How to Build a Raised Pond
A raised pond in your garden makes for a simple and effective way of attracting wildlife and giving your garden an extra personal and relaxing element.
Unlike in-ground ponds, which can be more difficult to upkeep, a raised pond takes significantly less maintenance, allowing you to spend more time enjoying the serenity of your garden.
The raised characteristic of your pond also allows for improved safety; its added height will help prevent any pets or children from falling in.
This guide is designed to support you in building the best possible raised pond for your garden with a step-by-step guide, touching upon sleeper and wood design techniques depending on how you wish to navigate your pond’s construction.
Table of Contents
How to build a raised pond with sleepers
How to build a raised pond with wood or decking boards
The cheapest way to build a raised pond
How to build a raised pond with sleepers
Choosing your materials and equipment
While this guide will specifically focus on building your raised pond from sleepers or wood, it is important to note that concrete blocks and bricks are also suitable options. Concrete blocks and bricks will likely maximise longevity. However, sleepers or wood are aesthetically pleasing and much easier to use.
In practical terms, ensure you are well-equipped with the right tools to make the job easier for yourself. You will need a spade/shovel, tape measure, spirit level, drill, suitable fasteners and brackets.
Once construction is complete, you will also need the right pond equipment, including pond underlay, liner, a pond pump and filter with UV, and the appropriate pipework for setup.
Selecting where to place your pond
Before erecting your raised pond, deciding the best place to position it is important. We recommend placing it in an accessible area for maximum enjoyment and easy access when maintenance is required, though this should not be too often!
Placing it near an outdoor seating area or within view of your kitchen window is always nice, as the view can be enjoyed from various areas of your home or garden.
You can start the building process when you have decided on the ideal spot for your raised pond!
Ensure the ground is level
A vital part of the building process is ensuring the area of your garden you have selected for your raised pond is level. To avoid any disruptions to the sturdiness of your pond, place a long piece of wood in the area where you intend to build it and place your spirit level on top. Repeat this process to gauge the length and width of your land to ensure all areas are level.
In any sections where your spirit level bubble isn’t central, use your spade/shovel to even out the ground until everywhere is level.
Check for rocks and roots that would cause possible punctures
Before laying any pond liner and underlay, you must check for any hazards that could potentially puncture or damage it. This rule also applies if you are constructing an in-ground pond.
If you find any sharp objects, rocks or stones, remove them from the area meticulously to save any disruption to your building process.
It is time to start building once you are happy that the ground is level and risk-free!
Position your sleepers
For those opting for sleepers, you must approach this aspect of your raised pond’s construction with precision as the positioning of the sleepers will determine the dimensions and definition of it.
Commonly, sleepers are available in either 100mm x 200mm or 250mm x 125mm cross sections in lengths of 1.2m, 2.4m or 3.6m, making them ideal for a range of raised pond builds. Raised ponds constructed from newly treated sleepers or wooden decking will create a modern contemporary effect, whilst older sleepers will create a more rustic look.
Set down your sleepers in a square or rectangular shape, with them at right angles to one another. Once you’re happy with their position, fasten the sleepers with straight or 90-degree angle brackets.
When your foundation is complete, layer your sleepers with the same approach until you reach your desired height. Make sure to stagger the joints so that each joint is overlapped with the sleeper above for additional strength and support. Do not add the final layer of sleepers yet, as this needs to be fitted once your pond liner has been added.
Of course, the taller you build your raised pond, the more water there will be, which places more outward pressure on the structure. With this in mind, be sure that your sleepers are fastened together securely, are flush against each other, and are built evenly to ensure a sturdy perimeter. It’s also crucial to ensure that no screws or sharp edges are exposed, as they can puncture the liner.
Calculate and add your pond liner
Once you are happy with your layered sleepers, it is time to lay down the pond underlay, which should be as smooth as possible, softening any bumps.
Our pond liner calculator is a brilliant tool to ensure efficiency and precision when building your raised pond. Simply enter your maximum pond length, width and depth in metres, and our clever calculator will work out the correct liner size, including overlap.
Pond Planet is committed to providing the best quality pond liner and underlay for your raised pond, along with pond netting. Shop our impressive range now to keep your pond at its best!
Fill your pond with water
This step is when you start to see your raised pond come to life. Position the hose into the structure and let the water fill the space, monitoring the water level to prevent overflowing.
Trim and secure your pond liner
Once your pond is filled with water, the overhanging pond liner will be visible around the edges. Position your last sleepers to make the top frame of your raised pond, fitting it on top of the excess liner.
When you are sure it is secure, trim away any overhang to give the structure of your pond the last bit of finesse.
Install your pond pump and filter
Whether you have used wood, decking or sleepers for your pond, you must install a robust filtration system to keep the water clean and healthy.
Pond Planet has a great selection of pond pumps and filters for you to purchase, including pump and filter kits for extra ease. All our equipment is suitable for raised or koi ponds and will keep your pond’s wild and aquatic life thriving!
Add your finishing touches
Pond plants and fish are the perfect additions to your raised pond, giving it vibrant colours and life. For quiet nights in the garden or days spent soaking up the sun, the trickling sounds created by your fish will help create a perfect, chilled feel.
How to build a raised pond with wood
If you have made it to this point knowing you want to build your raised pond with wood, fear not, the process is very similar to that of the sleepers approach.
After choosing the right location and ground for your pond, gather your decking material and cut it to suit your desired pond size. Use a measuring tape for maximum accuracy before hand-sawing the wood to the correct size.
Next, use a drill to make 2 holes at the end of each piece of decking to prevent splitting. Insert the screws and fasten the decking strips together using a suitable drill with screw head.
Line the first four boards in a square or rectangular shape to make a frame, using the holes you have created to screw the boards together. Repeat this method, building upwards until you have reached your preferred height.
Unlike the sleeper pond, your decking pond will require corner posts to withhold the weight of the water and support your structure. Further support posts may also be required depending on the size of the intended structure. Making sure all posts are level is important, as height disparity can cause issues further down the line, such as overspill.
When you are happy with your structure, refer to previous points of the sleeper-building section to perfect your filtration system and finishing touches!
The cheapest way to build a raised pond
Building your raised pond allows you to save significant funds thanks to your DIY skills. Paying someone else to construct your garden’s centrepiece would cost money and potentially decrease the chances of personal customisation.
Pond Planet is also committed to ensuring a beautiful garden does not mean breaking the bank, so our range of pond liners starts at just £19.99, causing your raised pond to be an affordable investment, with these low prices assisting with upkeep.
Build the perfect pond with Pond Planet
With its versatile design and endless opportunities for creativity, your raised garden pond is sure to make the perfect outdoor feature. Give your pond an extra personal touch with our range of pond accessories and decor to keep it vibrant and engaging for your fish.
Purchase your favourite equipment from Pond Planet today and qualify for Free Delivery On Orders Over £49!
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