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How to Make a Water Feature Out of Styrofoam Boxes

Styrofoam has many more uses than as packing material. You can use Styrofoam as a sculpting medium to create any number of displays. An elegant, lightweight water feature can be made in any shape or size by carving the exteriors of Styrofoam boxes and arranging the pieces to create your display. As long as you have a water reserve and access to en electrical outlet, you can install your water feature indoors or out.

Things You'll Need

  • Styrofoam boxes
  • Manual or electric utility knife
  • Sandpaper
  • Hot foam-carving tool
  • Wire brush
  • Plastic tub
  • Epoxy
  • Wooden dowels
  • Paint
  • Polyurethane
  • Pump kit and piping
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Instructions

    • 1

      Sketch a design for your water feature directly on the Styrofoam, one you have determined the shape you want. You can make a water feature that looks like a collection of colorful stones. Another option might be to make a water feature in the shape of an animal or person.

    • 2

      Cut out the drawn pieces using a utility knife. A manual or electric utility knife is ideal for initial cuts, but you will most likely need to refine your shapes, especially if you are making a more intricate design. Sandpaper can be used to smooth your rough cuts. Hot carving tools can be used to make more precise cuts, though they might require some practice to get it right. Add texture to your Styrofoam pieces with a wire brush. This will give your Styrofoam a stony appearance.

    • 3

      Arrange your Styrofoam pieces around a plastic tub. This tub will be used as the reserve for your water feature. Glue your pieces together with cold epoxy glue. Use wooden dowels pierced through your foam pieces to stabilize your structure and hold your water feature together. Decorate as desired with paint or polyurethane sealant.

    • 4

      Connect your pump kit per manufacturer's instructions. Fill the tub with water and insert the pump in the tub. Feed the output tube through the back of the water feature up to the top so that the water will flow down your Styrofoam water feature and back into the tub.