How to Build an Indoor Waterfall

How to Build an Indoor Waterfall
Published: Feb 19, 2009
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
2 minute read

Building an indoor waterfall with slate or glass mosaic tiles is more labor intensive, but the effects are stunning.

Things You Will Need

  • Sheet of Plexiglas, cut to the size of the waterfall
  • Mosaic glass tile sheets with mesh backing
  • Glass tile adhesive
  • Trowel
  • Float
  • River rock
  • Pump
  • Pond liner
  • Waterproof adhesive
  1. Purchase the materials to build your indoor waterfall from your local home improvement supply store, or you can order the tiles and pump online. The pond liner is the reservoir for your indoor waterfall, but you can also use a planter or any other large container. Make sure that your reservoir is watertight; use plumber's putty if you need to seal any cracks or openings. Pond liners can be enhanced with stone or plant materials and can house fish if you are so inclined. Make sure your waterfall pump has enough power to force the water to the top of your waterfall. Purchase glass tile adhesive for adhering your tiles to the Plexiglas.

  2. Spread the glass tile adhesive in a small area and create grooves with the edge of your trowel. Press the tile firmly onto the adhesive. Tile the entire surface of one side of Plexiglas. Let the adhesive dry. Grout the surface using your float. Let the grout dry.

  3. Place your reservoir for your indoor waterfall in the desired location. If a pond liner is too big for your project, use a planter.

  4. Place the pump in the reservoir and attach the plastic tubing to it. Stretch the tubing up the back of the Plexiglas. Depending on the width of your indoor waterfall, more than one pump may be required for a uniform water flow. Let the end of the plastic tubing rest between the wall and the Plexiglas with the opening facing forward over the top of the Plexiglas. You can leave your indoor waterfall propped against the wall or place a bracing strip of wood onto the wall where the Plexiglas meets.

  5. Add river rock or other stones to the planter or pond liner for stability. Fill the reservoir with water before plugging in the pump.

The Drip Cap

  • Indoor waterfalls are focal points for your entryway, living area or as a divider between two spaces.
  • If a pond liner is too big for your project, use a planter.
  • Place the pump in the reservoir and attach the plastic tubing to it.
  • Stretch the tubing up the back of the Plexiglas.
  • Depending on the width of your indoor waterfall, more than one pump may be required for a uniform water flow.

Photo Credits

http://www.morguefile.com/archive/display/190694

http://www.morguefile.com/archive/display/190694

Katherine Kally

Katherine Kally is a freelance writer specializing in eco-friendly home-improvement projects, practical craft ideas and cost-effective decorating solutions. Kally's work has been featured on sites across the Web. She holds a Bachelor of…

Sponsored
HomeSteady Logo

HomeSteady is the ultimate guide for all your household needs, from cleaning and HVAC to electrical, DIY and maintenance.

Property of TechnologyAdvice. © 2026 TechnologyAdvice. All Rights Reserved

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the products that appear on this site are from companies from which TechnologyAdvice receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site including, for example, the order in which they appear. TechnologyAdvice does not include all companies or all types of products available in the marketplace.