Imagine stepping into your backyard and hearing the soothing sound of water cascading over natural stone, instantly transforming your space into a private retreat. 
At Willow Ridge Garden Center and Landscaping, we specialize in designing and building custom backyard waterfalls that fit your vision, lifestyle, and budget. But one of the first questions homeowners ask is: How much does it cost to install a waterfall?
The truth is, no two water features are alike—which is what makes them so special. Whether you’re dreaming of a small pondless waterfall or a breathtaking, HGTV-worthy recreational swim pond, we create one-of-a-kind designs tailored to your space. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key factors that impact pricing so you can plan your perfect backyard oasis.
Curious about pricing? We have detailed pricing guides on our website, and you can visit our garden center to see water features with pricing in person!
- Size and Scale of the Waterfall
Since every water feature we build is custom, costs can vary widely. As a broad estimate, our projects start at $7,000 for a 4-foot-long pondless waterfall and can go up to $100,000+ for a large recreational swim pond—with plenty of options in between.
That’s the beauty of custom design—we can tailor your waterfall to fit both your vision and your budget. Whether you want a simple bubbling stream or a multi-tiered cascade that looks like it was carved by nature itself, we have the expertise to bring it to life.
- Type of Waterfall
Choosing the right type of waterfall affects both cost and maintenance. Here are two of the most common options:
- Pondless Waterfalls – If you love the sound of running water but want a low-maintenance feature, a pondless waterfall is an excellent choice. The water disappears into a hidden underground basin, making it safe for kids and pets and easier to maintain.
- Pond Waterfalls – These stunning water features flow into a pond, creating a thriving ecosystem for fish, aquatic plants, and wildlife. They require more planning and filtration, but the end result is a breathtaking, natural-looking water feature.
We build all of our waterfalls on a custom basin, not a pre-formed plastic pit like some DIY kits. Think of it like supercharging your car versus keeping it at a base model. Custom basins allow for better water flow, increased durability, and a more natural appearance. While we may use pre-formed basins for small fountainscapes, all ponds we build are on their own custom basins for optimal water flow.
- Pumps, Basins, and Filtration
A well-functioning waterfall relies on the right pump and filtration system. We use all Aquascape products, and one of our favorites is the Aquascape Adjustable Flow Pump, which allows you to control the water speed—so you can create a gentle trickle or a dramatic rush of water depending on your mood.
Other cost factors include:
- Pump size: Larger waterfalls require more powerful pumps, increasing cost.
- Basin size: A properly sized basin ensures efficient water circulation and minimizes refilling needs.
- Filtration system: A bog filter is an excellent natural filtration method, using gravel and aquatic plants to keep water crystal clear with minimal maintenance.
Choosing the right equipment ensures your waterfall remains beautiful and functional for years to come.
- Excavation and Site Preparation
The amount of excavation needed for your project can significantly impact the total cost. Some yards are easy to work with, while others present challenges such as:
- Rocky terrain
- Steep slopes
- Limited access spaces
- Site accessibility – The easier it is to get equipment in and out, the less labor-intensive the excavation will be.
Proper site preparation ensures water flows correctly and doesn’t cause erosion or drainage issues. While excavation may seem like just another step in the process, it plays a major role in the longevity and performance of your waterfall.
- Labor and Installation Costs
Building a backyard waterfall is an art. At Willow Ridge, our experienced team carefully selects and places each rock to make your waterfall look like it’s been there forever. We like to joke that the rocks speak to our hardscape crew when they’re building the water feature—they tell us exactly where they will look the best!
Here’s why hiring a professional is worth it:
- Skilled craftsmanship: Our team understands water flow, rock placement, and how to create a feature that blends naturally with your landscape.
- Plumbing and electrical work: Running a waterfall requires properly installed components for efficiency and safety.
- Heavy equipment: Large boulders and excavation work often require specialized machinery, which adds to the cost but ensures durability and precision.
While DIY kits may seem appealing, mistakes in installation can lead to costly repairs down the road.
- Additional Features and Customization
Waterfalls are beautiful on their own, but custom features can take them to the next level. Here are some popular options to consider:
- Low-voltage LED Lighting – Enjoy your waterfall at night with subtle, energy-efficient lighting.
- Moss-Covered Boulders – Create an aged, natural look that blends seamlessly with the environment.
- Local Fieldstone Boulders or Brown River Rock – We use these materials depending on the final aesthetic you want.
- Aquatic Plants – Water lilies, irises, and floating plants can enhance both beauty and filtration.
- Driftwood and Natural Elements – Add character and create a one-of-a-kind design that looks like it belongs in nature.
Each of these features adds to the cost but also enhances the overall experience of your backyard retreat.
- Maintenance and Long-Term Costs
A waterfall is a long-term investment, and it’s important to consider ongoing maintenance:
- Energy costs – Running a pump 24/7 adds to your electricity bill, but using an energy-efficient Aquascape pump helps keep costs manageable.
- Water usage – While waterfalls recycle water, evaporation means you’ll need to occasionally top it off.
- Seasonal maintenance – Leaves, algae, and debris can accumulate over time. Fortunately, with proper filtration and regular care, maintenance is minimal.
Our goal is to design a water feature that is both stunning and easy to maintain so you can enjoy the beauty without the hassle.
The cost of a backyard waterfall depends on several factors—size, type, materials, site preparation, and customization. Whether you want a small pondless waterfall or an expansive, natural swimming pond, Willow Ridge Garden Center and Landscaping can bring your vision to life.
By using high-quality Aquascape products, energy-efficient pumps, and custom-built basins, we create stunning, long-lasting water features designed for your unique space.
Thinking about adding a waterfall to your landscape? Let’s talk! Call us at 865-481-3825 or visit us in Oak Ridge, TN, and let’s design the perfect backyard escape for you!
For more details on pricing, visit our website or stop by our garden center to explore water features in person!