Do you want to liven up your outdoor space with a beautiful fountain but aren’t sure which material is right for your needs? Are you looking for a garden fountain that’s both durable and visually appealing?
In this post, you can find out about concrete and metal as two of the popular and durable materials for outdoor fountains. By the end of this post, you’ll know how they compare in terms of upkeep and performance and their pros and cons.
You’ll be able to decide which of these backyard fountain materials (if either) is best suited for your home’s style and to bring soothing sounds to your backyard. You may want to learn more about pondless fountains after reading this post.
Concrete Outdoor Fountains
What Is A Concrete Outdoor Fountain?
Concrete outdoor fountains, also known as cast stone fountains, are made from a mixture of cement, aggregates, and other materials to create a stone-like material. It’s then molded into the shape of whatever fountain design you choose.
These popular outdoor fountains come in many different styles, from modern angles to classic curves. You can add coloring to the mixture to create beautiful hues in your fountain. With so many options, there’s sure to be something that fits your style and taste.
Pros
They are extremely durable and can withstand all sorts of weather conditions without deteriorating over time.
Furthermore, they require little maintenance aside from occasional cleaning. They don’t have to be resealed or treated with chemicals like some other materials.
Since concrete outdoor water features are heavy when finished, theft becomes less of an issue than it would be with lighter metals or plastic.
As far as installation goes, they don’t require any special tools or skills; all you need is basic knowledge of plumbing and electricity. Though, you will need strength and potentially some equipment to move it.
These fountains tend to be more affordable than metal or plastic.
Cons
Since they’re heavier, they’re difficult to move once installed, so redecorating can be difficult.
Concrete fountains have particular cleaning needs due to their porous nature. You’ll want to know how to clean them before attempting.
Concrete fountains cannot survive harsh winters with freezing and thawing cycles because they are porous. Make sure it is protected with a tarp or cover before freezing temperatures begin. Close it off and drain it a few weeks before you cover it so the porous material has time to dry out. Otherwise, the water could freeze inside the stone and damage your fountain. Even if you seal the top of your fountain, water can still seep through from underneath.
Metal Outdoor Water Fountains
Here are the main materials used in metal outdoor fountain designs.
Bronze Fountains
Pros
Bronze is an incredibly durable material that will last for years if properly maintained. It also has a classic look that won’t go out of style anytime soon, making it ideal for homeowners who want their fountain to stand the test of time.
It’s corrosion-resistant in most climates, which means it won’t be affected by rust or oxidation over time.
Cons
Bronze is typically one of the more expensive metals used for outdoor fountains. It’s also heavier than other metals, so it may require extra reinforcement in order to be safely installed in your outdoor space.
Some types of bronze can become discolored over time if exposed to certain elements like chlorine or saltwater.
Copper Fountains
Pros
Copper is a beautiful metal that will develop a unique patina over time due to exposure to the elements. It’s also relatively lightweight compared to other metals used for outdoor fountains and easy to install due to its malleability.
Copper is also naturally resistant to corrosion from elements like rainwater and dew, making it perfect for wetter climates.
Cons
Copper can become tarnished if exposed to certain chemicals like sulfuric acid or ammonia-based cleaners. Additionally, depending on where you live and how much rain your area gets each year, copper can corrode faster than other metals, such as stainless steel or aluminum. This is because it’s non-resistant when exposed to moisture over long periods of time.
The price tag on copper fountains can also be significantly higher than other materials since copper itself isn’t an abundant resource.
Stainless Steel Fountains
Pros
Stainless steel is one of the most popular materials used for outdoor fountains. It’s strong yet lightweight, making installation easier than with other metals. Stainless steel’s durability and longevity are quite high, too. Stainless steel is also incredibly resistant to corrosion, so you don’t have to worry about your fountain deteriorating over time from moisture exposure.
Plus, stainless steel often has a lower price point compared to other metals.
Cons
Although stainless steel is highly resistant to corrosion from water exposure, this protection does not extend to harsh chemicals. Additionally, although stainless steel is incredibly sturdy, it’s still prone to dents and scratches.
Aluminum Fountains
Pros
One of the main reasons homeowners opt for an aluminum fountain is because of its affordability. Compared to other materials, aluminum fountains are relatively inexpensive.
Aluminum also has a natural resistance to corrosion and rusting, so they tend to last much longer. Furthermore, they don’t require as much maintenance as fountains made out of other materials, such as stone or concrete, which can be difficult to clean and maintain regularly.
When it comes to decorative aluminum fountains, you have plenty of choices when it comes to size and style. Furthermore, these lightweight features are easy for anyone to move around or rearrange if needed. Installation is also a breeze compared with other types of heavier and more intricate models that likely require a professional’s assistance.
Cons
While aluminum is known for its strength and durability, it can still be susceptible to wear and tear over time. This means that regular maintenance will be necessary in order to keep the fountain looking its best.
Additionally, aluminum does not have the same aesthetic appeal as other materials like stone or bronze, which may not be ideal for some homeowners looking for more ornate designs. It can become discolored over time due to oxidation or exposure to certain chemicals, so it’s important that you take steps to protect your fountain from these elements if possible.
Concrete vs. Metal Backyard Fountains
Concrete fountains come in a wide range of styles, from traditional designs to modern sculptures. Metal fountains offer a sleek and modern look while still being able to blend into any landscape design.
Concrete fountains are porous and tend to absorb water over time. This means that it must be sealed regularly in order to prevent staining and cracking due to exposure to moisture or temperature changes. Metal fountains are more durable and less prone than concrete fountains when exposed to moisture or temperature changes.
Concrete fountains also come in many sizes and shapes, making them easy to customize for any outdoor space. Metal fountains don’t have as many design options.
Concrete fountains are heavy and bulky, which makes them difficult to move or transport, though this makes it harder for them to fall over or be stolen. Metal fountains tend to be lighter than their concrete counterparts as well, making them easier to transport should you decide later on that you want yours in another location in your garden or backyard. Though, some metal fountains may require additional anchoring methods like stakes for added stability when placed outdoors.
Which Of These Materials Is Best For An Outdoor Water Fountain?
Durability
When deciding between concrete and metal fountains, durability is an important factor to consider. Both materials are very durable and will last for many years with proper care and maintenance.
However, metal fountains tend to be more resistant to scratches, dents, and other damage than concrete fountains. They also require less upkeep since they do not need to be sealed or treated like concrete does.
Additionally, metal fountains are less likely to crack in cold weather than their concrete counterparts.
Cost
The cost of an outdoor fountain varies depending on the size, design, and material used. Generally speaking, metal fountains tend to be more expensive than concrete ones due to the cost of raw materials.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for something that is more affordable but still looks great in your yard, then a concrete fountain might be the better option for you.
Design Options
When it comes down to it, design options should be one of the most important factors when choosing between a concrete or a metal outdoor fountain.
Concrete fountains come in a variety of shapes and sizes. In contrast, metal ones are typically limited in terms of design options as they are usually made from either stainless steel or copper.
Find Your Forever Fountain With Premier Ponds
Now that you know a little more about concrete and metal outdoor fountains, will you use one of them to create a relaxing atmosphere? There are many other backyard fountain ideas you can use to enhance your backyard.
If you’re still not sure or have questions about outdoor water feature installation, give Premier Ponds of Maryland and Northern Virginia a call. We are happy to help you find and install the perfect fountain for your home or business. Fill out our contact form today, or give us a call.