Outdoor Wall Fountains: The Many Designs on the Market

There are two distinct sorts of fountains you can buy: mounted and free-standing. Mounted wall fountains are small and self-contained versions which can be hung on a wall. Fountains of this type need to be lightweight, therefore, they are usually fabricated from resin (resembling stone) or fiberglass. Large-sized free-standing wall fountains, often referred to as floor fountains, have their basins positioned on the floor and a smooth side leaning on a wall. There are no weight constraints on these kinds of cast stone water features.

It is a good idea to integrate a customized fountain into a new or existing wall, something often suggested by landscape experts. Placing the basin against the wall and installing all the plumbing work requires a expert mason to do it correctly. It is also vital to include a spout or fountain mask to build it into the wall. The unified look provided by customized wall fountains make them appear to be part of the landscape rather than an afterthought.

The Origins Of Fountains

From the beginning, outdoor fountains were simply meant to serve as functional elements. Cities, towns and villages made use of nearby aqueducts or springs to supply them with drinking water as well as water where they could bathe or wash. Until the late 19th, century most water fountains operated using the force of gravity to allow water to flow or jet into the air, therefore, they needed a source of water such as a reservoir or aqueduct located higher than the fountain. Serving as an element of decoration and celebration, fountains also provided clean, fresh drinking water. Roman fountains usually depicted imagery of animals or heroes made of metal or stone masks. During the Middle Ages, Muslim and Moorish garden designers included fountains in their designs to re-create the gardens of paradise. The fountains seen in the Gardens of Versailles were supposed to show the power over nature held by King Louis XIV of France. Seventeen and 18 century Popes sought to extol their positions by adding decorative baroque-style fountains at the point where restored Roman aqueducts arrived into the city.

Urban fountains made at the end of the 19th century functioned only as decorative and celebratory adornments since indoor plumbing provided the essential drinking water. Gravity was substituted by mechanical pumps in order to permit fountains to bring in clean water and allow for amazing water displays.

These days, fountains adorn public areas and are used to honor individuals or events and fill recreational and entertainment needs.