A huge variety of water features and fountains are available on the market. Here, we will discuss the materials used to make these features and their pros and cons, hopefully helping you decide what kind is best for you. We will look at stainless steel, rock/stone, resin, and terracotta materials.
Stainless steel is a viral material for water features. However, one thing to consider is that the feature you’re interested in is made from quality steel. Stainless steel is produced according to different grades – these grades determine the quality of the steel, so to get the best, longest-lasting feature, you need to make sure it’s made from the highest grade of steel (grade 304). Bear this in mind, especially if you are looking for an outdoor water feature – higher steel grades are less likely to be subject to corrosion or damage by the outdoor environment.
Styl steel is so popular because such water features have a very contemporary, sophisticated look. Frequent styles are tubes, spheres, and walls, which can often be large features. Due to this, businesses usually favor stylish decorative pieces in their offices or showrooms (although stainless steel fountains are by no means exclusive to commercial institutions!) If you do have it in mind to buy a stainless steel feature, there is one important thing to consider beforehand. Due to the material itself and the average size of the features, they can be fairly weighty, so it is best to double-check the weight with the vendor before purchase.
Natural rock or stone makes ideal outdoor water features. As they are hewn from real rock rather than made from a mold, each feature may have slight variations, providing one of their most appealing attributes – no one else will have the same feature, so yours is unique! These water features can be supplied from several rock sources, including slate, stone, granite, and marble. The very nature of these materials ensures that the features are solid and durable; however, like stainless steel, some can also be rather heavy.
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The third material to consider is resin. Resin is widely used to manufacture water features as it is so versatile. While you may often find that rock or steel are used to create similar styles and shapes, the sheer variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and styles of resin features is enormous. Within the range of resin features, you will find fountains, figurines, animal water features, wall fountains, spheres, tabletop features, and more – the list is endless! The choice available is one of the top benefits of resin.
Unlike some stainless steel and rock water features, those made of resin are also lightweight. This is especially useful if you want to be the feature around. For example, if you have several guests visiting and want to make more space in the garden (or conversely, move the water feature to a more central location to create a talking point!)
Resin is a synthetic material, so rock or terracotta features are better options if you prefer something more natural. A great advantage of the artificial manufacture of resin features is that most are weather-resistant and less likely to be damaged by UV rays from the sun in summer or frost in winter.
The final material to consider is terracotta. Please note that sometimes terracotta water features are handmade to order rather than kept in stock – each of these, therefore, is unique, like rock features. However, it is important to know that you will take longer to receive a bespoke water feature than one kept in stock.
Terracotta is a lovely, sturdy material with a warm color and has been a traditional material for pots, jars, and various features for many years. For this reason, it is ideal for replica designs of ancient features such as Greek pots and water features, giving them an authentic look. Terracotta water features are generally only supplied in that color; however, (terracotta is a peachy-orange hue), so if you would like a wider variety of colors to choose from, the resin is a more suitable material.
It is worth noting that while all these materials are durable and designed for long-lasting wear, often outdoors, all features must still be protected. Powerful winds may overturn smaller features and damage them, so in cases of terrible weather, if you can bring the feature indoors, it may be safer there until the weather has subsided. If you leave your water feature outdoors during the winter, don’t let the water inside freeze, as it will then expand, which can damage the feature or pump.