trash can, with enough space between them for the fountain's water tube to shoot up through. Place another cinder block on the end where the cord exits and thread it through. Now, add your other five cinder blocks to the opposite side of the cap blocks, securing the first one to the cap block with adhesive and spacing the rest almost an inch apart for more visual interest.

Once it's built, this creative fountain idea can add a luxurious touch to your yard with a few easy upgrades. For example, the aluminum square tubing recommended earlier can be placed in the grooved portion of the cinder blocks as a stylish accent. Just be sure to measure the grooves on the cinder blocks beforehand — also note the length of tubing needed to fit along the length of blocks. Perhaps the biggest upgrade you can give this design is by using a solar fountain pump instead of an electric one. 

Doing so will require some adjustments to the layout of the concrete blocks, trash can, and the folded metal sheets, but eliminating the need to thread the wire through the blocks may be worth it. You can also give the water fountain a more intentional look by painting the blocks to complement your backyard's theme, or by adding a few solar lights inside the holes. If you're feeling creative, give your DIY fountain a distressed aesthetic by painting it with two colors, such as cream and maroon. Or, consider painting it black and adding black pebbles along the sides of the folded sheet metal for a more modern vibe — this will also make the silver square tubing pop. 

For a botanical-inspired theme, place some artificial moss and faux succulents around the fountain spout. This will also serve as a great concealer for the metal sheet pieces. If you've been looking for a budget-friendly way to elevate your outdoor area, this project is definitely worth considering. You can even level up the entire design by adding a couple of painted wood boards to the top of the cinder blocks for a more comfortable seating area surface.