Step by step guide on how to build or make a garden water feature

1. How to make a water feature © 2006 All Rights Reserved. Stuart Robinson

2. Step 1 Prepare a plot for your water feature to be built. Step 2 Plan to have your reticulation and electrical power source already positioned

3. Step 3 Place some boards to edge the concrete at a depth of 75mm (3in). Cut some steel mesh to fit.

4. Step 4 Cut some plastic large enough to cover the bottom and also above the sides. This is to stop seepage from your water feature through the concrete base

5. Step 5 Pour the concrete while keeping the steel mesh in the centre. Leave this to cure for a couple of days and keep it wet so that curing is slower and there is less chance of cracking.

6. Step 6 Starting at the back, build the walls required for your water feature.

7. Step 7 Continue building the bricks up making sure that each of the walls are bonded into each other

8. Step 8 Once you’ve finished building the walls leave it at least 24 hours before rendering.

9. Step 9 Render in the colour of your choice and leave dry to touch. Then begin to screed until smooth.