SUMMER ISSUE, 2009

Enjoy the pleasures of a water garden ON YOUR DECK

This project is ideal for people who lack the space for an in-ground water garden but want to enjoy the soothing sights and sounds that it brings to the backyard experience. Our deck pond is constructed using 3” deck screws and outdoor wood glue. Cut all pieces to size. Begin by building the frame. As you work your way through steps 1 to 4, use a builder's/framing square to ensure 90 degree corners horizontally and vertically.

what you’ll need

MATERIALS

2” x 4” cedar 40 feet
1/2” x 6” cedar 14 feet
1” x 2” cedar 14 feet
1” x 6” V-match (T & G) cedar 30 feet
3” cedar deck screws 2183-960
2” cedar deck screws 2183-953
11/2” galvanized finishing nails 2134-826
2” galvanized finishing nails 2134-835
outdoor wood glue 2020-850
sandpaper 1230-956
Rubbermaid^®jumbo storage tote (36.9” x 21.3” x 18.3") 4411-274
pump 5077-025 to 276
Krylon^® Fusion - black 1721-177
GFCI receptacle kit white 3614-217
Weather Shield^® clear sealer 1886-800

TOOLS

framing square 1070-060
mitre box with saw 1038-274
carpenter's square 1070-062
SKIL^® sander 1262-083
hammer 1030-558
measuring tape 1048-716
SKIL^® power drill 1239-414
#8 combination countersink bit 1227-513
portable table saw 1346-621
hand saw 1063-823
nail set 1039-389
fine tooth saw 1062-352
wood chisel 1020-095

PARTS

A frame pieces - (4) 2 x 4 x 431/4"
B frame pieces - (4) 2 x 4 x 261/4"
C corner supports - (4) 2 x 4 x 141/4"
D corner supports - (4) 2 x 4 x 111/4"
E filler pieces - (2) 2 x 4 x 191/4"
F V-match (Tongue &Groove) pieces - 1x6x171/4"
G trim pieces - (2) 1 x 2 x 29" (measure to fit)
H trim pieces - (2) 1 x 2 x 46" (measure to fit)
I sill pieces - (2) 5/4 x 6 (see drawing)
J sill pieces - (2) 5/4 x 6 (see drawing)
K corner trim pieces - (4) 5/4 x 6 (see drawing)

Step by Step

Attach the side and end frame pieces A and B together referring to the diagrams.
Build the corner supports C and D, attaching them to the bottom frame.
Attach the top end and side frame pieces to the corner supports.
Secure the two “filler” pieces E to the top ends' frame pieces.
Using 11/2” galvanized finishing nails or brad nails, attach theV-match cedar side pieces to the frame. Round off the outside corners with a sander, and sand the surface of the cedar at this stage of assembly.
Fasten the bottom trim pieces to the cedar sides using 11/2” galvanized finishing nails.
Using 2” deck screws install the top sill pieces. Pre-drill the locations using a #8 combination screw/countersink bit.
Using a handsaw and 1/2” wood chisel, cut a notch for the pump cord across the base of the bottom frame. This eliminates the need to drape the cord over the top sill.
Using glue and 2” galvanized finishing nails, install the four corner triangle trim pieces.
Sand and seal with the finish of your choice. In our project we used Weather Shield clear sealer.
The Rubbermaid bin is blue, but a black finish will promote the appearance of a deep natural pond. Use Krylon black paint to create this look. The original blue surface of the bin will need to be prepared properly for satisfactory paint adhesion. Carefully read the instructions on the label of the can before painting then apply at least two coats, allowing it to dry thoroughly between coats.
Using a fine-toothed saw, remove the hinge flanges from the bin, and enlarge the slots in one of the end handles to accommodate the plug of the pump cord.
Set the bin in its final location on your deck or in the garden then set the outer surround over the bin.
Place the pump in the bin and fill with water. Adjust the height and flow of the pump and plants using stone or bricks.

Note: Use a GFCI receptacle to plug in the pump.