The Countless Construction Materials of Outdoor Garden Fountains

Today, many people elect copper for their sculptural garden fountains. Copper is popular for both inside and outside use and is widely found in tabletop and cascade fountains, among others. Another advantage of copper fountains is they are flexible and come in a wide variety of styles.

Also common, brass fountains generally have a more old-fashioned look to them versus their copper counterpart. You will see a lot of brass fountains, as their intricate artwork makes them common even if they are on the more traditional side.

The most stylish metal right now is probably stainless steel. A modern steel design will quickly boost the value of your garden as well as the feeling of peacefulness. As with all fountains, you can find any size you need.

Fiberglass fountains are popular because they look similar to metal but are more affordable and much less difficult to move around. Caring for a fiberglass water fountain is relatively easy, another benefit that consumers seek.

The Genesis Of Outdoor Fountains

From the onset, outdoor fountains were soley meant to serve as functional elements. Water fountains were linked to a spring or aqueduct to provide potable water as well as bathing water for cities, townships and villages. Up to the late 19th century, water fountains had to be near an aqueduct or reservoir and higher than the fountain so that gravity could make the water flow down or jet high into the air. Artists thought of fountains as amazing additions to a living space, however, the fountains also served to provide clean water and honor the designer responsible for building it. Bronze or stone masks of wildlife and heroes were frequently seen on Roman fountains. Muslims and Moorish landscaping designers of the Middle Ages included fountains to re-create smaller models of the gardens of paradise. Fountains played a significant role in the Gardens of Versailles, all part of French King Louis XIV’s desire to exert his power over nature. The Popes of the 17th and 18th centuries were extolled with baroque style fountains made to mark the arrival points of Roman aqueducts.

The end of the nineteenth century saw the rise in usage of indoor plumbing to supply drinking water, so urban fountains were relegated to purely decorative elements. Fountains using mechanical pumps instead of gravity allowed fountains to deliver recycled water into living spaces as well as create unique water effects.

Modern-day fountains serve mostly as decoration for public spaces, to honor individuals or events, and enhance entertainment and recreational gatherings.