Finding a cheap beach destination in the US is a great way to relax and recharge without spending a ton of money on travel. Spanning many geographical locations and climates, the United States has so many incredible beaches to explore that are not only world-class but great for every style and budget.

With these budget-friendly beach destinations, you can enjoy sun-kissed sandy beaches and have none of the money stress. Here are 15 affordable beach destinations in the USA!

15 Affordable Beach Destinations in the USA

San Juan, Puerto Rico

The capital of US territory Puerto Rico is perfect if you’re craving a Caribbean vacation – it’s home to beautiful beaches and US citizens don’t need a passport to visit. Plus, San Juan is a hotbed of culture, history, and food if you’re looking for a beach vacation with a ton of activities and experiences. 

The beaches here hold a little something for everyone, with Atlantic Beach being popular with the LGBTQIA+ community, Condado beach perfect for people watching, and Isla Verde Beach a favorite among watersports lovers.

Where to Stay in San Juan, Puerto Rico

Tropica Beach Hotel is a highly-rated budget option just steps from Ocean Park Beach, and the San Juan Marriott s a 4-star hotel right by Condado Lagoon.

Read more: Where to Stay in San Juan, Puerto Rico

Gulf Shores, Alabama

When you think of Alabama, do you think of gorgeous beaches with a ton of fun coastal activities? Well, you should! Alabama, especially the city of Gulf Shores, is a great budget-friendly beach destination that offers a ton of activities and serene sand to relax on.

Here, you’ll find turtle sanctuaries (check out Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge), adventure activities such as scuba diving and ziplining, dolphin watching experiences, and gorgeous white sand beaches that stretch on for miles. Some of the best beaches in the area include Gulf Shores Main Public Beach, Orange Beach Waterfront Park, and West Beach.

Where to Stay in Gulf Shores, Alabama

The Lodge at Gulf State Park is a highly-rated property located right on the beach.

Pensacola, Florida

Often skipped over for more obvious Floridian beach destinations, Pensacola is a gem that is both gorgeous and easy on the wallet. Located on the westernmost tip of the Florida Panhandle, temperatures here stay pretty warm all year round and the white sand beaches are stunning against the clear water.

Given its proximity to Alabama and Mississippi, this spot is popular among coastal southerners, and you won’t regret getting in on some of the action. Some of the best beaches to check out in Pensacola include Casino Beach (also known as Pensacola), Opal Beach, and Perdido Beach.

Where to Stay in Pensacola, Florida

SpringHill Suites is a great mid-range option just a couple of miles from Pensacola Beach.

Read more: 6 Must-Dive Sites in Pensacola, Florida

Virginia Beach, Virginia

Virginia Beach is not a secret destination, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a wonderful, budget-friendly place for the next time you want to chase sun and sand! Located on Virginia’s southern coast (right on the border with North Carolina), Virginia Beach’s beach culture is in full swing from May through September.

Some of the best beaches in the area include Sandbridge Beach (there are plenty of activities including great surf), Chesapeake Bay Beach (there are great lighthouses nearby), and Little Island Park.

Where to Stay in Virginia Beach, Virginia

Coastal Hotel & Suites or Four Sails Resort are both perfect if you want to stay right on the oceanfront. 

Carlsbad, California

Almost all of the southern California coast is known for its gorgeous, wide, sandy beaches, but if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, then look no further than Carlsbad. Located near San Diego, Carlsbad is known for Tamarack Beach, South Ponto Beach, and South Carlsbad State Beach.

Looking to get off the beach for a day? Other great things to do in this coastal town include the Legoland California theme park, the seasonal Flower Fields, and Leo Carillo Ranch Historic Park.

Where to Stay in Carlsbad, California

Tamarack Beach Hotel is a popular mid-range place to stay in Carlsbad, whereas the Omni La Costa Resort & Spa is great if you want a more upscale option.

Oahu, Hawaii

Of course Hawaii is known for its beaches, but when considering budget-friendly beach destinations in the US, it tends to get overlooked (understandably so). That said, not every place in Hawaii is the same level of expensive, and so if you’re looking to visit on a budget, then I have to recommend Oahu.

One of the oldest developed islands in Hawaii, Oahu is home to over 20 maintained beaches. There are spots for surf fanatics, snorkelers, and families alike. Some of the best beaches are Lanikai Beach, Kailua Beach Park, and Sunset Beach.

Where to Stay in Oahu, Hawaii

Oahu can be expensive, but the Aqua Oasis and Pagoda Hotel are both awesome mid-range options.

Read more: The Best Time to Visit Hawaii (Weather, Cheapest Time To Go & More)

Tybee Island, Georgia

Tybee Island is a favorite beach destination among Georgian locals, but have you considered it for your upcoming US beach destination? Located an easy 20-minutes from Savannah, Tybee Island is miles of gorgeous white sand beaches, palm trees, and tranquil waters.

The three miles of beach here is perfect for relaxing, but while you’re here it’s also worth checking out some of the activities that make Tybee Island unique. In particular, you’ll want to check out the Tybee Island Lighthouse (the oldest of its kind in Georgia), browse the shops, walk the Tybee Island Pier, go dolphin watching, and hunt for megalodon fossils in the sand.

Where to Stay in Tybee Island, Georgia

Admiral’s Inn and Hotel Tybee are both affordable, yet highly-rated, options close to the beach.

South Padre Island, Texas

Located on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico in the southeasternmost point in Texas, South Padre Island is a beachy gem. The island is only a half-mile wide, so you’ll be able to see the beach from almost every vantage point.

Besides relaxing on the sandy shores, some of the most popular things to do in South Padre Island include visiting the sea turtle conservation area, going bird watching, checking out the amusement parks, and hopping on a sailing tour.

Where to Stay in South Padre Island, Texas

La Copa Inn Beach Hotel and The Inn at South Padre are both affordable options on South Padre Island.

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

For those in the know, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina is a staple US beach destination. It has more than 12 miles of pristine beaches, features all kinds of watersports, and the locals are famously welcoming. There has been an influx of development and resorts in the area over the past few years, but you can absolutely still plan a beach vacation to Hilton Head on a budget.

Some of the most popular beaches here (not to mention some of the top-rated in the country), include Coligny Beach, Folly Field Beach, and Driessen Beach. That said, most of the beaches here are connected so, when it’s low tide, hop on a bike and go exploring as many as you can.

Where to Stay in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Because of the recent developments, Hilton Head Island can be pricey, but Palmera Inn and Suites is one of the more affordable locations.

Cannon Beach, Oregon

For a more northerly US budget beach destination, Cannon Beach, Oregon delivers in spades. It’s easily one of the most scenic beach destinations in the US (it has multiple times been voted the best beach in Oregon) and, if you visit during the right time of year, can be easy on the wallet too.

The town of Cannon Beach itself is a small municipality by the sea and is home to one of the state’s most famous sites – Haystack Rock (a gorgeous volcanic rock that towers out of the sea and makes the shoreline wonderfully dramatic.) Of course, this part of Oregon also features waterfalls, plenty of marine life adventures, and great artsy shops and galleries.

Where to Stay in Cannon Beach, Oregon

The Waves and Tolovana Inn are two great, mid-range, beachside hotels in Cannon Beach.

Ocean City, Maryland

With a continuous 10-mile beach featuring silky soft sand, Ocean City, Maryland is a great budget beach destination in the northeast USA.

Though all beaches here are worth a wander, they’re not all made equal. Downtown Ocean City has the busiest beaches due to the boardwalk and proximity to shops, North Ocean City is known for being more serene, and nearby Assateague Island is perfect if you want a nature escape.

Where to Stay in Ocean City, Maryland

Atlantic Oceanfront Inn and Bonita Beach Hotel are both great mid-range accommodation options in Ocean City.

Cape May, New Jersey

Did you know that Cape May, New Jersey is America’s first oceanside resort town? It’s true – and the city has over 600 Victorian-era structures to prove it. The whole town of Cape May is charming and full of history (taking a tour is highly recommended), but there are also miles of sand where you can jump in the Atlantic Ocean and soak up some sun.

Some of the best beaches in Cape May County, New Jersey include Wildwood Beach, Sunset Beach, and Poverty Beach.

Where to Stay in Cape May, New Jersey

The Southwinds and Avondale by the Sea are two great affordable hotels super close to the beach.

Osage Beach, Missouri

For a great budget US beach destination that’s a little less ocean and a little more lake, check out Osage Beach in Missouri. Located in the center of the state (near the Ozark Region), Osage Beach is home to fantastic boating, golfing, and entertainment experiences.

This region is also known for its resorts and is practically a beacon for families looking to have a great beach experience every summer.

Where to Stay in Osage Beach, Missouri

Osage Village Inn and WorldMark Lake of the Ozarks are two highly-rated accommodation options in Osage Beach.

Ormond Beach, Florida

Located on Florida’s Atlantic Coast, Ormond Beach is the budget-friendly northern neighbor to heavily-touristed Daytona Beach. The beach here is world-class, and way less crowded than Daytona, but don’t skip the other natural wonders nearby.

Ormond Beach is also famously home to Tomoka State Park – a nature-filled wonderland with great campgrounds and boating opportunities. There are great hiking trails here, and fishing and kayaking are also popular.

Where to Stay in Ormond Beach, Florida

Oceanfront Inn & Suites and The Cove On Ormond Beach are two popular, affordable, options.

Ocean Shores, Washington

Located in Gray’s Harbor County, Ocean Shores Washington is a famously long, sandy beach not far from sand dunes and gorgeous lakes. Some of the best beaches near Ocean Shores include those at Ocean City State Park, North Jetty, and Pacific Beach.

Ocean Shores is also a hotspot for culture. There is a wealth of natural and man-made history museums in the area, and you’ll also find tons of festivals, culinary experiences, and art on offer.

Where to Stay in Ocean Shores, Washington

BayVue Hotel and Wanderlust Inn are two great mid-range properties in Ocean Shores.

The post 15 Affordable Beach Destinations in the USA + Where to Stay (2022) appeared first on Ordinary Traveler.

You simply can’t beat a vase of fresh blooms in the springtime to cheer up a room. The only downside, as we all know, is that real cut flowers don’t last forever, however, this 2p hack could help them last a little longer.

Whether you’ve bought a pretty posy of petals from the supermarket or a full arrangement from a regular flower subscription, the scent and colour is super mood-boosting. We’ve recently learnt a little trick from the experts at GardenBuildingsDirect.co.uk to keep your cut flowers fresh for longer.

The answer apparently lies in your money box or purse. Popping a two pence coin at the bottom of a vase of fresh flowers is said to keep them looking lively for longer.

Image credit: Sophie Allport

2p cut flower hack

The reason that the hack is by helping combat the yeast, fungi and bacteria that grow in standing water. It’s these microbes that suck the life out of flowers in water.

The copper in 1 and 2 pence coins is a fungicide and contains natural antimicrobial properties that prevent bacteria growth. The 2p coin flower trick is said to work particularly well with tulips.

Image credit: Bloom & Wild

Sugar, Apple cider vinegar, bleach and hairspray are all other household items that are rumoured to help improve the lifespan of your flowers. However, online florists Bloom and Wild say that trimming cut flowers, changing the water regularly and using cut flower food are the best ways to keep your flowers lasting longer.

‘Trimming your flower stems before popping them in water is a must!’ says Caroline Grimble, Lead Florist at Bloom & Wild. ‘It is also really good to cut at an angle, which creates more surface area for the flower to drink from. Cut 3 to 5 cm off the bottom of the stem.’

Image credit: Bloom & Wild

‘Make sure your vase is clean and refresh the water regularly ( I like to recut my stems by 1cm when I refresh the water)  to keep your blooms happy and healthy!’ she adds.

However, if your daffodils are drooping or your wild roses are wilting and you don’t have any flower food, you can make your own using sugar. Dissolve three tablespoons of sugar into one litre of warm water and add it to a vase, it should work in a pinch.

The post This hack is the secret to making cut flowers last longer – all you need is 2p appeared first on Ideal Home.

If you want to transform your garden, decking or patio into a true extension of your home, a DIY outdoor kitchen is the way to go. Working out how to build an outdoor kitchen from scratch will, of course, take some careful planning, but it’ll be well worth it.

First, you’ll need to decide which pieces of equipment you want to install, as well as thinking about plumbing and location. Having an outdoor kitchen will up your entertaining game, allowing you to enjoy cooking in the great outdoors without dashing in and out to grab utensils.

If you’ve been brainstorming outdoor kitchen ideas and want to take on the task of building one yourself, we have step-by-step instructions from interior design blogger and home DIYer Luke Arthur Wells, which he shared as part of his work with COAT Paints.

How to build an outdoor kitchen

No matter how much space you have to play with – or how ambitious your plans may be – one thing’s for sure: you’re going to need some seriously hardwearing materials. ‘From a fully functional kitchen to a simple BBQ area, designing your outdoor kitchen will depend on your budget, lifestyle, and space,’ says Nick Whiley, Project Director at luxury decking and cladding company Trekker Global.

‘For a kitchen that is built-in, it is important to consider how you use the space. Having a proper prep area and worktop is vital, as well as possible storage options to keep items in throughout the year, such as cooking utensils,’ says Nick.

‘Make sure you choose a weatherproof material, like composite cladding and decking, so it can withstand the weather throughout the year.’

Image credit: Future Publishing Ltd

Before you order any materials or begin any DIY, think about the who, what, when where, and why of your outdoor kitchen. Above all, it needs to be practical, convenient, and sociable.

Sylvia James, interior design expert at MyJobQuote says you need to think about what you want to cook, too. ‘Will a simple grill or pizza oven be adequate or are you aiming to wow guests with gourmet meals using rotisseries, smokers and professional grills?’ Sylvia asks.

As Nick mentions above, Sylvia says it’s important to use good-quality products designed specifically for outdoor use, or you could end up spending more in the long run. Follow the step-by-step below to make a mini outdoor kitchen with wooden slats, a large, traditional sink, and a chunky wooden worktop.

Materials you’ll need

• Treated exterior wood (Luke used 900mm decking spindles for the frame)
• Fence slats or 1 slatted fence panel
• Treated exterior wood for the worktop
• Outdoor screws
• Zinc-plated brackets
• Mitre saw
• Drill
• Electric screwdriver
• Orbital sander or sandpaper
• Exterior paint (Luke used a lovely olive green shade called Nomad by COAT Paints)
• Woodstain
• Belfast sink, with waste and pipes
• Spray adhesive (optional)
• Exterior instant grab adhesive

Luke had exterior taps put in during a kitchen renovation.

Image credit: @lukearthurwells

Step-by-step

1. Build the frame for your sink

First, build the frame around a Belfast sink. Turn the sink upside down, and start by creating the supports to go underneath. Luke used 900mm treated decking spindles from Wickes, which were the right height for the outdoor kitchen, but he needed to cut the horizontal pieces to size.

Image credit: @lukearthurwells

2. Attach all of the pieces together

To attach the frame together, Luke first used a spray adhesive mitre glue to secure the pieces temporarily. Then he drilled pilot holes and used outdoor screws to attach throughout. When you find later on that you cannot attach any more pieces with screws because of existing screws in the frame, you can use your zinc-plated brackets to join these pieces of the frame.

3. Join the legs with more horizontal supports

Once the two sets of legs are made for the sink, join them together with more horizontal supports. Add supports between both the top and bottom of the legs for extra support.

Image credit: @lukearthurwells

4. Add more horizontal supports

Add horizontal supports at the front and back base to finish off the sink unit. Start to extend the kitchen unit base by creating two more legs, to the same proportions as the two vertical pieces on either side of the side.

Image credit: @lukearthurwells

5. Join the legs and add brackets under the sink supports

Join these together with horizontal pieces to the sink unit. Because of the screws already used, you’ll likely have to use the brackets at this point. Take this opportunity to add brackets underneath the sink supports too, as this is the heaviest part.

Image credit: @lukearthurwells

6. Paint the frame

Now, paint the frame to make it easier once the slats are attached.

7. Remove slats from old fence panel and cut to size

Next, if you’re using a fence panel, you’ll need to remove them from the frame with a crowbar. Hammer out any remaining pins or nails. Cut these down to size.

You’ll need 900mm ones for either side of the sink, then measure the space under the sink too. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect, but it’s better to be too long than too short.

Image credit: @lukearthurwells

10. Paint the slats

Give the slats their first coat with your exterior paint now before you attach them.

Image credit: @lukearthurwells

11. Space the slats out neatly

Work out the spacing between the slats by using a slat turned sideways to create a regular gap. To fix the slats onto the frame, use an instant grab exterior adhesive first.

Pick one that takes 10-15 minutes to dry, which will give you enough time to adjust as needed before they stick. Make sure they’re all aligned at the top of the frame when sticking. Once dry, you can knock a few nails in to secure. For a professional finish, fill over the nail holes with exterior filler, sand, and then paint.

Image credit: @lukearthurwells

13. Tidy up uneven slats

If your slats are looking uneven, you can cut along the bottom at this point using a multi-tool to ensure they all look even.

14. Add plastic feet

Add some small plastic feet to ensure the frame is raised off the ground to avoid the timber being in direct contact with sitting water where possible.

14. Fix it to the wall

Now you have your frame, it’s time to fix it to the wall. Consider using large brackets and long masonry screws.

15. Make and attach the wooden worktop

To make the worktop, cut some chunky exterior treated wood to the size of your units on either side of the sink with a little overlap. Sand the edges to smooth out.

Treat these surfaces with an exterior wood stain, then stick down using your instant grab adhesive. You can also attach some small zinc-plated plates to the underside of the timber to secure it into place.

Image credit: Future Publishing Ltd

It’s also worth thinking about landscaping and planting to help blend your outdoor kitchen in with the rest of your outdoor space. When you’re happy with your outdoor kitchen, you could also think about incorporating some garden bar ideas for creating homemade cocktails with friends and family this summer.

And ahead of alfresco get-togethers, make sure you’re prepared by reading up on how to clean a barbecue.

Can I build my own outdoor kitchen?

Construction expert Gregory Smith from PriceYourJob says anyone can build their own outdoor kitchen – it’ll just take some planning. He recommends placing it on decking, which means you can combine the kitchen with an outdoor dining area or outdoor living room.

Gregory highlights the importance of drawing up a strict budget and deciding on which components you want to include. The construction expert also suggests looking for a ready-built workstation made of iron or concrete rather than using wood.

‘These will last longer and survive the worst weather conditions,’ he says.

Image credit: Future Publishing Ltd

How do I build an outdoor kitchen on a budget?

‘If you do intend on building your kitchen from scratch, then work with salvaged materials, for example, reclaimed wood or recycled brick,’ says Gregory Smith. ‘This will help cut your costs and will create a functional and stylish outdoor kitchen space.

‘Another cost-saving method is to repurpose trolleys, such as bar carts. These work well in an outdoor kitchen environment, as they can be used as both storage and worktops. Most can be retiled and treated so they can withstand the outdoors, or you can simply bring them inside when the weather turns.’

Aaron Markwell, COAT‘s colour guru recommends looking for bargains on Facebook Marketplace or eBay for second-hand, more costly items like sinks and taps. ‘The rest of the kitchen won’t break the bank and using exterior paint will mean the paint will look fresh for years,’ says Aaron.

The post How to build an outdoor kitchen – create a sociable and practical open-air kitchen appeared first on Ideal Home.

Just as we’ve embraced making our homes relaxing spaces, it’s time to make sure our gardens are giving us what we need. Water feature ideas will help create a soothing atmosphere and add stylish good looks.

There’s a design to suit just about every type of garden landscaping ideas – from contemporary cool to classical charm. Plus, the range of materials and sizes mean that water features can be found to work whatever you budget.

‘Water features are the perfect addition to any outdoor space,’ says Jonny Brierley, CEO, Moda Furnishings. ‘If you’re sourcing the ideal accessory for your garden ideas, then water features should be considered an aesthetically pleasing feature, which is guaranteed to encourage pure relaxation.’

As well as adding a new and soothing dimension to your garden, water feature ideas have other, perhaps unexpected benefits, on your space. ‘Water features are also great for those who want to attract wildlife,’ points out Chris Bonnett, founder, Gardening Express. ‘Traditionally that would be a pond or a birdbath, but modern day features will prove equally attractive to feathered friends and amphibians.’

Do remember that water features do require a certain amount of maintenance.  ‘With water features it’s important to keep them clean,’ says Chris. ‘A good clean around once a month should do the trick. To prevent green or stagnant water you can use special additives to keep them looking their best.’

Water feature ideas

‘There are many styles of water feature ideas to choose from nowadays,’ says Claire Bassett, Senior Product Manager, Lights4Fun. ‘From zen buddha designs for the perfect tranquil retreat to more contemporary geometric shapes and whimsical pouring jugs to add character to your outdoor space.’

Read on to discover some of the water features catching our eye…

1. Take placement into consideration

Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole

‘Think about where you want to place your water feature,’ advises Chris from Gardening Express. ‘A sunny spot is a great option which will make the water feature look beautiful when the sun is shining. If maintenance is a concern you may wish to avoid areas where overhanging trees could drop a lot of leaves.’

Surround wall hung or those on garden fence ideas with plant beds to make sure you still have that depth of colour and texture in the area.

2. Choose a classical fountain

Image credit: Haddonstone

There are a number of different main water feature ideas to choose from ‘The most common types of water features are ponds and pool surrounds, fountains, rills and waterfalls,’ says Will Haxby, Ornamental Sales Director, Haddonstone.

A fountain can come in many forms, the main three are centrepiece, self-contained and wall. Although each of these come in modern and classical designs, the most traditional is the centrepiece fountain. These designs are timeless and especially suit older buildings and ornamental gardens, over contemporary urban spaces.

3. Keep the sound in mind

Image credit: Future PLC/Adam Wallis

‘If you love the sound of running water then a water feature is a must for you,’ says Chris from Gardening Express. ‘Consider the kind of feature you want. Do you want a soft trickling sound of water or do you want something more noticeable? Water features can be great to mask other sounds and latent background noise.’ Consider how to install a water feature – to add life and movement to your garden.

4. Choose a light-up option

Image credit: Lights4Fun/Oliver Perrott

‘Finding sanctuary at home has become essential to so many of us as we find a greater need to escape the busyness of everyday life,’ says Claire from Lights4Fun. ‘Gentle spaces with calming colours and soft mood lighting and the soothing sound of a trickling water feature are perfect for rest, recuperation and mindful self-care.’

Choose a warm white or yellow light for ultimate relaxation. If your outdoor space is more of a party zone then choose a fun neon shade. Or go full disco with a colour changing option!

5. Find the right style for your space

Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole

‘With so many water features available on the market, it can be difficult to decide which style is most suitable for your outside space,’ says Will from Haddonstone. ‘Each water feature has different benefits, depending on the look, style and ambience you are trying to achieve.’

‘Consider the size of your outside space. Large pools and ponds are perfect for wide open spaces. Meanwhile smaller self-contained fountains work perfectly on small patios and in courtyards. Personal style is important, too. Do you like things to be traditional, contemporary or classic? Water features can either complement your existing space, or even provide an interesting contrast against the design.’

6. Opt for a contemporary look

Image credit: Moda Furnishings

For contemporary gardens, a modern metallic design is a great choice. A lot of these will look like artistic sculptures even when not switched on, meaning you’re getting double interest with one piece. Stainless steel is a popular choice for these contemporary styles – both for the modern look and the fact they are extremely resistant to corrosion.

7. Consider a rechargeable option

Image credit: Hydria

A new innovation in water feature ideas is the rechargeable version. ‘With a cord-free setup you can place your water fountain anywhere you choose and enjoy the soothing sight and sound of flowing water,’ says Simon Reeves Jackson, founder, Hydria. ‘Battery power provides all the performance of mains without installation cost and inconvenience.’

Since they’re mains free you also have flexibility in moving your water feature around. One design can move from your lawn, to your balcony to be situated on your patio ideas without muss or fuss.

8. Create a calming oasis

Image credit: Future PLC/Bob Smith

Look to warmer climes for water feature inspiration. A small courtyard can be transformed into a welcome oasis, even in the heart of a bustling city. Opt for pretty mosaic designs on these outdoor wall decor ideas, and keep the ground tiled to ensure the comforting water trickle echoes around. Top things off with exotic plants – or as exotic as can survive in your space!

9. Look to classic cast stone

Image credit: Haddonstone

‘Cast stone is a very strong and frost-proof material,’ says Will from Haddonstone. ‘This mean that it is very unlikely to be damaged by weather for many years. It is available in a range of colours, styles and shapes. Cast stone ages beautifully and looks stunning both new and once it has weathered outside after several years.’

What are the different types of water features?

Water feature ideas both in terms of style and in how they are powered. In terms of style you’re looking at everything from ponds and fountains to trickling jugs and contemporary waterfall designs.

‘When you visit your local garden centre you are presented with either mains or solar-powered water features,’ says Simon from Hydria about the main types of water feature power.’ Solar water features are convenient because they don’t need to be plugged in but they only work well when the sun is directly above the solar panel which means that they do not always work when or where you want them to work. Corded water features do not have the performance limitations of solar, but you do have the expense and inconvenience of installing outdoor power sockets and hiding cabling.’

How do you choose a water feature?

‘When choosing a water feature, it is essential to pick a design style that’ll suit your space,’ advises Claire from Lights4Fun. ‘If your outdoor area is a smaller balcony space, a discreet buddha will add subtle sophistication and a peaceful ambiance. For a modern patio, a larger statement piece such as a sphere or bronze pouring jugs will elevate your outdoor space into an urban oasis as the sound of trickling water paired with a dancing glow accompanies you into a tranquil summer’s evening.’

Price is obviously important to – not only for the design, but installation and running costs. Make sure you do your sums if you’re looking for budget garden ideas. Ease of installation should also be taken into account.

What is the best material for a water feature?

‘Natural materials such as stone or terracotta provide the best materials for water features because they look and feel beautiful, and durable, and will not suffer from significant water erosion,’ says Simon from Hydria. ‘Most water features are resin, and this can work well provided they are UV stabilised and will not fade in sunlight.’

‘To ensure your water feature is long-lasting, resin or polyresin are great choices,’ adds Claire from Lights4Fun. ‘They are happy to be displayed outdoors throughout the year, they are also very lightweight so can be moved around your outdoor space with ease. Fibrestone is another superb option. Its textured finish will perfectly imitate that of real stone with the added benefit of being lightweight and weatherproof.

How much electricity does a garden water feature use?

The cost of water feature ideas is an ongoing on. Running costs vary on how they are powered, as well as the size and style of the design. ‘A medium sized water feature with a 12W pump will cost as much as a £1 per day to run,’ offers Simon from Hydria as a good rule of thumb.

Do you leave water features on all the time?

‘There are reasons for and against doing this,’ says Will from Haddonstone. ‘Firstly, leaving your water feature on all the time can be expensive as most pumps run on electricity. Secondly, there is a risk of the pump burning out from being in constant use, or if there is a sudden loss of water. Sometimes this can be caused by storms where the water gets blown over the side of the pool surrounds or fountain.’

‘Keeping the pump running 24 hours a day does however prevent the pump becoming calcified and this can in turn mean that it lasts longer. However, we recommend that anyone planning to do this keeps a close eye on their fountain to mitigate the risks mentioned.’

The post Water feature ideas to add a new sense of flow to your garden appeared first on Ideal Home.