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DIY Birdbath Trellis Water Feature: Step-by-Step Construction Guide

Before You Start

These instructions build a birdbath trellis, but the techniques apply to various designs. Add color with concrete dye or ceramic tiles. For the trellis, try other patterns or use a ready-made wood or metal trellis.

Cost

Under $50 if you have scrap lumber and plywood for the mold; double if buying new. The mold is reusable—make several birdbaths as gifts.

Tools

Measuring tape
Jigsaw/saber saw
Drill
Bar clamps
Hacksaw or pipe cutter
Screwdriver
Round file (3/8–1/2 in.)
Heat gun or propane torch
Hammer
Miter box and handsaw
Sponge
Trowel

Time Required

Six to eight hours

Difficulty

Moderate

Materials

18 ft 1/2-in. copper tubing (soft-temper, type K or L): Arch A 91¾ in., Arch B 79⅛ in., 11 spacers (C) ~3¾ in. each
10 ft 1x3 pine/fir: two sides (D) 29¼ in., two ends (E) 19⅞ in., two braces (F) 4¾ in.
16 ft 1/2x1/2-in. square molding for pipe cleats (G): four 19⅞ in., four 26¾ in.
5/8x21⅜x29¼ in. plywood for form bottom (H)
5/8x48x48 in. plywood for arch radii and base
4 ft 1x2 or 1x3 for grips (J), cut in half
5/4x11¾x19¾ in. board (K) for basin (or glue 3/4 and 1/2 in. scrap plywood)
30 in. 3-in. PVC pipe, quartered: two 27¾ in. (L), two 19⅞ in. (M)
1½-in. drywall/exterior screws, solder, flux, steel wool, contact cement, two door hinges, varnish, vegetable oil, two 60-lb bags cement mix, concrete sealer

1. Build a Form for Bending the Trellis Tubing

Cut half-circles from 5/8- or 3/4-in. plywood, screw to a 32x48 in. base. Critical radii: 11¹³/₁₆ in. for Arch A, 7⅞ in. for Arch B. Make a compass from scrap lattice. Install a pivot clamp ½ in. above each form. Fasten with screws for reusability.

2. Bend the Two Arches

Place longer tube (A) in larger-radius form, bend halfway, clamp with pivot, finish bend. If it springs back, adjust by hand. Reassemble form for Arch B and repeat.

3. Cut and Cope the 11 Trellis Spacers (C)

Lay arches concentrically, measure gap, add ½ in. Cut 11 pieces to this length (3⅝–3⅞ in.). File ends concave to fit snugly between arches. Use a vise for filing.

4. Assemble the Trellis

Clean all joints with steel wool. Clamp assembly in position. Brush flux on joints, heat with heat gun or propane torch until solder melts and flows. Work on a fire-safe surface.

5. Build the Mold

Screw/glue/nail joints. Quarter a 30-in. PVC pipe lengthwise for cove detail (L and M). This keeps the birdbath from looking massive.

6. Cut and Miter Pipe Pieces

Cut L and M to length, miter ends. Glue to sides with contact cement; add cleats (G) inside top and bottom for easier fastening. Saw mold in half, reattach with hinges under bottom (H). Add braces (F) with screws for removal.

7. Varnish and Oil the Mold

Apply several coats of varnish inside mold, let dry, smear with vegetable oil for release. Cut basin board (K), attach hold-down boards (J), varnish and oil one side and edges.

8. Mix and Pour Concrete

Add concrete dye if desired. Fill mold to 1 in. from top. Position basin board (K), fasten hold-downs to form depression. Fill to top, vibrate by tapping sides with hammer, smooth with sponge or trowel.

9. Mark Trellis Placement

Press trellis lightly into wet concrete to mark holes. Remove trellis, form holes with four short copper tubes (don't leave them). After 2–3 hours, remove basin board. Let concrete cure 24 hours.