How to build a simple concrete stream

How to build a simple concrete stream

Planning and preparatory activities

Before construction begins, there is first of all careful planning so that the brook actually meanders through the garden as desired. Precise planning and execution is particularly important when working with concrete, after all, mistakes cannot be straightened out so quickly here - the material is difficult to remove or even only corrected. You should pay particular attention to these when planning and preparing your project:

  • Gradient of at least two to three percent so that the water flows
  • If there is no gradient, one must be created.
  • This can be done, for example, by excavating a garden pond that is planned at the same time.
  • The greater the gradient, the more the water flows.
  • Then the installation of barrages or waterfalls makes sense.
  • Without a powerful pump there is no babbling brook.
  • Pump performance is calculated according to width, length and water flow.
  • Ergo first determine the dimensions of the stream, then buy the right pump!

also read

  • Build a stream yourself - instructions and ideas for DIY enthusiasts
  • Build and create a garden pond with a stream yourself
  • Ideas for a self-designed stream in the garden

You should also have sand / gravel and natural stones (e.g. pebbles of different sizes) and bank or water plants in stock. The concreted stream bed can then be designed naturally with these materials.

Create a stream and pour in concrete

Before digging the creek bed, first mark the exact location of the creek, laying out the course line with the help of a rope or similar has often proven helpful. At best, you have already sketched the specific dimensions and the course in a plan; if necessary, this can be corrected after a visual check.

  • Now dig out the creek bed.
  • Remove plants, roots and stones.
  • The creek bed should be dug about 10 to 15 centimeters deeper.
  • Make sure it is evenly deep - the width, however, can vary.
  • Firmly tread the ground.
  • At the bottom there is a weed fleece, (€ 28.90 at Amazon *) a layer of gravel as a base.
  • This is also fastened well.
  • Only now do you mix the concrete and use it to pour the stream bed.
  • Model the stream bed using a trowel and other suitable tools.

Don't forget to waterproof the concrete. This can be done by adding sealing powder or by covering the finished work with sealing mud or liquid pond liner. Let the material dry well before flooding the creek bed with water.

Tips

If you press the natural stones into the still moist concrete, they will hold better after hardening.