Stern-Williams APF-3500 vs ADF-3700: concrete fountains compared
Stern-Williams APF-3500 vs ADF-3700: choose the APF-3500 if you want a dual pedestal concrete fountain with a standard finish; choose the ADF-3700 if you want a dual concrete fountain with an aggregate finish. Both are two-spout, vandal-resistant concrete fountains for public sites. The decision comes down to finish and price, not capability.
- Stern-Williams APF-3500 and ADF-3700 are both dual, vandal-resistant concrete drinking fountains sold by The Fountain Direct.
- Pick the APF-3500 (dual pedestal) for crowd-heavy parks and rec areas; check the cards below for the current price gap.
- Pick the ADF-3700 (dual aggregate) when you want the textured aggregate look of the concrete.
- Verdict: stern williams apf-3500 vs adf-3700 is a finish decision. Neither is the wrong buy for a public site.
Why this matters in 2026
Concrete fountains are bought once and left outdoors. The Stern-Williams listings describe them as a lifetime investment, built to last with little to no maintenance. That makes the first choice the only choice: you do not swap a bolted-down concrete unit next season.
If you are still deciding between concrete and stainless, read the guide to the best concrete drinking fountain for public parks first. If concrete is already the plan, this page settles which of these two to order.
At a glance
| Dimension | Stern-Williams APF-3500 | Stern-Williams ADF-3700 |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | High-traffic sites that want two users served at once on a pedestal unit | Sites that want a dual concrete unit with an aggregate finish |
| Configuration | Dual pedestal | Dual aggregate |
| Material | Concrete | Concrete |
| Vandal resistance | Listed as vandal-resistant | Listed as vandal-resistant |
| Number of users at once | Two (dual) | Two (dual) |
| Pricing model | Fixed list price per unit, see cards below | Fixed list price per unit, see cards below |
| Standout feature | Listing positions it as built for crowds | Listing positions it as tough enough for any setting |
| Maintenance | Listed as little to none for concrete | Listed as little to none for concrete |
Both are dual fountains built for crowds
Both handle volume equally well. The APF-3500 and the ADF-3700 each put two drinking positions on one unit. At a ball field, trailhead or campus quad, that halves the line compared with a single-spout fountain.
If your site needs more than two positions, look at the triple-pedestal option covered in Stern-Williams 5700 vs 5925 instead.
Both resist vandalism
This is a tie. Both product titles carry the Vandal-Resistant label. Concrete bodies do not dent, peel or get pried apart the way thin metal housings can. For municipal buyers, this is the main reason to choose concrete over a lighter fixture.
The APF-3500 is the pedestal-style pick
The APF-3500 wins on form for open public areas. It is listed as a dual pedestal fountain, and its description opens with one line: built for crowds. If your site is a park, rec area or plaza where the fountain stands alone, this is the one that reads as purpose-built for that job.
Pros:
- Dual pedestal layout serves two people at once
- Concrete body with the little-to-no-maintenance claim in the listing
- Vandal-resistant
Cons:
- The listing gives no finish options to match a specific design palette
- Not the lower-profile choice if you want the aggregate look
Verdict: Buy for crowded outdoor sites where function leads.
The ADF-3700 is the aggregate-finish pick
The ADF-3700 is the better choice when appearance matters. The word aggregate in the model name points to a stone-textured concrete surface, which blends into plazas, campuses and landscaped grounds more readily than a plain finish. Its listing frames it as tough enough for any setting.
Pros:
- Dual configuration serves two people at once
- Aggregate finish suits designed landscapes
- Concrete body, vandal-resistant
Cons:
- The listing does not state dimensions or flow specifications, so confirm the details with the team before specifying it on a plan set
- Texture is a look you commit to; it cannot be changed after install
Verdict: Buy for campuses, resorts and civic plazas where the fountain is part of the design.
Pricing: two fixed-price units
Both fountains are sold at a fixed list price per unit, shown on the cards above. There are no tiers or subscription costs. Total cost depends on your site: mounting, plumbing and drainage are separate from the fountain itself. For budgeting those, see how much a park drinking fountain installation costs.
Scorecard
| Dimension | Winner |
|---|---|
| Serving multiple users at once | Tie |
| Vandal resistance | Tie |
| Material and upkeep | Tie |
| Crowd-focused outdoor use | APF-3500 |
| Design-led finish | ADF-3700 |
Which to buy
Choose the Stern-Williams APF-3500 if you manage a park, rec field or trailhead and want a dual pedestal fountain that is built for crowds and left alone. Order it, and check the card above for the current price.
Choose the Stern-Williams ADF-3700 if you are specifying for a campus, resort or civic plaza and want the aggregate finish to match surrounding hardscape. If you are weighing it for a university, the concrete drinking fountain for university campuses guide covers that use case.
FAQ
What is the difference between the Stern-Williams APF-3500 and ADF-3700?
The APF-3500 is a dual pedestal concrete fountain and the ADF-3700 is a dual aggregate concrete fountain. Both are vandal-resistant and serve two users at once. The main difference is configuration and finish.
Are the APF-3500 and ADF-3700 vandal-resistant?
Yes. Both listings carry the Vandal-Resistant label. Concrete construction is the reason these suit public parks and campuses.
Which is better for a public park, the APF-3500 or the ADF-3700?
The APF-3500 is the better fit for a typical park because its listing is aimed at crowds. The ADF-3700 works equally well where a textured aggregate finish suits the setting.
Do concrete drinking fountains need much maintenance?
The Stern-Williams concrete listings describe little to no maintenance. They are positioned as a lifetime investment for any environment.
Which is cheaper, the APF-3500 or the ADF-3700?
The product cards above show the current list price of each unit. Prices change, so use the live listing at checkout rather than a figure quoted on a guide.
Can I get more than two drinking positions on one unit?
Stern-Williams also makes a triple-pedestal fountain, the 5925. Compare it against the dual units if your site sees heavy simultaneous use.
One last thing
The model names do the sorting for you: pedestal for the standalone crowd-pleaser, aggregate for the design-led finish. If you cannot decide on looks, order the APF-3500 for function and revisit finish only when a design spec demands it. Either way, buy in 2026 so the install fits this season's work window.