How to Build Bases for Fountains

A fountain base keeps your garden fountain level and helps to prevent it from sinking into the earth. Just as you need a base for installing a large garden statue, an outdoor fountain requires a base. Although a small fountain can stand on a pillar or even a tree stump, for a large fountains or a fountain with an underground basin, you need to build a base. This project requires only basic materials and hand tools. You may need a couple of assistants for this project if you're installing a heavy fountain.

Heavy-duty tape measure
Shovel
Carpenter's level
Strong 5-gallon bucket or pan, if needed
Heavy-duty steel mesh
Tin snips
Decking (optional)
Handsaw, as needed
Decorative rocks or slate

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the bottom of the fountain at its widest point. When you're building the fountain yourself rather than installing a manufactured fountain, measure the bottom of your fountain basin, the container that catches the water.
- 2
  Rake the ground where you want to install or build the fountain to clear away debris and expose any rocks or large roots. Measure the area and mark the ground with the edge of the shovel in the dimensions you need for the fountain's base. The size doesn't have to be exact, as long as it's large enough for the fountain to rest on with 4 inches extra in all directions.
- 3
  Use a carpenter's level to create a level surface for the fountain base. If the ground slopes, even slightly, the fountain will look off-kilter when installed and water may run out. It's best to level the ground before you begin the installation. Scape away soil on the high side if the bubble isn't in the center of the level. Use a shovel to scrape away as much soil as necessary until the ground is level in the measured area.
- 4
  Dig a hole the depth and diameter of the bucket or pan you're using for water recirculation if you're creating your own fountain. Skip to the next step if your fountain doesn't require an underground basin. Push the bucket or pan into the hole and tamp the soil down around it. Using tin snips, cut a square of steel mesh large enough to cover the underground container. Cut a hole in the center of the square large enough for the fountain tube that recirculates the water to fit through. Assemble the fountain.
- 5
  Cut decking 8 inches longer than the fountain's largest dimension. Cut enough decking to line them up 2 to 3 inches apart.
- 6
  Lay the planks next to each other across the hole or on the leveled ground, depending on the type of fountain you're installing. Space them evenly to support the fountain's weight. Have an assistant or two help you position the fountain on the fountain base.
- 7
  Arrange decorative rocks or slate over the mesh or decking to cover them and provide a natural setting for the fountain.

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