Traditional Oak Barrels

Oak barrel water features are certainly a popular feature in many gardens across the UK. However, where did these barrels originate and what was their original purpose.

Well the Oak barrel in fact has a extensive and interesting history as oak barrel actually plays a significant role in winemaking and can have a profound effect on the resulting wine, affecting the colour, flavour and texture of the wine. Oak can come into contact with wine in the form of a barrel during the fermentation or aging periods. It can be introduced to the wine in the form of free-floating oak chips or as wood staves (or sticks) added to wine in a fermentation vessel like stainless steel. Oak introduced in the form of a wine barrel can impart other qualities to the wine through the process of evaporation and low level exposure to oxygen. Wine barrels, especially those made of oak, have long been used as containers in which wine is aged. Aging in oak typically imparts desirable vanilla, butter and spice flavours to wine. The size of the barrel plays a large role in determining the effects of oak on the wine by dictating the ratio of surface area to volume of wine with smaller containers having a larger impact.

That been said, why are we using these in our gardens as a water feature? Well simply put these types of water features offer a certain traditional yet classy look to any garden. Many of the oak barrel water features are handmade from traditional oak up in Scotland. The water features are crafted from recycled whiskey and wine barrels by traditional construction methods in order to create these unique look. Considering the time and the effort that went into crafting these historic features, there is no wonder that these are considered to be one of the more popular water features amongst other such as stainless steel or resin water features.

Oak barrel water features are generally used as a show piece in your garden, they offer a traditional focal point for which your garden can themed around. As the barrels are all self contained they offer a easy installation and versatility. Depending on the specific feature the water generally trickles down from top to bottom with a soothing sound of flowing water. Perfect for those who enjoy sitting in your garden or patio area relaxing in the summer breeze.