How much does an average water wheel cost?

Answer 1

Depends what your idea of "average" is.

If I were going to make one that was (for example) 8ft in diameter, the steel and fixings would cost me in the region of £300. To have it galvanised afterward would cost about £80 or to paint it with Zinc paint would cost £50. By the time I have added my labour charge (the going rate is around £45 / hour for a welder / fabricator) and my charge for tooling, electrode wire, cutting blades & other overheads such as electricity & gas you would be looking at between £1,200 and £1,500. Then add V.A.T unless you pay by cash... and bear in mind that most companies would probably double my total.

Of course if you want a bigger one it will cost more. A smaller one would obviously cost less.

Alternatively, a wooden one would cost you a small fortune, as it would have to be made from hard-wood, which, like the people with the necessary skills, doesnt come cheap!

If you only want it for decorative purposes then Ive seen cheap ornamental water wheels for sale in various D.I.Y shops and garden centres in the past.

I have no idea where you might buy a functional second hand one.

Alternatively, if you don't want to make one, there is a company called Aintree Woodcraft that produces hand made water wheels for purchase - http://www.aintreewoodcraft.com