Small Pond

Tools Required

2lb lump hammer or carpenter’s claw hammer
Saw
Sharp craft knife
Spade
Spirit level
String line and spikes (or similar)
Tape measure
Try square

Before You Start

Make sure you have all of the components required.
Choose your site on a level area.
If your pond is to be situated on a patio or other hard standing then the ground spikes will not be required.

Some sand will be required
      a) to ensure a level base
      b) to cover the bracing to make a ledge
      c) to protect the liner (old carpet could also be used)

Assembly

1. Mark out the area (1.5m x 1.5m) of the Pond using tape measure, string and spikes.

2. Depending on the surface dig out the ground/remove turf/scrape back stone chips approx 50mm to 100mm deep. Put down a thin layer of sand over the exposed area.

3. Set up a string line for the first row.

Using the BlocX for row one (see Fig 1) fit the dowels only into the appropriate pre-drilled holes as indicated in Fig 1. Make sure that each of the BlocX are the correct way up ie with the countersunk holes to the top. With the dowel in the correct hole and using the punch supplied to protect the dowel top hammer the dowel into place (see fig 2). Note the arrow on the dowel to indicate which way it fits the pre-drilled holes (see fig 3). The dowels are put in the first row of BlocX before laying out.

Don’t forget to incorporate the first row of the bracing. These are the BlocX4 placed at right angles to each side of the pond as per Fig 1. Where the bracing forms a joint place an angle plate over the dowels (see Fig 1). Using the string line and spirit level now lay the first row. Keep checking for level. Use the sand to help you find level. Remember to use the try square to make sure the corners are at 90 degrees. The first row is now complete.

5. Fit the dowels and wedges together (see fig 4).

6. Fit the BlocX of the second row (see Fig 5) on top of the first row using the hammer to assist you.

7. Now drive a ground spike through the end hole of each piece of bracing (See fig 1). This could be left until the fourth row is completed.

8. Locate the dowels and wedges in the correct pre-drilled holes (see Fig 5) and using the punch hammer into place. Row 2 of the pond incorporates Row 2 of the bracing ie 4x BlocX3. Remember to use an angle plate at the joints. The second row is now in place.

9. Row 3 is a repetition of Row 1. Note that bracing is not required on rows 3 and 4.

10. Row 4 is a repetition of Row 2. Fit the BlocX of the fourth row on top of the third row using the hammer to assist you. As this is the finished height of your pond you need to saw three notches from every dowel so that they will fit the capping (see Fig 6). Remember to cover each of the corners with an angle plate. Dig a pit in the middle if you want a deep pond.

11. You now need to prepare protection for the pond liner. Cover the base with sand especially if there are any sharp stones. Now cover the bracing with soft sand. Not only will this protect the liner but it will make a ledge for plants. At this stage you could lay old carpet on the base and tack it to the side of the pond for extra protection but this is not essential.

12. Drape the liner over the pond and fill it with water. The water will allow the liner to spread to the corners.

13. Using a sharp craft knife cut the liner to expose the dowel prior to the fitting of the capping.

14. You are now ready to fit all the capping (see fig 7). Tip: If you plan a fountain or pump cut a groove in the capping for the cable.

15. All capping should be hammered on using a wooden block (see fig 8).

16. Trim off the excess liner with the sharp craft knife.

17. Your WoodBlocX pond is now complete and ready for fish and plants!

Trouble shooting

If you put a dowel in a hole in a row that has no corresponding hole in the next row then don’t try to remove it. Just cut it off flush and carry on without it.

Care

No maintenance is needed for your WoodBlocX Pond. Don’t varnish it as water will get under the varnish and turn it black. However you can paint WoodBlocX with any exterior wood paint to harmonise with your garden.