Now, almost a year later we are more than ready to design a “prettier” focal point. Like with all of my projects I wanted to keep the costs down, but also create a beautiful piece of work that my family and I could enjoy for many, many more years to come. For instance, do you remember when I created the DIY Potting Bench or even the Mason Jar Pendant Light? Very similar for sure!

With that being said, have you ever priced out a pond waterfall kit? From my research I found a range of $600 – $4,000 (depending on if you needed to hire help). Definitely out of my budget! How about flagstone, ledge or slate rock? Jaw dropping, right? Some of the local stores in town were asking a minimum of $60 for one rock at 25 lb. No way. I’ll do it my way, thank you very much!
Today I am going to show you how to build a waterfall on a budget, create your own rock out of concrete and then “pretty up” the area with found rock and plant life. Are you ready? Let’s get started!
Build a Waterfall on a Budget
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Materials Used:
- 2x4x8’s (pressure treated)
- 2x6x8’s (pressure treated)
- 1x 6’s (pressure treated)
- 2″ foam insulation
- 1″ PVC T-fitting (3)
- 1″ PVC elbow (8)
- 1″ PVC connectors (6)
- 1″ PVC pipe 10 foot sections SCH20 (10)
- 1/6 hp submersible multipurpose water pump
- wood screws
- liquid cement color
- concrete mix (we used 6 80lb bags)
- concrete mold
- mortar (2 40lb bags)
- purple primer
- medium clear pvc cement
- “found” rock
Tools Suggested:
- drill and bits
- level
- circular saw
- reciprocating saw (fine tooth blade)
- pencil
- screw gun
- measuring tape
- framing hammer
- ruler or anything with a straightedge
- rake
- wheel barrow
- shovel
This project will ultimately depend on your budget. We had a very small budget so we had to get quite creative in order to make this work. This particular project took us all weekend (plus a Friday night), but that was mainly due to the concrete. I honestly do not think you could do it less time because you have to wait for everything to dry, but at least you won’t be out in the sun all day!
I hope you enjoyed reading this tutorial and happy building!
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Make your yard even MORE amazing with these projects, too:
patio table with built-in coolers
Love your waterfall!! Thank you so much for your instructions! What a great project for the summer!
Thank you so much, Karianne! I have to warn you… they are addicting! I want another one on the other side of the pond now 😉
Oh wow! It’s perfect!
I love the photo taken from the semi-distance. It looks like the natural waterfall in wilderness 🙂
I hope you will share this beauty with our Link Up – Idea box:
https://milaslittlethings.com/2015/06/idea-box-thursday-link-party-15.html
Hugs,
Mila
Hi Mila! Thank you so much for such sweet comments 🙂 I cannot tell you how happy we are with this end result. Such a fun project!
Thanks for linking up your beautiful waterfall.
Your post was ‘most viewed’ last week 🙂
I so love waterfalls. That is a great tutorial for anyone with a nice place to put one in. Waterfalls add so much character to an area. Thanks for sharing this creative idea on #HomeMattersParty
Kathleen
Hi Kathleen! I couldn’t agree more. There is just something about a waterfall that is so soothing, and just “makes” an area more inviting!
Wow! You worked so hard on this. Looks so professional. Thanks for linking up with us at Idea Box.
Thank you so much!! We had so much for creating this beauty, but it was indeed a little trying at times. 🙂
amazing waterfall, thanks for sharing!
I’ve wanted a waterfall for so long, thanks for the great ideas and the money saving tips!
Laura
Looks good but I just have 1 question… How many gph is your pump?
Thank you for creating such a wonderful narrative and clear instructions on creating a waterfall. I really enjoyed following the process. It has inspired me to give it a try!