Installing a raised timber pond shouldn't feel like rocket science, yet many people get overwhelmed by the prospect of creating their own water feature. The usual suspects - liner installation, achieving proper depth, getting everything level - often make this project seem more complex than it actually is.
Here's the thing: choosing a comprehensive raised pond kit eliminates most of the guesswork. Rather than sourcing individual components or worrying about whether your timber and liner will play nicely together, a complete kit provides everything in one package. From pressure-treated timber logs to professional-grade UPVC liners, each component is designed to work together seamlessly.
This guide walks you through building your own above ground timber pond, from understanding what you'll get in your kit to completing the installation. With pre-cut timber and all major components included, you'll spend more time enjoying the build and less time troubleshooting problems. We've also included a video with instructions to help you visualise each step.
Benefits of Raised Timber Garden Ponds
The biggest headache with traditional ponds? Digging. Above ground ponds solve this immediately, making them perfect for areas with hard ground or existing landscaping. They're also ideal for rental properties where permanent alterations aren't possible.
Raised ponds offer exceptional design flexibility too. You can relocate them if you redesign your garden, and their height creates visual interest while making maintenance much easier. Position them to take advantage of specific views or shelter - they work equally well as focal points or integrated features.
From a wildlife perspective, these ponds become magnets for local fauna. Frogs, dragonflies, and various bird species will find your pond irresistible. It creates a mini-ecosystem that supports biodiversity whilst providing a reliable water source for garden wildlife.
The maintenance advantages are significant. Easy access makes cleaning and plant maintenance straightforward, whilst better visibility helps you monitor water quality and fish health effectively. There's reduced contamination risk from surrounding soil, and installing filtration systems becomes much simpler.
What's Included in NLC Timber Pond Kits
Our comprehensive kit eliminates the usual frustrations of component compatibility and missing parts:
-
44mm thick tanalised treated logs with double tongue and groove construction
-
High-quality UPVC pond liner with 25-year guarantee
-
All stainless steel fixings resistant to water and weather
-
Ground anchoring components where required
-
Comprehensive installation instructions
Size options range from compact 1.2m x 1.2m installations to spacious 2.4m x 3.0m ponds. Standard depth of 1000mm suits both fish and aquatic plants perfectly, though alternative depths of 1020mm, 910mm, 800mm, and 690mm are available. Bespoke options can accommodate specific requirements that fall outside standard dimensions.
Tools and Materials Needed
The beauty of a complete pond kit lies in minimal additional requirements:
-
Battery-powered drill for assembly
-
Spirit level for ensuring level installation
-
Tape measure for checking dimensions
-
Rubber mallet for gentle adjustments
-
Work gloves for handling timber
-
Safety glasses when drilling
Optional helpful items:
-
Wheelbarrow for moving materials
-
Spade for minor ground preparation
-
Garden hose for initial filling
-
Pond pump for water circulation
-
LED lighting for evening enjoyment
Step-by-Step Installation Process
Step 1: Site Preparation and Foundation
-
Mark out the pond perimeter using string lines
-
Clear the area of vegetation and debris
-
Check for level using a spirit level across the entire area
-
Ensure good drainage around the pond perimeter
-
Add and compact base material if required
Step 2: Timber Assembly
-
Lay out all components and check against the provided list
-
Watch the instruction video below fully so you know what to expect throughout the installation
-
Beginwith the bottoms posts, and create a square
-
Add horizontal logs progressively checking level and square regularly until at maximum height
-
Add the top logs when at maximum height to complete the main wall structure
-
Use the tongue and groove system to create watertight joints
Step 3: Liner Installation
-
Inspect the assembled timber structure for sharp edges
-
Check the liner before applying for any splinters, tears, or holes
-
Position the liner carefully allowing adequate overlap
-
Secure according to kit and video instructions
-
Test the installation before final securing
Step 4: Filling and Commissioning
-
Add water slowly checking for leaks or movement
-
Allow the timber to settle making minor adjustments if needed
-
Install additional equipment like pumps or filters
-
Plan your planting and stocking schedule
Making the Most of Your Raised Pond
Plant Selection
Plant selection drives pond success more than most people realise. Oxygenating plants like hornwort improve water quality naturally, whilst floating plants such as water lilies provide shade and visual appeal. Marginal plants around edges create natural-looking borders, and seasonal interest comes from plants flowering at different times.
Fish Care
If keeping fish, start with hardy species like goldfish. Allow the pond to establish for several weeks before adding fish, provide adequate aeration especially during temperature extremes, and plan feeding regimes from the outset.
Water Quality Management
Water quality management prevents most common problems. Install appropriate filtration for your pond size and fish load, monitor parameters regularly using test kits, and manage algae through plant balance rather than chemicals. UV clarifiers help with persistent green water issues.
Wildlife Enhancement
Wildlife enhancement happens naturally with the right approach. Create shallow areas for drinking and bathing, provide perching spots with rocks or logs, plant native species around the perimeter, and avoid chemicals that harm visiting wildlife.
Easy Installation Raised Ponds from NLC Timber
Complex water features with unclear instructions turn pond projects into weekend-destroying frustrations. NLC Timber's raised pond kits eliminate this through straightforward design that makes the process accessible even for water gardening newcomers.
Each kit arrives with pre-cut, pressure-treated timber logs clearly marked for assembly, professional-grade UPVC liner sized for your dimensions, all required stainless steel fastenings, and comprehensive step-by-step instructions.
Quality doesn't compromise ease of installation. The 44mm thick timber logs provide exceptional strength, double tongue and groove construction ensures watertight assembly, 25-year liner guarantee provides peace of mind, and tanalised treatment protects against rot for decades.
No specialist expertise is required. Basic assembly skills suffice for professional results, most installations complete in a single weekend, and clear instructions guide you through each stage. Custom sizes are available for unusual spaces, different depth options suit various uses, and professional advice helps with planning.
Conclusion
Building a raised timber pond dramatically enhances your garden's appeal without the complexity of traditional installations. With proper planning, quality components, and attention to detail, you'll create a water feature providing years of enjoyment whilst adding significant property value.
Success comes from choosing comprehensive kits including all necessary components, thorough site preparation before assembly begins, careful installation following the sequence, and planning for both immediate enjoyment and long-term maintenance. Whether creating a simple wildlife pond or elaborate water garden complete with fish and aquatic plants, a well-built raised timber pond becomes the centrepiece of enhanced outdoor living.