Last Updated on May 29, 2024 by teamobn
We all have some terra cotta planters that we’ve failed to upgrade or use for our plants. Because the pots are inexpensive and widely available, they do tend to pile up. But the clever DIY enthusiast knows better than to throw them away.
Do you have spare terra cotta pots in your garden? You can turn these pots into a water feature you can add to your outdoor space or garden.
Assembling a fountain might sound like a DIY project for the experts, but by starting with small terra cotta pots you can easily learn how to make one on your own. Once you’ve grasped how fountain systems work, all you have to think about is how to decorate your very own water feature 🙂
Since pots are available in various sizes, having a terra cotta water feature is possible for any part of the home — living area, kitchen, patio, deck, garden, or even bathrooms.
Building a Terra Cotta Fountain
Could this be your next weekend project?
Materials
- 14-inch Terra Cotta Saucer
- 7-inch Terra Cotta Saucer
- 6-inch Terra Cotta Saucer
- 4-inch Terra Cotta Saucer
- 6-inch Terra Cotta Flower Pot
- 4-inch Terra Cotta Flower Pot
- Fountain Pump
- Plastic Tubing
- Silicon Sealer
- Clear Sealer
Tools
- Round File
- Drill & Masonry Bit
Instructions
Step 1: Setting Up Your Base
- First up, grab your largest saucer, the 14-inch one. This is going to catch all the lovely water that cascades down your fountain, so place it where you want your fountain to live.
Step 2: Drilling Time
- Take your drill and masonry bit. Carefully drill a hole in the center of each saucer and both flower pots. Make sure the hole is just the right size for your tubing—too big and you’ll have leaks; too small and your tubing won’t fit.
Step 3: Sealing the Deal
- Now, dab some silicon sealer around each hole you just drilled. This is crucial; it stops water from escaping. Give it enough time to dry completely. Maybe grab a coffee while you wait?
Step 4: Stack ’em Up
- Place your fountain pump inside the 6-inch pot. Feed the tubing up through the hole to the top of this pot. Then, flip the 4-inch pot upside down and stack it on top, threading the tubing through its hole too.
Step 5: Create the Waterfall
- Time to stack the saucers. Put the 4-inch saucer upside down on the 4-inch pot. Follow it with the 6-inch and then the 7-inch at the top, making sure the tubing goes through each one and sticks out a little at the top.
Step 6: Connect and Cut
- Attach the tubing to your pump’s output nozzle. Cut off any extra tubing but watch out for kinks. You want a smooth flow for the water.
Step 7: Testing 1-2-3
- Fill the base saucer with enough water to cover the pump. Plug it in and watch your creation come to life. Adjust the pots and saucers if needed to get the water flowing just right.
Step 8: Protect Your Creation
- Happy with how it looks and sounds? Great! Now brush some clear sealer on all the terra cotta pieces. It’ll help them withstand the elements and keep looking good.
Step 9: Make It Pretty
- Feel free to add some personal touches. Maybe some smooth stones, a few aquatic plants, or even some fairy lights for evening sparkle.
Step 10: Sit Back and Enjoy
- Plug your new fountain into a safe outdoor outlet and enjoy the soothing sounds and sight. You’ve just built something pretty awesome. Pat yourself on the back!
Terra Cotta Fountain Ideas
Below are design ideas on how to build great terra cotta fountains.
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If you want a visual guide on building your terra cotta fountain, check out the video below.
Customization Ideas for Terra Cotta Fountains
Customizing your terra cotta fountain can turn a simple water feature into a stunning focal point in your garden or patio.
Here are some creative ideas to personalize your terra cotta fountain, enhancing its charm and making it uniquely yours.
Paint and Color
Give your terra cotta fountain a burst of personality by painting the pots and saucers. Use exterior paints to withstand the elements. Choose bright colors for a vibrant look or opt for earth tones for a more natural feel. Painting your fountain can reflect your style and complement your outdoor decor.
Mosaic Magic
Applying mosaic tiles to your terra cotta fountain can create a mesmerizing effect. Use glass or ceramic tiles to cover the exterior surfaces of the pots and saucers. This not only adds color and texture but also reinforces the structure against the weather. A mosaic fountain becomes an art piece, sparkling beautifully as the water flows.
Lighting
Installing LED lights in or around your terra cotta fountain can elevate its look dramatically, especially at night. Position lights to illuminate the water as it cascades down, or place them inside the pots for a glowing effect. This addition brings your fountain to life after dark, creating a magical ambiance in your garden.
Plant Integration
Integrate your terra cotta fountain with the natural environment by adding plants. Small aquatic or moisture-loving plants can be placed in the saucers, while trailing plants like ivy can drape over the sides. This not only helps the fountain blend with the garden but also attracts wildlife like birds and butterflies.
Texture and Patinas
Create a rustic or antiqued look for your terra cotta fountain by applying textural finishes. You can use a mixture of peat moss and yogurt to encourage natural patinas, or apply a faux finish with paint and a sponge to simulate aged stone. This approach adds depth and character, making your fountain appear as though it has been part of your garden for generations.
Sculptural Elements
Attach small statues or figurines to your terra cotta fountain to add a thematic element. Whether it’s a small frog at the base, a fairy perched on the edge, or mythical creatures like gargoyles spouting water, these details can turn your fountain into a narrative piece that sparks conversation.
Sound Enhancements
Modify the water flow in your terra cotta fountain to create different sounds. Use various sizes of tubing or adjust the pump settings to change how water cascades from one tier to another. This can produce a range of sounds from a gentle trickle to a robust waterfall, allowing you to tailor the auditory ambiance to your preference.
Functional Decor
Turn your terra cotta fountain into more than just a visual piece by adding functional elements. For instance, design it to also serve as a birdbath or a small aquatic garden. This not only maximizes the use of space but also enhances the ecological appeal, inviting more wildlife into your garden.
These customization ideas for your terra cotta fountain not only enhance its aesthetics but also allow you to express your creativity, making your water feature a true centerpiece in your outdoor living space.
Incorporating Terra Cotta Fountains into Different Home Styles
Whatever your design style, including a terracotta fountain into your yard may improve its visual appeal and provide a calm environment.
Here’s how to include a terracotta fountain into a variety of home décor types so that it enhances the general concept and lends a hint of refinement.
Rustic Charm
For homes that boast a rustic style, a terra cotta fountain can be a natural fit. Position the fountain amidst a garden with wildflowers and native shrubs to emphasize a casual, country vibe. Enhance its rustic appeal by surrounding it with natural stones or a wooden bench, creating a perfect spot for relaxation.
Modern Minimalism
In a modern minimalist home, a terra cotta fountain should reflect simplicity and clean lines. Opt for a fountain with geometric shapes and minimal adornment. Position it as a standalone piece on a smooth, clear patio or against a backdrop of neat, architectural plants to make a bold, contemporary statement.
Mediterranean Elegance
Because it echoes the bright, sunny weather of the Mediterranean, terracotta is naturally suited to Mediterranean-style dwellings. Put your terracotta fountain in a brightly colored patio with lavender or olive trees all around it. This environment improves the sensory experience of the area in addition to enhancing the Mediterranean style.
Tropical Paradise
If the architecture of your house is tropical, utilize your terracotta fountain to create a lush, comfortable haven. Plant ferns, palms, and philodendrons among other lush, leafy plants all about the fountain. The sound of trickling water will enhance the peaceful, jungle-like atmosphere, and the local natural humidity will help maintain the plants flourishing.
Classic Elegance
For homes with a classic style, a terra cotta fountain can add an element of timeless sophistication. Design the fountain area with symmetrical plantings, traditional garden benches, and paths lined with hedgerows or roses. The terra cotta material itself helps evoke a sense of tradition and durability.
By choosing the right style and placement for your terra cotta fountain, you can enhance the beauty and atmosphere of your home, making it not just a place to live, but a retreat to enjoy.
Conclusion
Putting up a terra cotta fountain gives any outdoor area a quaint and peaceful touch. A water feature may be readily made that improves the atmosphere of your patio or garden with the correct materials and a little imagination. As your handcrafted fountain takes center stage in your home’s landscaping, take in the calming sound of water and its visual beauty.
We have more ways on boosting the look of your outdoor space. Check out our backyard fountain guide next!
