| So you've decided you'd like a water feature in | | | | Solid granite will withstand the outdoor elements |
| your garden or yard. One of the next things you'll | | | | for many years. Granite water features come in |
| have to determine is what material your outdoor | | | | a range of modern designs, many of which |
| water feature will be made from. There are | | | | contain a combination of stainless steel elements, |
| plenty to choose from and which one you pick will | | | | underwater lights or ridged and polished surfaces |
| depend on where you want to site your feature | | | | to create a stunning effect. Slate is another |
| and how much you're willing to spend. | | | | natural water feature material that can be used |
| Natural stone has been used to build fountains for | | | | to recreate the sights and sounds of streams |
| hundreds of years and it's hard to beat the look | | | | found in mountainous areas such as the Lake |
| of a stone feature. Certain countries, such as | | | | District in England. Monoliths and pyramids in slate |
| China, now mass-produce reconstituted stone | | | | can help to bring a rugged feel to your yard or |
| water features where the stone is crushed and | | | | garden. |
| mixed with resin before being put into a mould. | | | | Stainless steel can provide a simple elegant |
| Resin can be a good alternative to stone, as it is | | | | feature or one with a very futuristic feel. |
| lighter and less expensive, though they are more | | | | Spheres, vertical tubes and abstract forms sit |
| prone to damage from being knocked. Resin | | | | easily on a bed of pebbles and can provide a focal |
| features are most often made to look like stone, | | | | point for a yard or small garden. Brushed stainless |
| though it is also seen in animal and statue designs. | | | | steel has a grey, grainy appearance whilst a |
| Bronze water features require a little effort to | | | | polished finish provides your water feature with a |
| care for and keep them looking their best when | | | | mirror-like appearance. Another metal used in |
| used outdoors. To keep their original patina, they | | | | making contemporary outdoor water features is |
| need to be occasionally sprayed with a fine coat | | | | copper. Over time, the copper will gradually turn |
| of furniture wax or shoe polish and then buffed | | | | into a lovely verdigris colour. Look out for fabulous |
| up with a soft cloth. | | | | copper rain chains that can be attached to |
| If you're looking for a more rustic look, then a | | | | guttering. |
| wooden barrel may be what you need. An old | | | | Glass is another material that can be used for a |
| oak barrel, or part barrel will be durable and look | | | | contemporary look on outdoor water features. |
| natural amongst plants in your garden. The barrel | | | | Many glass features have integrated lighting and |
| base can be topped off with items such as | | | | can create an impressive night time display in the |
| cast-iron water pumps and wooden taps and | | | | garden. |
| some have space to be used as a planter too. | | | | |