How to Build a Water Wall

Once the lumber is dry, mark on the lawn where you want your post holes to go and set them using concrete. For instructions, watch How to Set a Post for a Fence or Deck. Once the posts are set in the ground, dig out a trench approximately 2 or 3 inches deep between them, and fill it with gravel to prevent the area from getting too muddy.

Pre-drill holes in the 2-by-4s so they won’t split when you attach them to the posts. We used a piece of scrap board as a spacer to leave an even 1-1/2-inch gap between each board on the wall. If you’re using standard 2-by-4s, measure 48-1/2 inches from the top of the post. This marks the baseline of where you’ll begin mounting your boards. Clamp each board in place, and check for level before fastening each board to the posts with exterior wood screws.

Design and assemble the system that brings water to the top of the wall. We used 3/4-inch PVC pipes, a few PVC elbows and some ball valves. We connected the garden hose using a standard hose fitting. Use PVC primer and cement to ensure the pipe fittings don’t leak.

We chose to cut our own movable support brackets out of PVC board to hold up the gutters, which will direct water flow down the water wall. This will allow kids to direct the water flow as they choose. You can download our Water Wall Bracket Diagram to make your own.

Since this wall is modular, you can rearrange and add to it whatever you like. We decided to use some pink flamingo and bluebird garden statues as well as some windmills to add to the playful look. The possibilities are only limited by your imagination.