Landscapers on Thumbtack cost$50 - $60
National average fixed price
- Lowest price:$10
- Most common low price:$50
- Most common high price:$60
- Highest price:$150
How much does an outdoor water fountain cost?
By Alyssa Chua
Last updated Fri, Dec 13
The national average cost range to install an outdoor water fountain is $5,127-$14,436, including materials and labor. Costs depend on the size of the fountain and the work needed to install the fountain. In the low-end range, the cost averages $4,307-$12,126. The average high-end cost is $6,615-$18,623.
Water fountain cost.
| National average cost range | $5,127-$14,436 |
| Average low-end cost range | $4,307-$12,126 |
| Average high-end cost range | $6,615-$18,623 |
Figures above represent the national average cost to install an outdoor landscape fountain ranging from 4” to 8” in diameter with 2' high curbing.
Outdoor water fountain cost factors.
The cost of a water fountain depends on many things. See below for a list of items likely to affect how much it costs to install an outdoor water fountain, including the size, type and extra features.
Type of fountain.
The type of fountain you choose will affect how much you spend. Some fountains cost more to install than others — both in terms of material and labor.
Here are some common outdoor fountain designs and their estimated costs, according to the Landscaping Network.
Birdbath fountain: $150-$300
Hanging wall fountain: $150-$500
Freestanding tier fountain: $250-$1,000+
Freestanding wall fountain: $600-$1,200+
Size of the fountain.
Larger fountains are more expensive to install. You may be able to DIY a 3-foot tall fountain in the corner of your yard. But if you’re looking to build a 6-foot fountain in the middle of your garden, it’s better to get it professionally installed.
Materials used.
Different fountains use various materials. And depending on the material you want your fountain to be made of, costs could go up or down. See below for some of the most common materials used for outdoor fountains.
Cast stone and concrete: among the most popular and on the more costly side, but durable and resistant to wear. But it’s porous, so it will require special maintenance and cleaning.
Stone: examples include limestone, granite and marble, which can create a beautiful, classic appearance. But stone is also porous, so it can require special cleaning and get costly.
Ceramic: comes in beautiful designs and colors, and tends to be smaller than other water fountains.
Fiberglass: lightweight, strong and long-lasting material. It can be molded and shaped to create an elegant design.
Metal: very durable, built to last a long time. You can choose metals such as copper, bronze and stainless steel.
Resin or plastic: usual material for wall-mounted or birdbath fountains. It’s a budget-friendly option and is known for its durability.
Chat with your contractor to find out which option is best for your budget and overall vision for your yard. Also, ask them which materials are easier to maintain and will last a long time.
Power and water supply.
Water fountains typically need to be connected to a power or water source to keep the fountain functioning. Some fountains require a built-in pump to produce a steady flow of water, while some smaller fountains only need occasional refilling as water evaporates over time.
Most water fountains require a power source of solar power or electricity. Solar-powered fountains are rapidly gaining popularity because of how eco-friendly they are. Plus, there is no need for electrical cords or to pay electric bills.
If you prefer a hardwired power source, you’ll need to tap into your house’s electrical supply and install a safe GFI (ground fault interpreter) electrical outlet. If there isn’t one where you can connect your fountain, you’ll need a new line. That requires a skilled electrician or landscape contractor to set it up, which will add to your costs.
Special features.
Some fountains come with LED lights to illuminate the fountain, lights around and at the bottom of the fountain, sculptural motifs or other ornate designs. Some fountains’ features even allow you to control the flow of water for better water conservation. Elements like these make your fountain look better and more unique, but they can add to the cost.
How to save money when installing an outdoor water feature.
While getting outdoor water features like fountains may be expensive, you don't need to break the bank. Here are many ways you may be able to cut down on costs:
Get one that’s just the right size.
Bigger isn’t always better. The bigger your fountain is, the more you’ll have to spend on materials and labor. Plus, there’s the cost of maintaining the fountain regularly. Bigger fountains are also likely to be heavier — which will likely affect transportation and installment costs. As a rule of thumb, your fountain should never be taller than 1/3 the height of your home.
Choose a bigger fountain if you want it to be the focal point of your yard. If you want to add an accent to your garden, get a smaller-sized fountain and put it in a corner spot.
Skip the special features.
The simpler the design, the less your water feature will likely cost. That means you might want to skip all of the bells and whistles: intricate designs, special lighting, etc.
Instead of spending a lot of money on features, you may want to prioritize the material for your fountain. Chat with your pro to see how different features and materials stack up against each other in terms of cost.
DIY the initial steps to save labor costs.
Regardless of what kind of fountain you get, you can probably DIY the initial steps to save on labor costs.
First, decide which part of your yard to install your fountain, and measure the space to know what kind of fountain will fit. Determine the material you want, the kind of water flow you want and if you will get one that's hardwired or solar-powered.
If it's doable, you can dig up the initial pump hole and lay the basin. But if you're planning to hardwire your fountain to an electric outlet, that's when you'll need to get an electrician to do the job.
Learn how to properly care for it through the seasons.
This won’t help you save money on upfront costs, but proper maintenance can help you save on lifetime costs. You can help minimize the need for repairs or a replacement if you take certain steps.
For example, If you live in a place with four distinct seasons — where winters can be especially cold — you need to winterize your fountain. This practice helps ensure your fountain remains in good condition even during cold weather and is ready for use again once summer comes around. That way, you won't have to worry about cracked pipes and broken pumps.
Also, consider sealing your fountain to avoid damage. If you have a natural stone or cast stone fountain, sealing it may help prevent water and the outdoor elements from giving it a weathered look. However, if you want your fountain to look more natural or resemble an antique, you may opt to skip adding a seal.
Get free cost estimates from water feature professionals near you.
While fountains are great landscaping ideas, installing one in your garden can be challenging. You’ll likely need experience connecting it to a power and water source to ensure it continues running smoothly.
For projects like this, it’s better to hire a professional who can help you. Download Thumbtack today and hire a water feature pro to install your outdoor fountain.
FAQs
Are outdoor fountains high maintenance?
All fountains require some maintenance, but some fountains (like stone) may require more than others. You’ll need to change or refill the water at least once a week and clean the fountain entirely every 4 to 6 months. You’ll also need to regularly clear debris, dead leaves and other contaminants.
Other maintenance necessities include spraying pet-safe mosquito killers to keep the pests from laying eggs in the water and algaecide to keep algae from growing.
Do you need a water line for an outdoor fountain?
While some fountains require a direct water line to a water source, others (like self-contained fountains), only need a power source. Self-contained fountains have their own water reservoir, and you only need to replenish it at least once a week when the water evaporates.
Does a fountain increase property value?
Whether or not a fountain increases property value depends on many things, such as where your fountain is installed, its beauty and what buyers are looking for in your area. Research landscaping trends near you, or chat with a real estate professional.
*All project cost estimates included in this article were provided by Xactware’s pricing data (unless otherwise noted). For more information, visit Xactware’s pricing methodology page.
How do we know these prices?
5m
Customers this year
300k+
Pros this year
20k
Projects a day
How it works.
Search.
Browse profiles, see prices and use filters to find pros who match your project.
Chat.
Contact the pros you like to discuss project details.
Hire.
Check pro availability and book appointments right in the app.