A 6 x 4 ft frame of ground-contact 2x6s with a slatted splash deck around a stock tub, for four to six ducks.
Draft plan, generated from the model. Not yet build-tested.
72 x 48 inFrame
36 x 24 inTub opening
5.5 inHeight
2 to 4 hrBuild time
$86.51Materials
Drawings All dimensions in inches
3D viewfinishedFront elevationRight elevationPlan viewfrom above
Cut list: lumber Long-point lengths; angles noted
Qty
Stock
Length
Part
Cut
3
2x4 PT
69
Deck front slat
laid flat, gaps for drainage
3
2x4 PT
69
Deck back slat
laid flat, gaps for drainage
4
2x4 PT
24
Deck left slat
laid flat
4
2x4 PT
24
Deck right slat
laid flat
1
2x6 GC
72
Side front
on edge
1
2x6 GC
72
Side back
on edge
1
2x6 GC
45
End left
on edge
1
2x6 GC
45
End right
on edge
Lumber cutting diagram Lengths chosen for the lowest cost; 1/8 in kerf, 1/2 in end trim
2x4 PT x 12 ft
Deck front slat 1 69Deck left slat 1 24Deck left slat 2 24Deck left slat 3 24
2x4 PT x 8 ft
Deck front slat 2 69Deck left slat 4 24
2x4 PT x 8 ft
Deck front slat 3 69Deck right slat 1 24
2x4 PT x 8 ft
Deck back slat 1 69Deck right slat 2 24
2x4 PT x 8 ft
Deck back slat 2 69Deck right slat 3 24
2x4 PT x 8 ft
Deck back slat 3 69Deck right slat 4 24
2x6 GC x 10 ft
Side front 72End left 45
2x6 GC x 10 ft
Side back 72End right 45
Shopping list $86.51 checked / $0.00 estimated
Item
Store
Qty
Each
Line
Note
2x4x12 ground-contact pressure-treated
Home Depot
1
$7.18
$7.18
see lumber cutting diagram
2x4x8 ground-contact pressure-treated
Home Depot
5
$4.68
$23.40
see lumber cutting diagram
2x6x10 ground-contact pressure-treated
Home Depot
2
$12.98
$25.96
see lumber cutting diagram
Exterior wood screws #9 x 2.5 in, 5 lb box
Home Depot
1
$29.97
$29.97
Total before tax
$86.51
Filled dot: price read from a store listing on Oct 20, 2026. Hollow dot: estimate. Prices come from the master price list, so they change when it changes.
Build steps
Level a pad of 4 in gravel 6 in bigger than the frame all round, sloping slightly away from the house.
Screw the 2x6 frame together at the corners, long sides over the short ends.
Set the tub in the middle and measure the opening. Cut the slats to fit and screw them across, 1/4 in apart.
Fill the tub with a hose. Dump it when it gets dirty, and the gravel drains the splash.
Before you start
A deck round the tub keeps the mud down. Ducks spread water everywhere; give them a hard surface that drains.
Ducks need to dunk their heads to keep their eyes and nostrils clean. A tub 12 in deep is the minimum.
The tub is not included; any 40 to 60 gal stock tank or rubber tub fits the 36 x 24 in opening.
Draft drawings generated from the model. Build one before selling this plan.