DIY Cinder block Raised Garden Bed and Fountain

MISTAKES WE MADE: • OUR DIY FOUNTAIN LEAKS...
SHOP THIS PROJECT: liketk.it/3zIgf
FOUNTAIN PUMP: www.siliconsol...
CONNECT WITH US: https:olivegreyavenue.com/links
We build raised garden beds 3 years ago out of wood but the Texas heat and sun took a toll on them so they didn't hold up like we had hoped. Now we are replacing them with CINDER BLOCKS. The funny thing is that this was actually cheaper (and easier) than the wood ones. You live and you learn!
We have spent so much time and effort turning our backyard into an oasis and we are just a couple projects away from it being complete! We will be sharing how we built an outdoor concrete vineyard table just as soon as we can figure out how to get it in the backyard!
Check out the behind the scenes of all of our current projects by following us on instagram -- / olivegreyavenue .
#diyfountain #raisedgardenbed #outdoorliving

[@tracisetter2164]

I love how patient your husband is when the pump doesn't work. I can hear the disappointment in your sigh when the water only comes out the one tube. I feel like I'd have the same reaction as you. But he is there to reassure you, "We'll figure it out", without a second of hesitation or anger. I would be the same way about waiting to seal it up and having second thoughts about a door etc🤣

[@olivegreyavenue]

I loved that moment too! He’s a fixer and I’m the dreamer so we work well together 🥰 thanks for watching and commenting ♥️

[@NickCager]

Seemed a little contrived.

[@believe3402]

It doesn't matter how it look like your DIY fountain. The most that matter is the relaxing sounds of the water dropping. Keep up the good work!

[@olivegreyavenue]

Thanks so much 😊

[@angelximara6566]

I love how your project came out and how you guys figured out the fountain. I have been searching online for white extra large planters but those are thousands of dollars and a contractor would charged a lot to do something like this. It’s awesome and I know how to build my extra large white planters.

[@olivegreyavenue]

Oh yay! That’s awesome you can totally build large planters like this! I hope it turns out super well for you 😊 thanks for watching!

[@mollytorra9949]

Leaving the door was the very best decision! Congrats on this wonderful project. You guys are imaginative and industrious, and your results prove it. Hope you're enjoying your new planters and fountain!

[@olivegreyavenue]

We are very much enjoying them! Thank you!

[@Zomby_Woof]

You could also just seal one block using something like rtv to seal it. Set a couple of handles in it, and you'd just slice through the rtv with a knife and yank the block.

[@comoelitamelendez8467]

YUPP, totally doing this myself! THANK YOU FOR SHOWING THIS! I am pretty sure a contractor would charge us $2k to do this!

[@hollisnotgrass6841]

I love this!!! I am turning an old, concrete horse trough into a fountain and you’re right… there’s not much out there, but your video is THE BEST

[@olivegreyavenue]

Aw thank you so much!

[@janicefitz6348]

Great idea and lovely. U should've put a squares of tiles on either side of the spigots. It looks bare. I believe u could still do that. Get ones with designs and it would add to ur villa feel. So would painting it an off white/light tan and then "antiquing" it on edges, etc. to make it look like it's old world instead of stark white. Nice job!

[@olivegreyavenue]

Thank you

[@lebohanghlapane250]

You guys are so cute. I can just imagine how much your friends admire you.

[@olivegreyavenue]

Aw thank you so much! 💜

[@mini_worx]

You did the smart thing by having the access panel. This is the correct way of doing it for future servicing. Great job. I'm going to copy the idea but build it out of wood which I'm more comfortable with.Thanks!

[@olivegreyavenue]

Glad this was helpful!

[@mini_worx]

@@olivegreyavenue - It truly was 😊 I have been brainstorming ideas for a space I have between my deck and my patio (Currently hostas planted) but this planter/fountain idea will definitely create a better aesthetic atmosphere. Honestly, I'm so glad I found your video.

[@miriamg8944]

I was happy to have found this video and even happier when I saw the Nicaragua tshirt on ur hubby. Thank u guys from a nica!

[@olivegreyavenue]

Aw thanks for watching!

[@nathanaelcard]

That indecision is sooooo relatable. Beautiful work

[@olivegreyavenue]

Thank you!

[@Dubz4k]

Just discovered y’all’s channel! I’m probably about to binge watch all the videos. My fiancé and I are about to start a few outdoor projects because we (like you) don’t want to wait for our dream home to enjoy how our home looks! Keep up the good work!!

[@olivegreyavenue]

Ahh glad you found us! Thanks so much for watching a good luck on your projects! 😊 we’re ALMOST done with our outdoor area 🙌🏻

[@mcarey2859]

Love this video. I to have been looking for DIY fountain videos and was surprised at how few there are. Thanks for the video, I learned a lot. It’s beautiful.

[@olivegreyavenue]

100% there aren’t many out there! I also made a follow up on a couple weeks ago about it leaking so check that one out too!

[@pm7823]

Wow! This is so so nice. We live close to the airport so hoping so do something like this to block out the airplane noise. This is just so nice!

[@olivegreyavenue]

Oh that’s awesome! Make sure to check out our follow up video on this too!

[@shebola2009]

It is outstanding. Not sure I will be able to add a pic I took at the garden center for a minuscule comparable fountain…. It costed 1,550!

[@olivegreyavenue]

Oh wow!!

[@keclark4]

Great teamwork pays off! I could see how many would avoid attempting a project this size and weight, but my guess on why no one seemed to be knowledgeable about grouts is due to lack of training. Sometimes you luck out though and find someone with the right experience.

[@olivegreyavenue]

Thanks for watching!

[@sfl6307]

Water plants will look nice in the fountain , Wayfair has a similar fountain on their site but it’s expensive so you saved a lot of money. You can always get a strong pump , see which one come with Wayfairs fountain. Nice work!

[@olivegreyavenue]

Good idea!

[@twillbdone3273]

Lovely build. Thank you for sharing with us. However, Like so many channels the background music overplays most of the speaking. Something that seems to work is to have a suitable music when there is no talking. And when there is talking have no music.

[@olivegreyavenue]

Thanks for watching and the input!

[@briann4434]

You guys did an awesome job! Great design and creativity in building this!

[@olivegreyavenue]

Thanks so much! It really came to life and I love it!

[@vuthihat48]

you guys are adorable, good looking family, awesome project, keep up the good work and thanks for sharing and inspiring!

[@olivegreyavenue]

Thanks so much

[@bkitteh6295]

It's gorgeous. You guys did a wonderful job! I also love the plantings. The whole thing makes the entry to your home beautiful. Your husband has the patience of Job to level every single, freaking cinder block. ❤ And then to calmly state, "We'll fix it," when the big reveal reveals 1 (of 3) working fountain tubes. You guys are a good team❣ Now, for the buzzkill. 😱 YOU HAVE TO WEAR A MASK WHEN POURING & MIXING THAT POWDER CR@P!! 😱 I 'm sure I'm not the only one to have "mentioned" this, but it really is super important. Powdery construction materials - cement, plaster, whatever your stucco stuff is - mustn't be inhaled. 💀 (Did you say there was fiberglass in it??!!) ☠ Respiratory injury/disease is evil. Don't expose your beautiful selves to it. 🙏 If you read all the way down here, thanks! Thanks too for creating this sweet video of your project. It was fun & informative. 👋🏼🙋🏽‍♀️✌🏽

[@olivegreyavenue]

Thanks for watching and the comment!

[@lisaschreiber2893]

ok I am about 20 seconds in and it’s stunning!!! I can not wait to see how you got there

[@olivegreyavenue]

Ah thank you!!

[@MsFarmer567]

I Love ❤ It; I hadn’t thought to do a fountain but, my plans my change; Great Job!!

[@raisinggoldfishonabudget7058]

It's really cool looking, if I wasn't BURIED in trees, & no real good place to put 1 I'd love to have 1 in my yard + I live in a northern state where it gets pretty crazy come winter seasons. I'd liked to seen it build in a normal day but oh well.

[@olivegreyavenue]

Thanks

[@TheRealCalisfynest]

Hes tearing that bagel up 😂 you guys did a good job. This layout concept (with additional holes for tubes) could potentially work for aquaponics too if it were wider. 🔥

[@olivegreyavenue]

Oh definitely there are tons of options! Aquaponics would be great!

[@diffened]

Very nice project. You should be proud the way it came out as you did a great job.

[@olivegreyavenue]

Thank you so much! We love it!

[@tedtolentino4955]

Looks great. Congratulations. Thanks for sharing this video.

[@morgann3754]

Always seal with silicone so it's easier to remove

[@iammedusa2600]

Your fountain is amazing! Thank you so much for sharing this. Enjoy!!!

[@olivegreyavenue]

Ah thank you so much!

[@Lab757]

You go girl. It came out fabulous!

[@lisakeith7313]

Beautiful! Great job! Could you show more details on filling the cinder block planters with dirt & flowers or plants?

[@micalar22]

This turned out so well!!! What a beautiful creation.

[@olivegreyavenue]

Thank you so much! 🥰

[@allthingsnu4673]

Y'all are my new favorite people! Great job!

[@olivegreyavenue]

Ahhh I love that! Thanks for watching!

[@parkersmithphoto]

Great job. I was looking for ideas to build a wall fountain and this really did the trick!

[@olivegreyavenue]

Glad I could help!

[@1loveVogue]

I just did this! Wondering how yours has held up? I also didn’t do a scratch coat and applied one coat to brick.

[@haileymapes6674]

Can you update us with any cracking, touch ups on the cement? I’m paranoid when it comes to permanent decisions and I want to make sure this would last!

[@olivegreyavenue]

I will! It’s been about 3-4 weeks since I finished it and nothing yet!

[@learning2growmyown]

Wow very creative idea thanks for sharing stay blessed

[@olivegreyavenue]

Thank you!

[@billalaman]

This was awesome, thanks for sharing.

[@selimbatuhan4959]

Very nice work! Amazing.👍

[@ronandwendylaroche3568]

Looks Beautiful!! Great Job!

[@olivegreyavenue]

Thank you so much!

[@joseapar]

OMG exactly what i've been wanting to make! Thank you for sharing the project. Can you be more specific of the non-stucco product you used here. Thanks!

[@olivegreyavenue]

I used surface bonding cement

[@rubenolguin2180]

Very awesome project!

[@egonzy4473]

Wow great job! It looks amazing!

[@olivegreyavenue]

Thanks so much!

[@LeGrowWorld]

Love it☘

[@clintarambula5733]

You need an access door and a drain behind for to empty and clean your fountain.

[@olivegreyavenue]

There is an access door for behind the piping but we decided to just clean it with a wet/dry vac since it’s so small

[@TheCreativeVictor]

Progress not perfection. ❤️

[@olivegreyavenue]

Yes!

[@heyfister]

Any issues with the stucco on the planter side? I didn’t see the inside lined and am planning on doing something similar.

[@MariaFiniArtist]

It looks great! You have inspired me to make something similar. What product did you use to glue the blocks together? How did you close up the bottom of the fountain? What did you use to attach the tile and grout the tile such that it is waterproof?

[@JLThisisMe]

That came out really nice. I'm considering trying to do something similar -- probably minus the flower beds on each side due to space. Can I ask what that rectangular piece was that went over the cinder blocks stacked vertically in the basin? I didn't see it on the shopping list. Also, is the surface bonding cement used inside the basin to make it water tight? Thanks.

[@jasonw6640]

very nice and very creative 👍

[@emmamurphy7317]

Wow! Nicely done! 😁

[@olivegreyavenue]

Thank you so much!

[@hashtagmethree2381]

The only thing it seems you were missing was sealing the entire structure after it was fully cured. Aside from that, not bad.

[@katrinar9310]

Looks super great! Thanks for sharing. Blessings, -Kate

[@olivegreyavenue]

Thanks for watching!

[@markperez4630]

Wow looks amazing.

[@olivegreyavenue]

Thank you!

[@ruhindadarnold5038]

Very beautiful work, 👏

[@olivegreyavenue]

Thank you!

[@ezell7079]

This is absolutely amazing 👏

[@olivegreyavenue]

Ah thanks so much!

[@mattfrost5604]

good job! It's stunning!

[@olivegreyavenue]

Thank you!

[@kellyryanrn1890]

Really nice job

[@olivegreyavenue]

Thank you!

[@vt20247]

great job! I like it and nicely done!

[@olivegreyavenue]

Thanks so much!

[@micheller9342]

This video is amazing! Thank you so much! What time of the year did you build this? I'm not sure if Spring (March) or Summer (July) would be better!

[@Yvonne-dw1tk]

Awesome Job👍🏾

[@FaithandFun-w6q]

Fantastic upload friend keep it up 😊💗

[@olivegreyavenue]

Oh thanks so much!

[@brunagoncalves8672]

Amazing work! ✨

[@olivegreyavenue]

Thank you!

[@poundermonster]

Great video, do those cinder block, raised, garden bed need drainage?

[@melissagarden4521]

SO Beautiful!!!

[@olivegreyavenue]

Thank you so much!

[@YoNeener]

I ❤ your vibe!

[@stepitup5409]

This is how Ill do mine!

[@olivegreyavenue]

Exciting!

[@dcheetham8603]

Great job!

[@olivegreyavenue]

Thank you!

[@Charlie10266]

Watching KZbin DIY’s always makes me feel like I need a husband. 🥲😅😂

[@olivegreyavenue]

You definitely don’t! Watch the latest cinderblock garden video, I did 95% of that by myself!

[@BossLady263]

Me too lol

[@trixiekirch434]

Looks great!

[@olivegreyavenue]

Thank you!

[@thisisatrium]

bravo!!!!! fantastic work!

[@olivegreyavenue]

Thank you!

[@kindle7191]

Amazing! Love it.

[@olivegreyavenue]

Thank you!

[@anjanabanerjee2101]

Good job I love it.

[@olivegreyavenue]

Thank you!

[@amanisamer]

This is really beautiful. This is exactly what I have been looking for. If you dont mind, I would like to make a small suggestion. I think it would be more amazing with some type of covering over the 3 fountain ends. Perhaps some decorative art to cover the pipes. I am definately going to use this idea for my yard.

[@olivegreyavenue]

Thank you so much! My vision was to have the 3 raw pipes sticking out but that’s the beauty of these things is that you can add something you love to it!

[@amanisamer]

@@olivegreyavenue Agreed!

[@amanisamer]

What did your husband lay down for the bottom of the fountain bed area? Was that a flat piece of plywood?

[@olivegreyavenue]

@@amanisamer it was hardy-backer (cement board)

[@blkr-d-drt1703]

We. Are going to attempt this project. The hole that is cut for the pump cord/hose can you explain how the water is keep in???Is there a part that holds the water? Thanks

[@david5132-t2u]

Great video. My only suggestion would be to wear a mask when mixing the "stucco".

[@olivegreyavenue]

Thanks!

[@dr_rosenburg_lacma]

How did you keep the reservoir of the fountain, where the pump sits, waterproof? How can I keep water from seeping out through the cinder block and the corners?

[@thedeathdealer2008]

Now that a year passed how did it hold up without a concrete footer, no rebar in the block work, no cement in the block cores, no stagger in the block work, and no metal mesh under the stucco?

[@olivegreyavenue]

It looks the same as the day we built it aside from dirt. Also, we did stagger the blocks.

[@edwardzo4371]

Thank you for replying to our questions btw! Do you recall how many gph your pump has?

[@edwardzo4371]

oh, I just saw the link you guys provided, looks like its 400 gph! Thanks again!

[@olivegreyavenue]

Thanks for watching

[@aprilm9551]

Helpful, thanks! So what IS this product that is not stucco that you're applying as the finish to the blocks?

[@Family20123]

Omg thank u got my 1st home n I’m going to try this can u paint over this after it is dry

[@olivegreyavenue]

I haven’t tried but I’m sure you can!

[@jonnyappleseed4723]

Cool project subbed

[@olivegreyavenue]

Thank you!

[@uditpuri7749]

how did you make the water reservoir not leak water? what did you use to seal the tiles and the base around the pebbles?

[@olivegreyavenue]

I needed to make corrections because we didn’t take all the right steps the first time. You should use a waterproofing system like the kerdi system before installing tiles! I made a follow up video about leaking a couple weeks ago so check that out too!

[@KreatyveGardenista]

This is incredible!!!! Two thumbs up & a pat on the back to you guys!! 👍🏾👍🏾 It looks beautiful 🤩🤩🤩 Would you mind sharing where you got the concrete tops from?

[@olivegreyavenue]

Thank you so much!! There are several links to everything in the description but here is where you can buy everything ltk.app.link/V57k7N2uEqb

[@KreatyveGardenista]

@@olivegreyavenue thank you! I am looking to build just planters & really like the "stucco" look you used!

[@olivegreyavenue]

Thank you! I’m working on another one that’s just the planter right now! You can check it out on Instagram or it’ll come out here in a couple weeks 😊

[@KreatyveGardenista]

@@olivegreyavenue I will def do that thanks so much!!

[@bbdawn1]

Love it!

[@olivegreyavenue]

Thanks!

[@katypadgett8593]

Would you build self watering wicking beds?

[@ossef9712]

Looks great! How’s the water proofing holding up in the pond?

[@olivegreyavenue]

Not well 😅 we’re working through solutions so I can update y’all on it when we figure it out 😊

[@MohamedMohamed-zk5wz]

Lovely

[@olivegreyavenue]

Thank you!

[@joehayes5787]

Sorry if i missed this but how did you waterproof the cinder block?

[@bloomwithmechi7427]

What part of Texas are y’all from? Just found your KZbin channel and loving everything!!?

[@olivegreyavenue]

Central Texas 😊

[@bloomwithmechi7427]

@@olivegreyavenue we are moving back to Houston and can not wait!

[@ellekim711]

I noticed in the finished fountain there’s some water soaking the stucco underneath the 3 pipes. Is that concerning?

[@olivegreyavenue]

That’s just splashback but I did a follow up video to address a leak kzbin.info/www/bejne/gGOmnHqoZdJqrMU

[@krissifaith6709]

How many cinder blocks were required, do ya know? Thanks.

[@trido3815]

Hi Olivegrey, how is the battery holding up charge after 1 year?

[@tjam4229]

How did you seal around the pump tubing and electrical cord so that water didn’t leak out?

[@olivegreyavenue]

We used flex seal

[@Leblueskee]

What's stopping that back wall from falling over ? Is there no concrete in between the Bricks? Also how come at the end the white is so discolored where the water flows from is it just wet? Looks super good! I wanna do something similar I think stuff like this makes such a huge improvement

[@olivegreyavenue]

The blocks are glued together. The traditional way is with mortar if you prefer to do the extra work. The water splashed up and got the stucco wet.

[@Leblueskee]

@@olivegreyavenue right I saw that you used glue it just seems like if there was any force on the wall it would fall over

[@olivegreyavenue]

@@Leblueskee it hasn’t for 2 years

[@kb4782]

@@olivegreyavenuecan you post a photo of it now somewhere?

[@theesaltyllama]

Did you only seal the pump hose at the spot where it goes through the tile into the cinderblock? I’m wondering if I’d have trouble with leaks from that spot. Or does the pump come with something to help prevent leaking there?

[@olivegreyavenue]

We just sealed it where it went through the cinderblock kzbin.info/www/bejne/gGOmnHqoZdJqrMU this might help answer some questions!

[@johsua6936]

How many block did u used

[@bridgetteflores984]

I noticed the embossed (I’m not sure if that’s the correct verbiage) tiles you used on the inside of the fountain aren’t listed, where did you find them? I’m in love with your work!

[@olivegreyavenue]

thanks so much! I found them at floor and decor!

[@emeraldcromwell8719]

Beautiful! thanks for posting. What did you use for the base of the fountain?

[@olivegreyavenue]

We just used the pebbles and sand as the base! Thanks for watching!

[@xinrui-li]

this is awesome! I'm in the process of building a similar style but didn't figure out what materials to buy to start. So the external layer is white concrete or paint? thank you! keep up the good work!

[@olivegreyavenue]

Thank you! The white layer is called surface bonding cement and all my supplies are linked here: liketk.it/3zIgf

[@xinrui-li]

@@olivegreyavenue Thank you so much for building this wonderful website and sharing the links!!! this is awesome!!!😍

[@olivegreyavenue]

@@xinrui-li oh you’re so welcome!