Slate water features are the most popular choice of water feature out there thanks to their ability to withstand all weathers, their natural beauty, and their ability to complement various garden styles. We love slate water features as they tend to adapt to the environment around them and the weather over the years.
Slate water features are also a mixture of traditional and more modern water features. If you’re after a slate water feature, it’s important to consider factors such as proper sealing to prevent water damage (slate can be prone to algae buildup) and if you want a tall feature or a slate fountain. The sight and sound of moving water are enchanting, and adding water features to your garden helps create a tranquil and relaxing space. Slate water features are particularly enticing to wildlife, as the slate rock is close to what you would find in the wild.
Best slate water feature at a glance:
• Best overall: Basalt Babbling Plinth 50cm Natural Stone Water Feature - View now on The Range
• Best for all-weathers: Slate Monolith 600mm (2ft) - View now on DecorativeAggregates
• Best for height: Teamson Home Garden Water Feature with LED Lights and Pump - View now on Amazon UK
Here, at Modern Gardens, we've rounded up the best slate garden water features and have included all the different types available and some tips and tricks to best maintain them and keep them looking their best.
Best slate water feature
Best overall
www.therange.co.uk
This tranquil natural stone water feature from The Range is self contained water feature that requires no mains water feed or difficult wiring. Place the water feature in your garden, add water and switch it on. It is so simple. There is also a mains-powered option available with a 10m cable.
Pros
- Intergrated LED Lighting
- Made from natural stone
Cons
- No reviews as of yet
Best unusual feature
We're used to slate water features being tall or low to the ground with a trickling effect, this Slate Effect Primrose Water Fountain with Trough Planter creates a relaxing atmosphere in your outdoor space and enables you to add beautiful plants to your water feature, creating your own tranquil paradise.
Customer review: "It was very easy to assemble. And it looks so lovely. The sound of running water is so relaxing. Yes this was a very good buy."
Pros
- Unique design
- Very calming
- Opportunity to plant your own plants
Cons
- Needs mains power
Best for all-weathers
decorativeaggregates.com
This chunky Slate Monolith will do well in all weathers. It has a flat base to enable it to be used easily and as a focal point in any gravelled or rockery garden area or to use as a water feature. The weight of the monoliths can be between 60-120kg.
Customer review: "Easy to order. Competitive price. Arrived as agreed."
Pros
- Can come drilled or undrilled
- Chunky and durable
Cons
- Heavy
Best for height
Tall, slate effect fountains are extremely popular and this Teamson Home Garden Water Feature will certainly stand out in your garden. Water flows from each tier to mimic the realistic sounds of a waterfall creating a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere and LED lights keep the fountain illuminated to add a soft glow.
Customer review: "This really is beautiful to look at and you can hear the water gently trickling down. We did have to buy another small bag of pebbles as the one you get wasn't enough for us personally. It came very well packaged, easily put together. We turned the setting dial up high to give a faster flow of water so you hear it more. When it gets dark the lights really stand out. We've been running it a few days now and no problems with its performance. One of my fave buys this year. We just love it."
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Lovely and relaxing
Cons
- May have to buy extra pebbles
Best small
www.primrose.co.uk
This 4-Tier and compact self contained Water Feature from Primrose has been wonderfully crafted and designed to look and feel almost exactly like a natural formation of sedimentary rock. It is incredibly real and looks authentic and will fit in any sized garden. Plus, the LED lights will create a relaxing environment in the evening.
Customer review: "Was a bit worried about the quality due to low price but needn't have - good quality construction & looks good in the front garden."
Pros
- Looks great night and day
- Decent size
Cons
- Instructions a little confusing
Best lightweight
www.gardenesque.com
Crafted from hardwearing fibre clay, this Kansai Zen Water Feature is a great option for those who want a smaller and more lightweight option for a slate water feature. It is finished with a stone effect for a natural look. Includes a pump and transformer kit; simply plug into a standard socket to start the water flow.
Pros
- Features LED light
- Lightweight and great for smaller gardens
Cons
- Need to keep an eye on water in colder weather
Best realistic
www.pondkeeper.co.uk
This River Slate Cacade will blend in with your garden environment so easily thanks to its contemporary grey slate realistic appearance. You can use the slate on its own or join together to create a longer waterfall, the options are endless.
Pros
- Can be joined together to make a longer waterfall
- Aged appearance
Cons
- No reviews yet
Best slate water features FAQs
What are the different types of slate water features?
The main two types of slate water features that are seen on the edge of a pond feature and pools are waterfall slate water features and slate water fountains.
Slate Waterfalls: Slate can be used to create stunning waterfall designs in gardens or outdoor settings. Water cascades over layers of slate, creating a visually appealing and soothing water feature. The layered effect of slate can mimic natural rock formations.
Slate Fountains: Slate can be fashioned into elegant fountain designs. It's a versatile material that can be carved or stacked to form intricate water flow patterns. Slate fountains add a touch of sophistication to outdoor spaces, patios, or gardens.
Are slate water features suitable for both indoor and outdoor settings?
Yes! Slate water features are incredibly versatile and can be incorporated into different environments, such as gardens, patios, or interior spaces.
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Hannah Mellin is a Homes & Garden Product Writer for Modern Gardens. When she's not writing, researching or testing products, she's renovating her Victorian terrace and chilling in the garden with her sausage dog Waffle.