Stone fountains have an essentially elegant quality about them – they are luxurious, charming and add aesthetic beauty to your space. The sweet babbling sound of water hitting the stone surface is absolutely soothing for the soul and the mind.
Be it an outdoor or indoor space, stone and marble fountains make for a great design feature with value addition. You can have them installed in your backyard or garden; even if you don’t have your own yard, you can always create a tranquil haven inside your home with a stunning fountain.
However, there are a lot of stone material options to make fountains and it can be really overwhelming while choosing this amazing water feature for your living space. The most popular materials for fountains are marble, granite, cast stone, limestone, quartz and cement.
Stone fountains for garden space come in a huge variety of styles and sizes and can fit right into the space. An outdoor fountain is one of the most sought-after elements able to create a unique landscape.
The decorative function can bring a healthy layout to your garden. Imagine the gushing sound of the water, combined with the sound of nature are able to relax and meditate.
It is imperative to obtain all the essential knowledge about the types of materials of these fountains. Here is everything you need to know before you can install a stone fountain in your space, be it outdoors or indoors.
Best Material Options for Stone Fountains
Whether it is outside in the garden or inside in a foyer, stone fountains add an elegant touch and relaxing vibe. With plenty of great material options available, it is easy to get confused while choosing the material.
Many people opt for marble and granite as they are aesthetically pleasing and durable. But, the most common material for stone fountains is cast stone, a concrete-like material is known for its beauty and versatility. The correct stone for any fountain depends on your predilection and budget. Here are the best stone materials for fountains that you can choose from.
Cast Stone/Cement
Cast stone is a concrete-like material that is known for its good looks and brilliant resourcefulness. It can be made to mirror many diverse types of stones including marble, granite, limestone and quartz. It is durable and stronger and is cost-effective without looking, well, not expensive.
Sometimes referred to as cast stone, concrete fountains are made of white or gray cement, which is poured into casts to produce a wide range of designs and styles. It can resemble any natural stone once it is finished.
While concrete is sturdy and durable, it is vulnerable to cracking and breaking from freezing and melting processes. Concrete fountains are less expensive than other natural stone fountains.
It is the perfect material to add decorative adornment to the grandest of structures. Cast stone fountains can be molded into any design. They are heavy and weigh almost as much as a real stone water feature.
Marble
Marble is being used for a long time to build statues and fountains. Marble material is stunning and can turn any space into an oasis. Marble fountains come in a big variety of colors, with veins of contrasting color and sometimes several contrasting colors. These marble fountains appear more like artwork rather than a mere water feature.
Beyond shiny finish and something matte, you can get different types of finishes on your marble fountains. It is a natural material and blends beautifully into the surroundings. There are some popular marble types for stone fountains, including Carrara, Calacatt, Bianco Lasa, white Himalaya marble, Arabescato Breccia, Travertine, Nero Marquina and Picasso Grey marble.
Granite
Granite is one of the most durable stones and makes for a beautiful material for fountains. It does not have a porous surface that traps water like other stone types, which can cause the fountain to crack and crumble as the water freezes and melts.
Granite is the hardest and the most resilient material after diamond. It is available in only black, white, cream and gray shades. Granite fountains don’t get damaged by harsh winters, which makes them a great pick for the outdoors. They can remain outdoors all year round so can admire their beauty. They are quite easy to clean and will stay in pristine condition for decades.
Limestone
There is a certain elegance about a limestone fountain, which reminds you of the ones in Europe or at an old estate. You can have them installed indoors and outdoors; but they look stunning as a central, formal pool in a driveway courtyard, open lawn area or even a huge patio.
With a little care and sealants, limestone fountains are durable. Their beauty lies in the conventional minimalism and the loveliness of the limestone material. Each of these fountains will bring the charm of Provence to your landscape.
Quartz
Indoor water fountains are the best way to enjoy the soothing sound of the water in your space. Rose and smoky quartz are beautifully colored versions of clear quartz. They create a romantic ambiance and a space where you can enjoy its beauty.
The material has become very popular over the past several years and has become one of the top stone materials for fountains.
What material is the best for your stone fountain?
While knowing the types of materials for stone fountains is absolutely necessary, it is also important to know which one of those materials is best suited for your available space.
Depending on their exact setting, there is a well-suited fountain material that can be installed into your space to give you a treasure to cherish for years to come. As the array of fountain materials can be intimidating, you can always find a guide to allow you to choose the material for your fountain. Before you get a fountain, you must evaluate the setting that your fountain will be installed in.
- If you are going to install your fountain in an outside environment where it will be vulnerable to the elements, you should get a durable fountain such as a granite or marble fountain.
- If you are looking for a fountain that will be easiest to care for, a granite fountain is the best choice, as it will remain to be for generations to come.
- If you live in a warmer climate or want to install a fountain inside your home, you can pick any type of stone material to beautify your home.
To sum it up, you can never go wrong with a beautiful granite fountain for either inside your home or for your garden. They are extremely durable and can withstand any weather conditions. Granite fountains are not affected by freeze and melt cycles during the winters. So, it will be wise to choose a granite fountain for your space.
Marble Fountains vs. Granite Fountains
Marble is an exquisite stone material and many famous fountains across the globe have been carved from marble. It is one of the most elegant and luxurious stones and is also commonly used in sculptures and building materials. You can achieve breathtaking details with carved marble. These are a little less durable than granite fountains, making them suitable for warmer climates or indoor installations.
While marble is a beloved material, granite fountains are the most durable and sturdy water feature. They are perfect if you live in a cold climate as they can withstand a freeze and thaw cycle without any damage. They can last for generations and with very little maintenance.
Cast Stone Fountain vs. Limestone Fountain
Cast stone is a man-made stone material that can be molded into any form to mimic a natural stone fountain. It is inexpensive than natural stone fountains, but it is much less durable. The porous material can wear down quickly than granite and is susceptible to damage during the freeze and melt cycles.
Limestone fountains are made from a more delicate and softer stone. They are more susceptible to damage in a cold climate where they can have cracks and peel off of the material in a freeze and thaw cycle. Limestone fountains and cast stone fountains are not as durable as granite fountains.
Popular Fountain Designs
There are dozens of models of stone fountains out there; however, the most crucial thing is to decide whether you want the fountain for decoration purposes or a functional element.
Besides, style is the most important thing when it comes to choosing a fixture for your space. If you fail to pick the right material or the right style, the most beautiful piece can look terrible. Here are some of the most popular fountain designs.
Greek Fountain
One of the most brilliant fountain designs, the Greek fountain looks amazing in any space - be it indoors or outdoors. There is something extremely elegant about the Greek column-style statue fountain. It is the most popular to this day. Greek statues on fountains have a timeless appeal.
Birdbath Fountain
Birdbath fountains come in a variety of styles – they have bubbling water that provides a place for birds to play and keeps the water fresh. These fountains are really popular among people who love nature. They can become a great centerpiece for a small garden area.
Statue Fountain
Many fountains also function as a decorative element in your space. There are some statue fountains that can be very high-end and affordable. Many feature cute animals and human figurines that evoke a fun vibe.
LED Fountain
Many fountains are available with LED lights included in the design, which have become quite popular. These lights can add some functionality to the fountain for you to enjoy the flowing water appearing impressive in different colors.
Rock Waterfall Fountain
It is a traditional-style water fountain feature that has water cascading from rock to rock to create a waterfall-like look and sound. You can also have these fountain designs customized.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much does a stone fountain cost?
A: Stone fountains are amazingly durable and can endure harsh climatic conditions and weather elements. They are built to last, are heavy and can be in a wide variety of sizes and designs. The cost of a stone fountain depends on the size and ranges from $3,000 to $20,000.
Q: How stone fountains are made?
A: Stone fountains are usually carved out of natural stone materials such as marble, granite or limestone. These fountains can be hand-carved as well. They can also be molded into beautiful designs with concrete material.
Q: How much does a concrete fountain cost?
A: The cost of a concrete fountain depends on size, shape, style and finish. The cost can range from $150 to over $1,200. Concrete is quite expensive but is a material that will crack in cold winter or dry weather.
Q: How much does it cost to maintain a fountain?
A: The cost of monthly maintenance can range from $50 to $150. If you have an indoor water fountain, you need to regularly drain the water, clean the pump, clean the tubing and wipe down the surfaces to maintain the water feature. Whereas the outdoor fountain maintenance takes a little more work and some extra money.
Q: Is it expensive to have a water fountain?
A: Most water fountains cost less than $50 per month to run several hours every day, whereas installing a water fountain costs an average of $2,300. The costs are similar for residential and commercial installation.
Q: Should I leave my fountain on all the time?
A: Yes, water fountains should run 24/7. If you continuously turn on and off the pump, it can damage the pump. You should not turn your fountain off as long as there is plenty of water in the fountain for the allotted time.
Q: How do you install a big fountain?
A: Installing a water fountain can include as much or as little work as you want. You will require a toolkit that can assemble all the components. But if you are installing a big fountain, you will need a piece of heavy machinery to carry the water feature, such as a crane.
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