Hopefully, my first garden fountain article, “Garden Decorating With a Garden Fountain Renovated,” got you thinking about the benefits a fountain can bring to your gardens and landscaping. We also talked about thinking about the location and material of your outdoor fountain before purchasing. I want to go into more detail in this article regarding the various materials that are commonly used in garden fountains, as well as some advantages and disadvantages of each.

Outdoor water fountains, commonly called garden fountains, come in many shapes, sizes, and materials. You will see commonly used rock cascades among the landscapes that resemble real rocks with water cascading down. You will find stepped fountains in which water flows from one level to another or from one bowl to another, very common in the middle of a patio or patio. Could it be that he is trying to turn green whenever he can? Solar fountains may be the perfect option for you, although for a smaller water fountain, there are many styles, colors, and solar birdbaths to choose from. No need for cables, just place the solar panel in a place where it will get plenty of sun and enjoy. With so many options, you are sure to find the perfect look for your deck or garden area, so let’s consider the material options.

Typically, you will see garden style fountains in three materials, fiberglass, stone / granite, and ceramic. Of course there are others ranging from copper to slate to stainless steel, in this article we will compare fiberglass vs. cast stone options as they appear to be the most viewed and receive the most questions.

Fiberglass outdoor fountains are very common and come in many different styles. You can find rock-like lightweight outdoor fountains, stepped styles with 1-6 tiers, Japanese styles, and various other unique designs, all constructed from fiberglass materials. These fountains are often finished “stone-like” to make them look like real natural stone fountains. The biggest advantage of a fiberglass outdoor fountain is weight. Being a fiberglass material, your garden fountain will be kept at a manageable weight, making it easy to maneuver, move and clean. Many fiberglass tiered fountains, while they may be tall, have a twist-lock system so parts can be detached for easy storage in cold months and easy cleaning. Another advantage of fiberglass garden fountains is that they are lighter to ship, reducing cost. One downside to fiberglass material is that it could fade or chip over time from the sun and the elements. However, to compensate for this, the discolored or chipped piece can be fixed by repainting your fountain with a waterproof spray finish. Another point that may be a disadvantage for some is that most lightweight garden fountains are mass produced over the sea and are packaged and ready to ship. However, once again, to compensate for this, it keeps the cost low and allows you to get a source of water that is produced and ready to ship quickly.

Now, let’s talk about outdoor stone fountains. Typically stone or granite garden fountains are actually cast stone rather than solid concrete or granite to keep the weight down. The biggest advantage of a cast stone garden fountain is its beauty and strength! Although heavy, they are very impressive and come in many different shapes and sizes. You can get a stepped fountain at almost any height, a uniquely shaped smaller fountain, or a style that is meant to sit flush against a wall, such as a wall in your home or deck. Another advantage of a cast stone fountain is that you can usually choose your color. The color is done as a stain or is actually infused into the stone so it is very permanent so you shouldn’t have to worry about fading or chipping. The obvious downside to cast stone in a garden water feature is weight. They are heavy, so you will usually want to choose a more permanent spot in your garden. They can be moved, but it will take some time and energy to do so. Cast stone fountains are more difficult to clean simply because they generally need to be cleaned where they are rather than disassembled and thoroughly cleaned. Don’t let this put you off though, as there are many safe fountain care products that will keep your outdoor fountain looking great for years to come.

Regardless of the style or material of the garden fountain you choose, remember that if you live in a cold climate where it’s freezing weather, you should be on the lookout for winter care, such as draining and covering your fountain before a deep freeze. There are fountain covers that work great or you can just cover them with blankets and a tarp.

Find all kinds of garden fountains at Serenityhealth.com. You will find garden fountains in many different materials, as well as fountains by size and material. Start thinking about spring today and prepare to enjoy the soothing and fascinating sounds of an outdoor fountain as it beautifies your gardens and outdoor living spaces.

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