When we are building a project In sand, we try and find the best quality sand available so we can produce the best project possible.  Some sand allows for more verticality and is strong, other sand is not.  Either way we work within the limitations of the material.

 With our water features the variability of the construction materials is not in question.   Thus we use the best materials and construction strategies we can find and/or develop.

Steel, fiberglass-reinforced concrete, acrylic addmixtures, KIM, (Krystol Internal Membrane), quality exterior stucco and/or epoxy paints, and muratic acid stains are just a few of the items used.

Construction Techniques

Our faux rocks are primarily built out of rebar.  "Bubbles" are created out of 3/8" or 1/2" steel to make the basic rock shapes which are then covered with chicken wire on the outside and burlap on the inside.  These are then put together into various shapes to create our features.  These "rocks" are mostly created prior to our arrival.  We also make additional bubbles when needed on site.          ( A large cave and grotto is shown at right).
Once the feature is completely tied together, shotcrete or gunite is sprayed on, establishing the feature structurally.  

Waterproofing is then applied in preparation for the final texture coat which is sprayed on.  During this process various textures and colors are added and then the complete project is painted to achieve the final look.
Another approach to water feature construction is to use rubber liners and real rock and/or faux rock.  These projects are typically less expensive and are almost exclusively used for bioligical features.  Once built, plants and fish are added for the final look.
Other building materials are used as needed: polystyreen foam, wood, clay etc.
Foam elephant, top half only..

Six foot tall foam shield
that was later coated with
a cementatious product.

Biological Feature.