Water Table
A house's water table keeps wetness outdoors and adds architectural interest to a home's design
A water table is an architectural element at the base of a building; its purpose is to direct water away from the building's foundation. A water table is typically curved or has a similar shape that enables it to direct water away.
A water table is also a prominent design element that can visually lift a building as well as provide a place for craftspeople to display their skills.
A water table is also a prominent design element that can visually lift a building as well as provide a place for craftspeople to display their skills.
The Prairie school architects, most notably Frank Lloyd Wright, used water tables as important design elements. Tall and dramatically shaped, the water table shown here not only sheds water but is an important horizontal band that reinforces the overall architectural design.
A water table can be built of the same material as the wall. The different-shaped bricks shown here create a base and path for water.
A water table is also a feature of wood construction and wood-sided homes. The water table for those is a tall trim element that is capped with a drip edge or something else that directs water away from the foundation.
As in masonry construction, a water table can be a strong design element with wood siding, providing a visual base.