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.

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.