Creating a metal water feature in your backyard can infuse your outdoor space with energy and vitality, and corten steel water walls are becoming a popular choice for many homeowners. Metal water fountains are not only aesthetically pleasing, but they also combine outstanding durability and low maintenance costs for unparalleled outdoor enjoyment.
Metal water fountain is an attractive metal material that maintains its original texture and color in a variety of harsh environments thanks to its excellent corrosion and oxidation resistance. The sun, rain and humid air can hardly cause any damage. This feature saves the customer money on maintenance and significantly improves the quality of the garden water feature.
Durability and Quality of the Water Feature
Thanks to the high corrosion resistance of corten steel, the waterfall fountain does not need to be maintained very often, which saves the customer a lot of time and money. Metal outdoor water fountainslast longer than water features made of other materials and will continue to add charm to your backyard and be the focal point of your outdoor space for years to come.
1. Freestanding Sink Fountain: This is the easiest DIY solution for homeowners who want to create their own water feature. It's easy to install and brings the sound of moving water to your backyard. 2. Wall-mounted sheet waterfall: Its striking vertical water flow can become the visual center of the yard and add a unique decorative effect to the wall. 3.Reflection Pool: A simple still water design with calm water reflecting the sky and surrounding scenery, creating a peaceful and elegant atmosphere. 4. Waterfall Herb Planting Basin Water Feature: Combining a water feature and green planting, it is both beautiful and practical, allowing you to have your own small herb garden while enjoying the metal water fountain. 5. Rainscreen water feature: unique rainscreen effect, adding romantic flavor to the outdoor space, bringing a different visual experience. 6.Outdoor waterfall: simulate the form of natural waterfall, magnificent, bringing spectacular landscape to the backyard. 7.Corten Water Table: Simple design, water flows slowly on the tabletop, providing you with a unique leisure area. 8.Corten Lily Bowl: beautifully shaped, water gurgles out of the bowl, full of natural flavor.
Rationalize the Size and Location of Water Features
Proper size and location are critical to the functionality and longevity of the corten steel pond. To prevent moisture, keep at least 3 feet (0.9 m) between the fountain and any building or wooden structure. Ensure that the ground is completely level; this ensures even distribution of water flow and prevents pooling. For large water fountains that are designed to cascade into an outdoor water feature, consider a slight slope to ensure a smooth flow of water.
III. Corten Water Feature Construction Process
Careful Preparation of Materials
1. Steel Thickness: Small water fountains can be constructed with 3 mm (⅛ in.) corten steel, while large waterfalls or ponds need to be upgraded to 6 mm (¼ in.) to ensure structural soundness and the ability to withstand the demands of different sizedoutdoormetal water fountains. 2. Pre-rusting: The rusting process can be accelerated by using a 50/50 solution of hydrogen peroxide and white vinegar. Performing this step before installation creates a uniform base layer of rust, which lays the foundation for subsequent aesthetics and durability.
Strictly Control The Manufacturing Steps
1. Weld treatment: 309L stainless steel welding rod is used to connect the corten steel panels, which can effectively prevent corrosion of the welding joints and ensure the solidity and durability of the whole corten steel water troughstructure. 2. Drainage holes: Drilling ¼-inch drainage holes in low points prevents water from pooling. Standing water can lead to premature winter rust or damage due to freezing, and drainage holes can effectively prevent these problems.
IV. Corten Water Feature Installation Tips
Determining Installation Location
Before beginning installation, determine the location of your metal water fountain gardens. Consideration needs to be given to its intended size and shape, and how it will blend in with its surroundings. A proper location will allow the water feature to better blend into the backyard landscape and become a harmonious part of it.
Preparing the Installation Foundation
Ensure that the installation site is level and stable by digging an appropriately sized pit based on the dimensions of the metal trough water feature foundation. A level and stable foundation is the key to ensure that the large metal outdoor fountain is installed firmly and works properly.
Assembling the Water Feature Structure
Assemble the various components of the metal sculpture fountains according to the instructions in the product manual. After assembly, confirm the stability and firmness of the structure to ensure that the water feature will not shake or collapse in subsequent use.
Installing the Pump and Piping
Connect the pump and piping to ensure smooth water flow. Install the water pump in the correct position and connect the pipes to the different parts of the water feature fountain according to the design specifications. Proper installation of water pumps and pipes ensures the normal operation of the water feature and the effect of water flow.
Fill the Right Amount of Water
Fill the corten waterfall fountain with the right amount of water, making sure the pool is filled but not overflowing. At the same time, check whether there is any water leakage, if so, it needs to be repaired immediately to ensure the normal use of the water feature and the tidiness of the surrounding environment.
Adjustment and Beautification
Make necessary adjustments to the function of the pump and the water flow to ensure that the metal outdoor water fountain can run at optimal efficiency. In addition, you can also add some decorative parts, such as plants and stones, to complete the scene and create a unique outdoor atmosphere.
It is inevitable that any metal water feature will rust. When the metal surface is exposed to water and oxygen, an oxidizing reaction occurs, forming a rust layer on the surface. However, unlike ordinary metals, the rust layer of corten steel is specially treated so that although it appears to be rusty, it forms a protective barrier. Its bowl-like curvature design ensures smooth water flow and reduces areas that may rust, and the unique drainage design prevents water from accumulating and rusting.
Tips for Preventing Water Features from Rusting
When a new rusted steel water feature arrives, a dark colored residue will remain on the surface, which is the beginning of the rust prevention process. At this stage, it should be exposed to the elements for 3 to 9 months, during which time it should not be placed on porous surfaces such as stone to avoid staining. Once weathering is complete, an application of Owatrol oil is essential to maintain the rich appearance of the rust and protect the structure from rust loss.
Corten Steel Water Feature Placement Matters
The placement of a metal water feature can significantly affect its oxidization process and therefore the likelihood of rusting. Factors such as sunlight, pollution, and even the orientation of the outdoor water fountain all play a role. Water features placed in sunny locations, especially those facing south or west, will develop a smoother, more uniform surface; those located in the shade or facing north may take longer to develop a protective coating and may have a rougher appearance. Air pollution, especially in urban and industrial environments, can darken the color of the oxide layer, which does not necessarily increase the risk of rust but needs to be considered by homeowners who demand aesthetics.
3 Tips To Reduce Rust
1. Set a Concrete Gap: Leave a small concrete gap between the metal outdoor water fountain and any adjacent pavers. This allows runoff to bypass the pavers and flow below the level of the finished floor, reducing water erosion of the pavers and facilitating drainage around the perimeter of the water feature. 2. Laying Gravel: If it is not possible to set a concrete joint, consider laying gravel along the edge of a large metal water fountain. This not only helps with drainage, but can also be an aesthetically pleasing design element that adds a natural touch to the water feature. 3. Choose the right overhanging feature: For overhanging features, choose a product with a powder-coated backing that mimics a corten steel finish but prevents oxidization and staining, which effectively protects the underside of the large metal outdoor fountain, prolonging its service life and maintaining its beauty.
Corten Steel Water Feature Maintenance Tips
1.Monthly maintenance: Regularly remove fallen leaves every month, check the water pump inlet to ensure that the pump works properly and avoid clogging of debris to affect the water flow. 2. Seasonal maintenance: Pickling can be done in the right season to even out the rust, so that the large metal water feature always maintains a beautiful appearance. 3. Winter maintenance: Before winter comes, clean the drainage system and cover the water feature with a breathable tarp to prevent damage to the water feature from freezing weather in winter.
With their unique charm, excellent durability and relatively easy maintenance, metal garden water features are an excellent choice for backyard landscape upgrades. With proper planning, careful construction and scientific maintenance, your corten steel water feature will continue to shine for decades to come, bringing endless fun and enjoyment to your outdoor life. Don't hesitate to add this unique addition to your backyard!