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What Is Lightweight Slate?

Slate is a very common building material for fountains. While heavier slate is wonderful for outdoor and garden fountains, however, it is somewhat impractical for indoor and wall fountains. Lightweight slate offers the same cosmetic benefits and appearance as its heavier counterpart without the weight that makes it impractical for some walls.  Typically, a lightweight slate fountain will consist of a thin layer of slate that it attached to a composite backing to add strength and durability. When the product is complete, the two materials are virtually indistinguishable, with the only noticeable difference the weight difference upon lifting the fountain.

This weight difference is by far the biggest benefit of choosing wall fountains made of the lightweight material over heavy fountains. Many people are surprised to learn that these lighter fountains weigh about ninety percent less than standard slate, which is especially helpful for people installing their own fountains. Another thing that many people do not know about these fountains is that they will last just as long as their heavier counterparts. A lightweight fountain made of slate can offer years of benefit and enjoyment as long as it is properly cared for.

Caring for your lightweight slate water fountain is the same as caring for any other slate fountain. Taking necessary care and precaution to prevent damage to the natural stone is very important. Use only soft cleaning materials and never use scrubbing pads or hard bristled brushes. You will also want to use lime remover to remove stubborn spots and mineral buildup. Take care when choosing cleaners and chemicals, and always follow the manufacturer’s directions. Many chemicals and materials can harm the texture and color of your fountain, and you will want to take care to ensure that this does not happen. Bleach is certainly among the chemicals that you will want to avoid with a slate fountain.

As with any fountain, one of the best tips to follow is to read and follow the manufacturer’s directions carefully. If you cannot find them, contact the manufacturer or seller to obtain a replacement copy. Caring for your wall fountains is always the best way to keep them beautiful and ensure that they have a long life. Slate is a beautiful material, but because it is natural, a bit of care and precaution must be exercised to prevent damaging it. Your fountain can offer years of life and beauty to any space, and with the right care and information, a lightweight slate fountain can certainly be a wonderful choice for your home.

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Learn About Copper Water Fountains

When seeking a beautiful, long lasting fountain that offers relaxing sounds as well as aesthetic appeal, a copper fountain makes a wonderful choice. The metal itself can be designed to have a brilliant shine or to provide a wonderful antiqued look, and the acoustics on these fountains are unlike any other. Copper fountains amplify sound considerably, creating a relaxing atmosphere. The shine of the metal also provides a unique aesthetic effect as the water runs or trickles down the fountain.

In general, there are two types of copper water fountains, those that are all natural and those that have had a clear coat applied. Natural fountains will take on a green or blue coloring (verdigris color) over time that will contrast with the shine of the copper to provide an organic and antiqued look, this the natural aging process of natural copper.  Copper that has a clear coat will remain shiny and beautiful, though it must be waxed with a hard shell type of wax every few months and should have furniture polish applied quite regularly. When applying the polish, it is important to ensure that the polish never makes contact with the water, however, as it can clog or damage your fountain pump.

The type of copper fountain that will work best for you will depend largely on your personal tastes. Many fountain owners prefer the natural look of standard copper fountains as they slowly develop a patina and oxidize, while others believe that fountains with a clear coat applied will offer a better version of the artist’s intent over time. There is certainly no right or wrong choice, and your personal preferences should help you make your decision. One thing that is important to keep in mind, however, is that maintenance will vary greatly depending on the type of fountain you choose.

When you purchase a copper fountain, it is important to read all of the manufacturer’s recommendations very carefully. The products used to clean a fountain with clear coat can be very damaging to a fountain that has no such protection. Because of this it is very important to ensure that any products or cleaning tools used are recommended for the type of fountain that you have installed.

Copper water fountains are ideal for many different places and spaces. There are numerous beautiful indoor fountains that employ a copper design as well as many outdoor, garden, and wall fountains made of copper. Outdoor fountains without a clear coat will often develop a patina quickly, due to air and rain exposure, helping you to get that antique look much more quickly. Whatever fountain type you choose, you are certain to find that your copper fountain is simply a work of beauty.

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Learn About Cast Stone Fountains

Cast stone is a very highly refined building stone. It is a type of concrete that is made from both fine and coarse stones including limestone, granite, quartz, marble, sand, and more. Cement and coloring pigments are also added, and the mixture is put into a mold to give it a dense texture much like that of natural stone. The result is that a cast stone fountain will look much more natural than concrete and will not start to show dark spots over time as concrete fountains typically do. For those seeking a natural and attractive stone look, cast stone is certainly a very appealing choice.

When it comes to placing basin style cast stone water fountains, it is recommended to place them on a soil base or to place about an inch of dirt below the fountain before assembly on a hard surface to prevent stress cracks to the base. Ensure that the fountain is level, however. For pedestal style fountains, the recommendation is to actually use a hard and level surface rather than dirt in order to prevent splash and rain water to erode the foundation and tip the fountain.

Cast stone fountains are remarkably sturdy, but they can certainly tip. Because of this, it is recommended that pets and people not be allowed to stand or sit on the fountain, particularly pedestal style fountains. This is also true because the parts of these fountains are help together only by gravity rather than cement or interlocking parts. With the exception of smaller wall fountains, these models are also meant for outdoor use. Cast stone fountains are prone to splashing. While this can create a relaxing and pleasing sound, the splashing can cause damage to the surrounding area, including walls, carpets, and electrical appliances, making them best suited for use outdoors.

A cast stone water fountain can be easily cared for. Always make sure that there is adequate water for your pump to keep it from running dry. The prevention of freezing during the winter is best achieved by bringing the fountain indoors, but when this is not possible, draining the fountain to prevent cracking is essential. Fountain covers are also recommended.

As with any fountain, reading the manufacturer’s instructions for assembling and caring for your cast stone fountain is highly recommended. Maintaining your fountain according to these instructions will help you keep it in the best condition possible. Touch up kits can help you refresh the color of the fountain. These simple tips can help you keep your fountain looking beautiful. Cast stone is an excellent choice, and when properly maintained it will offer beauty for many years to come.

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How to Choose the Right Fountain Material for Your Water Fountain

When looking to purchase a water fountain for your home, yard, or garden, you will quickly learn that there are many building materials to choose from. While the beauty and appeal of your fountain can be one of the largest factors in the choice you make, you will also want to pay attention to the needs and requirements of different materials. The climate you live in, the space where you intend to place the fountain, and other factors can help you decide which material will be best for you. In the next few paragraphs, we will take a look at some of the more common fountain materials.

When browsing water features, you will certainly find that copper is a common choice. Copper is warm and bright and offers a very upscale feel. Clear coated copper will retain a beautiful shine that looks new and radiant for years with proper maintenance, while natural copper will develop a patina, offering beautiful color changes as the metal oxidizes. Copper fountains can be used both indoors and outdoors and make wonderful choices. Slate fountains are also popular and offer an organic feel. Both thick and  lightweight slate fountains can be purchased for use on walls and  floors indoors and or outdoors.

Stone fountains are also quite popular, especially marble and granite. These fountains age beautifully and can make a wonderful investment, provided they are well maintained. These fountains are quite heavy and are most commonly used outdoors. Cast stone fountains are also common and offer the same look as natural stone without the same price. This material is most commonly used in garden water fountains. Ceramic fountains provide a handmade feel and can offer a sense of tranquility to a home, garden, or yard.

Glass fountains are often used for floor and wall fountains. They offer a beautiful artistic appeal and can look more like a work of art than a water feature. Acrylic fountains offer the same visual appeal as glass without the risk of breakage, making them ideal for many spaces. Fiberglass fountains are durable and can be placed outdoors in even the harshest weather conditions while remaining lightweight enough to be moved easily. Resin fountains are perhaps the most durable of all, and this material can be used for virtually any space while providing numerous looks and finishes.

In short, there are numerous options for fountain building materials. Many water fountains also make use of multiple materials to create a unique look. Your personal taste will likely be the biggest factor when choosing water features, but knowing the benefits of different materials can help you make the right choice for your space as well.

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Solid Slate vs. Lightweight Slate – What is the difference?

When people think of fountains they don’t often consider wall fountains, but these are actually among one of the most frequent varieties used. These can be a single panel of metal, stone, glass, or acrylic, or they can take up an entire wall. They don’t usually require special plumbing or electrical service, though many owners have a hidden wall plug installed (behind the fountain) along with the fixture. The main consideration of their use and installation, however, tends to be their weight.

All wall mounted fountains will contain the pump system, the water used to feed the fountain, the framing, and whatever materials the owner desires. This might mean that they have a copper frame, an acrylic backdrop, and even some special materials such as stones resting in the base to give the falling water an added tinkle or splash. This all adds up to heavier and heavier weights which might put a great deal of stress or strain on the wall studs or overall structure. Although as long as the fountain is hung with the proper hardware and the installer utilizes the wall studs for anchors there is usually no problem hanging most of the solid slate and marble wall fountains.  Proper installation is key to years of enjoyment of any wall fountain no matter the weight or size.

The primary reason that many people who want slate wall fountains will rely on the lightweight slate rather than the solid slate slabs is the weight of the solid slabs in comparison of the lightweight counterparts.   Known commonly as veneers, the lightweight pieces of slate incorporate a thin layer of the actual stone which is then securely mounted to a durable slab of composite material. This eliminates a vast majority of the weight created by the stone, but still allows the owner to enjoy the beauty and effects of the “real thing”.

This makes wall mounted fountains far more accessible to a wider audience or consumer market which might have avoided their use due to the higher average weights. It also means that some of the nice extra materials that a buyer may have eliminated due to concerns about the weight of the stone slab can be incorporated back into the design scheme. For example, those lovely river stones at the bottom of the fountain or a decorative copper element or sculpture positioned in the frame could be once again added to the design when the veneer is used.

Anyone who decides to hang wall fountains in their home or office is going to have to consider the placement quite seriously. The fixture must be hung only from a sturdy wall stud or support, and it should be in a location within close proximity to an approved electrical outlet. (Remember that the presence of water in such close proximity to an outlet will often require the owner to have a fixture that will prevent circuitry problems in the event of a leak or splash.)

Even though there are some special concerns associated with the use of wall mounted fountains, they continue to be a very popular option due to their many styles and great looks.

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Learn about Stone Water Fountains

When someone hears the words stone water fountain they might automatically picture massive public fixtures or monuments covered with statuary and spraying powerful jets of water into large basins. This not the only way in which such fountains appear, and a modern home or business can also enjoy the presence of a well-made and beautiful stone fountain too.  When considering a stone fountain you have the choice of granite in addition to basalt garden fountains.

It helps to consider exactly what sort of stone is used in the making of such fountains, and for the modern owner the most common choice will be granite. Fortunately, granite is a stone with a very wide array of naturally occurring colors and it is also a wonderful material to sand and polish to a highly reflective shine. This means that a gardener could opt for a natural stone fountain with rough edges and a simple bowl-like shape, or they could also select a highly-polished fixture that would look good in a garden or even the interior of a contemporary home or office. Both granite and basalt are igneous rocks cooled from magma. Basalt is another choice for a stone garden fountain due to the texture and the durability. One difference in the two stones is the basalt is fine grained so it is harder to see the individual particles of the stone like you do in granite. Basalt can come in rough and polished just as granite.

One of the most appealing features of this stone is the fact that it can be carved and shaped, or left in a natural state. This means that an owner could opt for a fountain that looks like a free-standing river rock, or they could select a highly carved, shaped, and dramatic fountain as well. The range of shapes, sizes, textures, and finishes is amazing, and is also another reason for the frequent use of stone in a fountain.

Many modern consumers will also opt to purchase a stone water fountain due to the fact that the materials are so durable and long-lasting. While a cast stone, metal, or even acrylic fountain might eventually lose some of its original good looks, the fountains made from natural stone tend to keep up their appearances. They can, however, run into some trouble in areas where deep winter freezing occurs.

It takes only a moment to consider the ways that water and ice can work on natural materials such as stone in order to understand the sort of vulnerability that a stone fountain would face. Even a small collection of water trapped between two surfaces of a fountain could form enough ice to fracture or crack it.

This means that someone who decides to use a stone fountain for their yard, garden or courtyard will have to ensure that proper winter time maintenance is done. This might mean removing portions of the pump mechanism, covering the entire fixture with a waterproof tarp or fountain cover, and even filling some of the cracks or bowls of the fountain with burlap and towels to draw any available moisture away from the stone.

Even with a need for a bit of care and maintenance, a stone water fountain can often be one of the most picturesque and cost-effective choices where home and garden water features are concerned.

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Learn about Stainless Steel Fountains

When someone thinks of stainless steel they often envision an industrial or commercial-looking setting. Even a home kitchen full of stainless steel tends to look a bit more clinical and modern than a classic kitchen design. When we discuss a stainless steel fountain, however, we must abandon those typical ideas of the metal as cold or sterile because when it is used in fountains it can give a surprisingly natural result.

Stainless water fountains can come in the form of a wall-hung model over which water cascades in a shallow stream, or they can be conceptual garden or floor models that rely on the looks of the metal to create a unique appearance. The thing about almost all of them is that the movement of the water is extremely clean and natural in appearance, which creates a somewhat impressive final result. Usually it is the reflective qualities of stainless steel that provides the overall appearance of the fixture, and even when the metal has more of a sheen than a reflective shininess, the results are greatly appealing. The reflective qualities of the material, however, mean that the owner will have to provide some regular care to get the desired effects.

Any stainless steel fountain is going to come with its own care and maintenance needs. Fortunately, stainless steel as a material tends to be very low-maintenance in general, and this still applies when it is put to use as the base or major element in a fountain of any kind. Although it is not an easily corroded metal, it may still need some care to ensure it remains spot or blemish free for many years. Also, be sure not to allow water to stand on the metal especially if it is tap water that may contain any amount of iron.

The basic maintenance on a stainless steel fountain would include emptying it and cleaning or treating the entire surface at least once per year before refilling it with distilled water and restarting normal operation. Using an all-natural and non-abrasive cleanser is really the only way to prevent damage to the metal. This means avoiding all products that rely on bleach or chlorine, which most owners would need to do since bleach can harm fountain pumps. Glass cleaners, window cleaners, and plain white vinegar are all excellent treatments for stainless steel. It is imperative that the owner does not use a circular motion with the cloth and cleanser, and instead identifies and follows any grain in the metal. This will prevent scratches or undesired marks, and enhance the shine or sheen of the metal. Make sure that you check with the manufacturer’s suggested cleaning instructions for cleaning your stainless steel fountain with any stainless steel cleaner.

The exterior of all stainless water fountains should be maintained as well and this means simply giving the surface a wipe with a soft cloth to prevent droplets of water or fingerprints from staining and marring the appearance of the fixture.

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Learn about the Slate Water Fountain

The sound of water moving across stone is one of the most inspiring or relaxing imaginable. Such a sound brings to mind visions of small streams and meandering rivers, but can also drown out the noise of nearby vehicle or pedestrian traffic too. This is just one of the many reasons that people opt to install a slate water fountain in their home, office, or commercial spaces.

Another reason for a reliance on the slate fountain is the fact that it is a remarkably flexible material for a number of decorator and designer styles. Consider that a modern room or home can use a fountain with a slate feature just as readily as an “all natural” or organic sort of home can too. It is important to also note that slate is available in a nice palette of naturally occurring colors and patterns, and that most of the better manufacturers and distributors sell the fountains with a nice selection of frame and base styles to coordinate with the variety of slate selected.

For example, it is not all that difficult to find a green, black or rajah slate fountain with a copper, stainless steel, or even a wooden frame.  The natural colors in slate allow them coordinate well with most any decor.

Unlike the purely metallic floor, desktop, garden, or wall fountains made of copper or stainless steel, the slate water fountains come with a very visible texture as well. The surface of the stone is far rougher than a flat piece of metal, and this creates “movement” or ripples in the water as it passes across the surface.

Of course, one of the major drawbacks to choosing to install a slate fountain in a home or office space is the fact that the materials are so remarkably heavy. An owner will have to consider the location of the fixture well in advance of installing it, and this is due to the fact that they will need to mount it to the wall studs instead of just the sheetrock or paneling. They must also consider the location of the power outlets too. Most owners of wall fountains don’t want to have a viewable power cord dropping from behind the fixture, and this often requires the hanging space to have a wall plug properly installed behind the unit prior to mounting the fountain.

Interestingly enough, the popularity of slate water fountains has driven some of the best manufacturers to create versions that rely upon a “veneer” of natural slate which is attached to a lighter weight backing. This means that the owner gets the same beautiful looks and natural qualities as the heavier stone, but without all of the concerns about mounting large slabs of stone to the surface of the wall.

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Learn about other Special Materials used for Fountains

One of the benefits of modern technology is that it has introduced an excellent array of new materials that surpass traditional ones in many ways. Consider the availability of resin fountains, they allow someone to enjoy the good looks of something like stone without the worries that come with the damaging effects of ice or freezing temperatures.

Alternately, the many styles of acrylic fountains mean that a wider range of home or business owners can incorporate a water element or feature into their overall design scheme too. This is because the acrylic fixtures weigh a bit less than glass, stone or metal options, and can often be custom designed with artwork or other materials.

We’ll first look at the use of a resin fountain to understand how special or alternative materials can be of great benefit. As stated above, the resin material can often withstand the wild variation between summer heat and winter ice without suffering the cracks, fractures and negative effects of many other materials. This is one of the reasons that birdbath fountains and many waterfall fixtures are constructed from resin.

In addition to the fact that resin can withstand natural conditions, it can also be poured, shaped and finished in such an array of styles as to leave a shopper dizzy! The “fine art” wall fountains that look straight out of a classic Italian villa or the convincingly realistic looking stone waterfall fixtures available for incredibly modest prices are usually due to the availability of resin for their manufacture.

Apart from pump maintenance, the use of distilled water, and a somewhat regular cleaning with mild soap and water, a resin fountain is often a way to add an elegant feature without a lot of care or costs.

An acrylic fountain is also a good choice for the consumer hoping to incorporate a very unique water fixture into the home or office space as well. These can usually have some sort of painting or design painted or etched into their surface, and this can be used to give them a fine art, organic, or highly modern look. These too will come as wall or floor mounted and desktop models, but tend to be unsuitable for outdoor use due to the fact that acrylic panels are not usually tempered for the extremes of wintry weather.

Just like resin, an  acrylic fountain requires very little regular maintenance, and their cleaning and care tends to be one of the reasons that they are selected over glass panels in similar styles. When an owner inadvertently scratches a glass panel during a traditional cleaning, the scratch is permanent. When this occurs with acrylic, however, the scratch is easily repaired or removed with readily available polishes and repair kits.

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Learn about Glass and Mirror Fountains

The surface of water is often compared to that of a mirror or glass, and this means that floor and wall fountains can benefit from the use of glass or mirrors too. In fact, such a natural partnership as water and glass will often bring out the most amazing features of both materials. Of course, glass fountains come in a wide array of styles and designs, and each has its specific benefits. For this discussion we will consider the wall and floor styles as well as those that incorporate mirrors too.

A modern floor fountain tends to incorporate a few notable features or elements – there is the base, the frame, and the actual fountain. When these fixtures are the mirror fountain or glass fountains  types, they can be extremely simple, or they can utilize additional decorative features. For instance, many glass fountains feature customized designs which are etched into the surface of the panel. This creates an end result that is part artwork and part water feature.

The standard wall fountain is going to have the same basic features as the floor models, but may utilize a rather unique framing style to create an interesting effect. For example, there are mirror fountains that have the exact appearance of a decorative wall mirror, but which also incorporate the appealing stream of water that flows over the highly reflective surface of the glass.

While the variety and natural appeal of a water, mirror, and glass combination can make it simple for a decorator or home owner to choose one of these fixtures, there are some considerations. Firstly, most of the glass fountains or those with mirrors are going to benefit greatly from a large amount of natural light. It is not advisable to situate such fixtures in an area where heavy shadow dominates.

Additionally, the entire fixture should be provided with adequate maintenance and care to ensure that the highly reflective surfaces maintain their overall good looks. This means removing the water at least twice  a year, and then cleaning the surface with a very soft cloth and suitable glass cleaner. It also usually requires the owner to rely strictly on the use of distilled water for the system. This prevents mineral deposits from accumulating in the pump system and impeding the flow of water, but it also eliminates the chance that the water will begin to take on a milky or murky appearance as well.

There are few other limitations where the use of glass or mirror fountains is concerned. They work well with almost any decorator style and provide a highly desirable bit of light, glimmer, and soothing sound in even the most professional locations.

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