Choosing the Best Material for Outdoor Fountains Concrete vs Metal

 

Outdoor fountains are undoubtedly a feature that can transform your garden and provide a soothing atmosphere.

The soft sound of water flowing can transform any garden or lawn into a peaceful and relaxing spot.

To keep a water fountain well-maintained one should choose durable materials to construct a water fountain.

Are you considering getting a pleasant fountain for the outdoor space but are unsure about which material to choose? In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits of two popular choices for water fountains: concrete and metal.

By the end of this blog, one can understand how they differ in maintenance, how well they work, and some of their pros and cons.

What are Outdoor fountains Made of?

Water fountains are made of different materials, concrete and metal being the most common among them.

In addition to concrete and metal, fountains can also be constructed from other materials which include stone, resin, or fiberglass. Every type of material has its unique benefits and considerations.

Concrete Outdoor Fountains

Concrete fountains are durable and long-lasting, making them an excellent option for outdoor places.

They can handle rainy, windy, and sunny weather, making them a preferable option if one lives in harsh weather conditions.

How to Make a Concrete Fountain?

Concrete can be shaped into any shape or design, allowing you to be creative. Whether you like a modern concrete fountain or a traditional tiered one, concrete can work for both.

Moreover, a concrete fountain is inexpensive. This is because concrete is cheaper than metal or stone, making it an excellent choice for people who want to build a water fountain on a budget.

However, it’s important to know that a concrete fountain can be very heavy, especially when it has water in it.

This can make the installation process harder and the fountain may require extra support to stay stable.

How to Clean Concrete Fountains?

Concrete can get stained easily and might need to be cleaned and maintained regularly if one wants to preserve its aesthetic looks.

Pros

They are highly durable and can face all weathers without diminishing their value.

They are low-maintenance, except when they might need frequent cleaning if you live in a dusty area. Unlike other materials, they do not have to be resealed or treated with chemicals.

When finished, concrete outdoor features are heavy; therefore, they are less likely to be stolen than lighter materials such as metals or plastic.

Installing them does not require special tools or professional skills; one just needs to grasp the plumbing and electricity basics. However, one will need stamina and some equipment.

These fountains are generally cheaper than those made from other materials like metal or plastic.

Cons

Being heavier, they can’t be moved once fitted, and renovating them can be difficult.

A unique cleaning technique must be provided for the concrete fountains because of their porous nature.

Ultimately, you will want to know how to wash them properly to prevent ending with a mess.

Concrete fountains cannot handle cold winters with freezing and thawing because they are porous. Be sure it is coated with a tarp or covered sometime before winter.

Close and drain it about two weeks in advance so the porous material has enough time to dry up. As an alternative, conditions for water freezing and damage to stone fountains could develop.

One can keep the water in this fountain even though it seeps through below by filling the cistern to the brim.

Metal Outdoor Fountains

A metal water fountain is seen as fancy and stylish, so people like using it outdoors. They are made with stainless steel, copper, and bronze, each giving the fountain a different look.

Metal fountains are rigid and don’t easily break. They also don’t easily rust or get damaged by other materials, so they’re great for outdoor areas with high humidity.

Metal fountains are easy to care for and don’t need much maintenance to look pleasant.

Metal water fountains are strong and can be made in many different styles.

They can be made into detailed shapes and designs, creating beautiful focal points in outdoor spaces. Metal fountains look pleasant with both modern and traditional designs.

Pros

A metal fountain is exceptionally durable. They can resist felling, corrosion, and rust in outdoor locations.

This extends their life and ensures they are well-functioning all the time.

Unlike some other materials, metal fountains require minimal maintenance to maintain their image, making them an accessible and appropriate option for owners with limited time.

Metal can be wrought and fabricated into various complicated designs or patterns, extending the options in terms of aesthetics and suitability of styles and kinds to different preferences.

A metal fountain, on the other hand, evokes elegance and sophistication, a level of luxury easily absorbed by the eye of any outsider and serving as an eye-catching focal point.

Metals such as stainless steel, copper, and bronze are naturally resistant to corrosion is the liability to the designs of metal fountains, allowing them to function in any climate without losing their appearance of structural integrity.

Cons

A metal fountain is different from other materials because of their higher costs, which may serve as a roadblock for people who are looking to build a water fountain within a limited budget.

The installation’s stability and safety control will rely on the size and material of metal fountains, so it is necessary to provide appropriate support during installation to ensure stability and safety.

Metal fountains in the sun may absorb and store heat and consequently raise the water temperature if they are not installed under a shade.

However, this can be prevented with appropriate positioning and shadowing.

Metal fountains, on the other hand, are great because they can be designed in any way desired, but when it comes to intricate detail or shape, they are not as flexible as other materials, like concrete or resin.

Denting may occur if the fountain made from a particular metal is struck with an impact.

The risk remains, although this possibility can be minimized with due care and placement.

Concrete Vs Metal

Concrete garden fountains come in many different styles, from classic to modern.

Metal water fountains are contemporary and stylish and can complement many outdoor designs.

How to Seal a Concrete Fountain?

Concrete fountains can soak up water over time. This means that they need to be sealed often to prevent them from getting stained or cracked from moisture or temperature changes.

Metal fountains last longer and are less likely to be damaged by water or temperature changes compared to concrete fountain.

Concrete garden fountains come in different sizes and shapes and can fit any outdoor area.

Metal fountains, on the other hand, don’t come in different designs to choose from.

Concrete fountains are big and heavy, so they can be difficult to move from one place to another.

But because of that, they are less likely to topple over or be stolen by someone.Metal fountains are lighter than concrete ones, making them easier to move if one wants to change their location in the garden or backyard.

Some metal fountains may need stakes for extra support when used outside.

What Is The Best Material For Outdoor Fountains?

Choosing between concrete and metal will depend on one’s needs and preferences: one’s budget, and what their outdoor space needs.

Concrete fountain are a great choice because they are strong, can be used in many ways, and are inexpensive.

Alternatively, metal fountains are classy, elegant, strong, and need little care.

Before deciding, think about how the outdoor area looks, the weather where you live, and how much upkeep you want to do in the future.

No matter what material you pick, buying an excellent outdoor fountain will make the surroundings look more beautiful and peaceful.

Longevity

When choosing between cement fountains and metal fountains, it’s essential to consider their longevity.

Both materials are solid and will stay in good condition for a long time if they are taken care of and maintained regularly.

Metal fountains are less likely to get scratched, dented, or damaged than concrete fountain.

They are also easier to care for because they don’t need to be sealed or treated like concrete.

Metal fountains are also less likely to break in cold weather than concrete fountain.

Expense

The price of an outdoor fountain depends on its size, appearance, and materials.

Metal fountains are generally costlier than concrete fountain because their raw materials cost higher.

Alternatively, concrete fountain materials can be a good choice if one wants something that costs less but still gives their backyard an aesthetic look.

Variety of Designs For Outdoor Fountains

The style choices are critical when picking a concrete or metal outdoor fountain.

Concrete fountain can be of different shapes and sizes. On the other hand, metal ones usually have fewer design choices because they are generally made from stainless steel or copper.

If you want to add a fantastic outdoor water fountain to the outdoor space, contact Midwest Pond Features and Landscape today.

Wrapping It Up

Whether one opts for the practicality of concrete or the elegance of metal, choosing the most suitable material for the best outdoor fountain should align with personal choices, budget, and specific outdoor space needs.

Each material offers unique advantages, from durability and affordability to sophistication and low maintenance.

By carefully considering factors such as aesthetics, weather conditions, and long-term maintenance, one can select the perfect fountain to enhance the beauty and tranquility of their outdoor environment.

When choosing the material for the outdoor fountain, consider its capabilities and implications. Choose something that fits the mood you want in the outdoor area.

The material you choose can make the garden, patio, or courtyard look more attractive and meaningful.

Creating a metal Outdoor Fountains or a concrete Outdoor Fountains can be rewarding projects that add charm and tranquility to any outdoor space. You can even DIY metal fountains or DIY concrete fountain.

Investing in a high-quality outdoor fountain promises years of enjoyment and relaxation in the outdoor haven.

Midwest Pond Features and Landscape offers comprehensive services tailored to installing, maintaining, and enhancing outdoor fountains.