How to Choose a Garden Fountain for the Home

Garden fountains are a great way to revitalize any outdoor space, providing a striking focal point and the relaxing sound of flowing water. There are a lot of garden fountains out there, and you may have a hard time figuring out which one is best for your space, but with a little planning you can find the perfect garden fountain for your outdoor area.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Measuring tape
• Computer
• Internet access

1. Decide on a budget. Garden fountains are available in a wide variety of price points, and there are plenty of economical options available. Your budget will affect the size and material of fountain you're able to purchase. For example, fountains made of lightweight resin or fiberglass are much less expensive than solid granite or cast stone models.

2. Determine where you want to place a garden fountain in your yard. The amount of space available in the area you choose will determine the type and size of fountain you should get.

3. Measure the approximate height, width and depth of the space.

4. Decide whether a floor fountain, wall fountain or tabletop fountain is most appropriate for the space. Floor fountains need at least a few feet of clearance around them, though they can be placed in corners or against a wall. Wall fountains can be hung on any wall strong enough to support the weight. Tabletop fountains can be used even in the smallest outdoor areas, like balconies and porches.

5. Take a look around your outdoor space. Is there already a defined style? For example, you may have a tranquil Japanese garden, a formal lawn, an eclectic cottage garden or a European style courtyard. This will help you pick a fountain style that will blend in with its surroundings and look like a natural part of your outdoor space.

6. Open your internet browser on your computer and type "garden fountain" into a search engine. You'll have various online fountain retailers to choose from where you can browse a wide selection of garden fountains in many different styles, sizes, colors and price points (see Resources below).

7. Use the information you've gathered from the steps above to find the perfect fountain. Many fountain retailers allow you to search by price, material or type of fountain.

Tips & Warnings

• Most water fountains use an electric pump to recirculate water through the fountain, so there is no need for a dedicated water source. This gives you the freedom to place the fountain anywhere there's a power outlet handy.
• If you're interested in having a large garden fountain custom-made for your home, call an online fountain retailer. They can often create your dream fountain.
• If you'd prefer, you can go to a local garden center to browse the fountains they have in stock, but you'll have a much smaller selection to choose from.
• When hanging a wall fountain that weighs over 75 lbs. including water, you must mount it onto a concrete, brick or metal wall, or into a wall stud. Fountains weighing less can be hung using wall anchors designed to hold up to 75 lbs.

Resources

• Garden fountains in all sizes, styles and materials can be purchased at fountain retailer Kinetic Fountains.
• For more garden fountain tips, see the fountain blog WaterFountainGuide.com.

[SunflowerOcity]

on 10/19/2007 Good stuff! See also: http://www.ehow.com/how_2091306_build-small-container-fountain.html