Water Feature Materials Guide: Choosing the Right One for Your Space

One of the most important decisions you’ll make when selecting a water feature is the material used in it's makeup. The type of material used for a fountain affects it's appearance, how it feels, it's durability, weight, maintenance requirements, and how well it fits your space.

In this guide, we’ll explore the 9 most common materials used in the production of water features to help you choose the right one for your needs and style.

1. Concrete Fountains: Durable & Timeless

Concrete is a strong, heavy-duty material that offers both durability and classic appeal. Its solid construction makes it ideal for long-term outdoor use, especially in gardens, courtyards, and entryways where weather resistance is essential.

Because of its weight, concrete fountains are highly stable and less likely to shift or tip over. Concrete also ages beautifully over time, developing a natural patina that adds character to the piece. With proper care, a concrete fountain can last for decades and serve as a striking centrepiece in any landscape.

Our concrete fountains are made using a refined mix of reconstituted limestone, marble chip, and white cement to ensure lasting quality and a premium finish.

• Best for: Outdoor centrepieces, long-term installations
• Pros: Extremely durable, stable, long-lasting
• Cons: Very heavy, not easily movable

2. Resin (Polyresin) Water Features: Lightweight & Versatile

Resin is one of the most popular compounds used to create fountains as it can be easily moulded into intricate designs and detailed textures that replicate stone, ceramic, or metal, often more affordable than other materials.

Despite being lighter than concrete or cast iron, quality resin fountains are durable, weather-resistant, and easy to move or reposition. This makes them ideal for renters, balconies, patios, or areas where weight is a concern.

With proper care, resin fountains offer a beautiful, low-maintenance option that blends visual appeal with practical convenience.

• Best for: Indoor spaces, balconies, patios
• Pros: Lightweight, easy to install, cost-effective
• Cons: Less durable in extreme weather

A great example of a resin fountain is our best-selling Casana fountain, which mimics the look of aged stone.

3. Cast Iron Garden Fountains: Classic & Enduring

Cast iron is a traditional material known for its strength, weight, and timeless character. It has been used for centuries in fountains, offering a sense of old-world charm and heritage. Its solid, heavy construction provides excellent stability, making it ideal for outdoor settings where permanence and durability are important.

Cast iron fountains often feature ornate, decorative designs and are well-suited to classical, Victorian, or European-style gardens. With proper maintenance to prevent surface rust, cast iron can last for many years and develop a rich, aged finish that enhances its vintage appeal.

These fountains are best placed on a stable, level base such as concrete or pavers to support their weight and ensure long-term performance.

• Best for: Formal gardens, vintage-style homes
• Pros: Extremely stable, historic charm
• Cons: Heavy, requires rust prevention

4. Ceramic Fountains: Glossy & Decorative

Ceramic is a beautiful and decorative material often chosen for its vibrant colours, glossy finish, and artistic appeal.

Ceramic fountains are typically more delicate than concrete or cast iron, but their smooth, glazed surfaces make them easy to clean and maintain. They work well as accent pieces in courtyards, patios, or interior areas where they can be protected from extreme weather.

Our ceramic fountains are handcrafted so each is one of a kind and no two are identical.

• Best for: Courtyards, patios, indoor areas
• Pros: Eye-catching finish, artistic detail
• Cons: Fragile in harsh climates

5. Slate Water Features: Natural & Textured

Slate is a natural stone material known for its layered texture, earthy tones, and subtle variations. It brings a grounded, organic feel to any water feature and works especially well in modern, zen, or nature-inspired spaces.

Slate fountains often feature smooth water flow over a flat surface, creating a calming visual and gentle sound. The stone’s natural durability makes it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, and best of all, it requires minimal maintenance.

• Best for: Modern or natural landscape designs
• Pros: Organic look, minimal maintenance
• Cons: Can be heavy and more costly

6. Copper Fountains: Elegant & Ever-Changing

Copper is a premium material that offers a warm, metallic glow and a luxurious feel. Over time, it naturally develops a patina, shifting from bright, polished tones to rich, weathered hues — adding unique character and charm to the water feature.

Copper is both lightweight and durable, which makes it ideal for both indoor and outdoor settings and pairs beautifully with contemporary or classical decor. They are often used in statement pieces where movement and shimmer are key visual features.

• Best for: Stylish entryways, contemporary or luxury gardens
• Pros: Lightweight, evolves with age, luxurious feel
• Cons: May require sealing or polishing to maintain finish

7. Glass Fountains: Modern & Visually Striking

Glass fountains bring a contemporary and artistic flair to any space. It offers a sleek and reflective surface that beautifully interacts with light and moving water and is often used in vertical panel or wall-style designs. Glass water features create a calming, almost meditative ambiance as water gently flows down a smooth surface. 

This material is ideal for indoor settings or protected outdoor areas where the fountain can serve as a focal point without exposure to harsh weather. Clear, frosted, or tinted glass options allow you to tailor the look to suit your décor, whether you're aiming for modern minimalism or elegant luxury.

While glass fountains require gentle handling and regular cleaning to maintain their visual clarity, they’re a favourite in spas, hotels, offices, and stylish home interiors thanks to their upscale appearance.

• Best for: Indoor spaces, feature walls, commercial interiors
• Pros: Elegant and eye-catching, modern aesthetic, smooth water flow
• Cons: Fragile, best in sheltered areas, needs regular cleaning

8. Marble Water Features: Luxurious & Sculptural

Marble has long been associated with classical architecture, luxury estates, and fine art, and marble fountains are no exception. Marble features elegant veining, polished surface, and sculptural detail, which helps it elevate any space with a sense of heritage and sophistication.

Marble is typically carved from solid stone, making these fountains heavy and incredibly durable. They are ideal for high-end gardens, courtyards, or formal landscapes where aesthetics take centre stage. Marble is available in a variety of natural tones like white, cream, grey, or green, and complements both classical and Mediterranean-inspired settings.

However, marble is also a porous stone, meaning it can be prone to staining or weathering if not sealed properly. Routine maintenance and care, such as sealing and occasional polishing will help preserve its smooth, glossy finish.

• Best for: Luxury homes, formal courtyards, classical settings
• Pros: Visually stunning, natural variation, long-lasting with care
• Cons: Expensive, heavy, requires sealing and maintenance

9. Stainless Steel Fountains: Sleek & Architectural

Stainless steel is a popular material in contemporary garden and interior design, known for its sleek lines, metallic shine, and excellent corrosion resistance. It offers a refined, architectural look and is often used in geometric, minimal, or mirror-finish fountains.

One of the key benefits of stainless steel is its durability as it withstands moisture, sun, and temperature changes extremely well, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor installations. Whether you’re designing a commercial space or a high-end home garden, stainless steel fountains provide a clean and professional finish.

To maintain their aesthetic, stainless steel fountains should be wiped down occasionally to prevent water spots or fingerprint marks, especially in highly polished versions. They’re often paired with LED lighting or modern landscaping for dramatic nighttime effects.

• Best for: Modern homes, urban gardens, commercial spaces
• Pros: Corrosion-resistant, modern appearance, low maintenance
• Cons: Shows fingerprints/water spots if not cleaned regularly

Final Thoughts

When selecting a water feature, your choice of material plays a major role in how it performs, looks, and ages. Consider your location, climate, style preferences, and maintenance tolerance. Ultimately, the best material is the one that fits your space, complements your design vision, and suits your lifestyle.