DIY Home Improvement

Module 05

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5. Module 05- Outdoor Projects II

Table of Contents 5. Module 05- Outdoor Projects II ..................................................................................................................... 1

5.1 Garden structures .................................................................................................................................... 2

5.1.1 Sheds ................................................................................................................................................. 2

5.1.2 Pergolas ............................................................................................................................................. 2

5.2 Water features ......................................................................................................................................... 3

5.2.1 Ponds ................................................................................................................................................. 3

5.2.2 Waterfalls and fountains .................................................................................................................. 4

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5.1 Garden structures

5.1.1 Sheds

Sheds, tree houses, playhouses, summerhouses, log cabins, pool houses and potting sheds are most

commonly constructed from wood. They are usually purchased prefabricated from manufacturers, who

will undertake installation for an additional fee. Alternatively, instructions and materials can be provided

for you to carry out your own installation.

It is worth considering whether to base the structure on a concrete pad, to build it directly onto the ground

or onto grass or to raise it off the ground on stilts or blocks. Some kit providers carry the option to

purchase custom solid sheet panels for ease of installation. If installing directly onto grass it is advised that

you treat all wood that will be in contact with the grass with a waterproof wood preserver.

5.1.2 Pergolas

A pergola is a garden feature that uses vertical posts to support cross beams and create a shaded seating

area or walkway. Vines are common features of pergolas. In the simplest terms, a pergola is an open roof

set on posts.

The following 10 step process can be used to install a pergola:

1. Choose a site. A soft site such as earth or grass will require posts to be sunk into the ground and

secured with concrete, while a hard site such as a patio can be used with a post support and

expanding masonry bolts.

2. Decide how many vertical posts you require. This must be the same amount on each side.

3. Treat wood with waterproof wood preserver and leave to dry for as long as advised by the product.

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4. Lay posts for one side out on the ground, ensuring they are equidistant from each other and parallel

at all point.

5. Lay a rafter on top of the posts and cut out housings.

6. Fit the posts into the rafter and secure with nails.

7. Repeat for the other side.

8. Raise each side up with temporary supports and check they are level to each other. When level,

cement in the ground and leave for 2 days or more.

9. Place crossbeams counter to the rafters and nail in.

10. Nail trellis panels to posts if desired.

5.2 Water features

5.2.1 Ponds

The following 12 step process can be used to install a pond:

1. Mark out the pond’s perimeter using string, spray-paint or sprinkling sand.

2. Remove turf.

3. Excavate the area using a spade to the depth of the first shelf.

4. Dig out the center of the pond to the required level.

5. Create one side of the pond in a gentle slope to allow animals who may fall in a chance to get out

again.

6. Remove sharp stones or lumps and ensure the surface is as level as possible.

7. Add a 1-2” layer of mason’s sand and rake it across all shelves until smooth.

8. Add a pond underlay or geotextile fabric to cover all shelves and the walls.

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9. Add the pond liner and secure the edges around the pool with bricks.

10. For a natural aesthetic, stack large stones from the bottom of the first shelf in a running bond until

you reach the top of the pond.

11. Lay stones around the edges of the pond to cover the liner.

12. Fill the pond with water.

5.2.2 Waterfalls and fountains

Waterfalls and fountains work in similar ways. Both have pumps submerged in the basin or reservoir. The

pump in a waterfall will take in water from the reservoir and pump it through a pipe and back up to the top

of the waterfall. The pump in a fountain takes in water from the reservoir and forces it back out through an

in-built impeller. Some fountains will work in the same way as a waterfall, pumping water through a pipe

to a higher point.

There are many different ways to construct a waterfall or fountain. A pump must be purchased and

submerged in a reservoir. This reservoir could be a pond, a gravel-filled trench or a pre-cast concrete bowl,

for example. This is then coupled with an element that creates a waterfall or fountain effect, such as a

stone ledge, a series of graduated stones or a central column.

The pump will be run by solar or electric power and as such needs a connection to one of these power

sources.

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