Outside drinking fountains are a unique accessory for decks, patios, and even landscaped gardens. They provide an interesting conversation piece, as well as a central focus point for landscaping, flower boxes, flowerbeds, and walkways. Relatively easy to build, especially for do-it-yourselfers, they also make drinking water readily accessible for children at play as well as those wanting to spend some quiet reflective hours in their garden. You can certainly buy freestanding drinking fountains but they are usually quite expensive and one you build yourself lends a quality of artistry and creativity to your garden artwork and landscape. So, here is one freestanding drinking fountain pattern that is easy to build with tools most do-it-yourselfers would have on hand and parts that are usually available through your local hardware store or plumbing company.

Preparation

1. Determine the location for your drinking fountain. Make sure that there is proper drainage at the base of the fountain for splash and overspray.
2. It is best to install the fountain within a short distance of an underground water line. If you are not sure where one is, an underground utilities locator can help you find one.
3. It is easiest to install this fountain on a deck that sits above ground.

Making the fountain

1. Purchase a drinking fountain bubbler from a plumbing company in your area. If they do not have one in stock, they can usually order it through their suppliers.
2. Cut a piece of 3″ copper pipe the length you want your bubbler to extend above the deck. This may vary depending on who you expect to utilize the fountain e.g. children, older adults, teenagers, disabled people, etc.
3. Drill a hole in the end of a 3″ copper cap off to one side of the center of the cap.
4. Install the bubbler in the copper cap. Secure it with a mounting nut from inside the cap.
5. Attach a length of soft copper tubing or plastic tubing to the threaded end of the bubbler inside the copper cap. Make sure it is a watertight connection. Solder the copper tubing in place or use the proper fittings to make a plastic connection.
6. Fashion a base to the 3″ copper pipe. You can use a copper flange, a brass toilet flange soldered in place, or fashion wrought iron feet like the ones shown here. Use your imagination to build a sturdy base that will be fastened to the deck.

   

   A drinking fountain can lend an element of creativity to your deck or landscaping

Installing the fountain

1. Drill a hole through the deck planking for the water line.
2. Feed the water line through the hole and mount the fountain securely to the deck.
3. Once you have located the underground water line, turn the water to it off.
4. Cut the underground water line and install a tee using the appropriate material along with a shutoff valve to the fountain. This shutoff valve should be a ground key stop and waste valve so you can drain water from the fountain piping in the winter and protect it from freezing.
5. Connect the water line from the fountain to the shutoff valve.
6. Turn the water on and check your plumbing connections for leaks.

Tips

You can finish the copper fountain with a chemical that gives it an antique green patina. Then apply a couple of coats of marine or spar varnish to protect the finish.

You can also finish the copper with a few clear coats of lacquer or varnish or you can paint it.

Make sure that all the edges of the fountain are sanded or filed smooth to prevent cuts or scrapes.

Deck and patio maintenance means cleaning and sealing the wood surfaces and spring is a great time to restore a beautiful luster to your deck. Winter weather wreaks havoc with wood decks. Sun, wind, and rain penetrate the wood and cause cracks, fading, warping, splits, and checks. Unless a wood deck has been neglected for years, a good cleaning and application of a good wood sealer is all that is needed to restore your deck to like new condition.

Preparation

1. Cover all shrubbery and plants around your deck with plastic sheeting or tarps.
2. Move all planters and deck furniture away from the deck and cover them to protect them.
3. Sweep the deck surface.
4. Check the deck surface, railing, balusters, and steps for damage, pulled nails, splits, and cracks.
5. Repair any woodwork that shows damage.
6. Drive in pulled nails or use screws to add additional holding strength.
7. Replace any deck planking that is damaged. Now is a good time to check the steps and replace any treads that are split, cracked, or broken.
8. Sand any rough spots on the deck surface, hand rails, uprights, or steps with 80 or 100 grit sandpaper.

Cleaning

1. You can pressure wash your deck to clean it thoroughly. If you use a pressure washer, practice first on scrap lumber or an inconspicuous spot. The high pressure generated by this equipment can actually cut soft lumber like cedar. A moment’s carelessness with one can cause major damage.
2. Mix the proper cleaner with water according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
3. Attach a garden hose to the washer and pressure wash all the mold, mildew, dirt, and debris off the deck surfaces.
4. Use a stiff bristle brush or broom to work the dirt loose and help remove stubborn mold or mildew and to eliminate puddles.
5. Keep the deck wet with the cleaner. You may have to go back over areas more than once if your deck is large.
6. Allow the cleaner to soak into the wood for at least 10 minutes or according to the manufacturer’s instructions.


Spring is a great time to give your deck a makeover

7. Rinse the deck off with clear water.
8. Allow at least 2 days for the deck and associated woodwork to dry thoroughly before attempting to apply a sealer or stain.

Sealing

1. After the deck is completely dry, begin applying the sealer or stain of your choice.
2. Make sure the weather will not be too hot.
3. Double check that there are no rough or damaged spots that need to be addressed that may have been missed during the cleaning portion of the project.
4. Apply the sealer with a brush, spray painter, or roller and extension.
5. Make certain that the sealer does not puddle on the deck.
6. If the sealer is a clear water transparent product or semi-transparent one, you may need to put on more than one application.
7. Let the sealer dry thoroughly.
8. Be sure to apply sealer to all accessible areas of the deck woodwork, including all end grain.

Tips

Be sure to use safety equipment when using a pressure washer with a cleaner. You can damage your vision if you neglect to wear safety goggles. Wear a dust mask  when sanding finished wood. Safety gear is a good idea when applying sealers and stains, as well.

More pigment in the stain or sealer means better protection for the wood, although it tends to obscure the grain and texture of the wood surfaces.