FAQs

Sculpture Installation

Installing your sculpture properly is essential for both safety and visual impact. The best installation method depends on factors such as location, climate, terrain, and the design of the piece. Below are the standard approaches we recommend, including details for residential and public installations, as well as sculptures with multiple footings.

Direct-to-Ground Installation

For residential settings—such as level, fenced-in yards that aren’t subject to high winds—securing the sculpture directly into the ground is typically sufficient.

Each sculpture includes a ¼" thick steel base plate with pre-drilled holes. To install:

  • Use ½" threaded rods, 2 to 3 feet in length.
  • Drive the rods through the holes in the base plate and into the ground.
  • Secure each with a washer and nut.

This is a straightforward, effective method for smaller sculptures or those placed in protected environments.

Concrete Pad Installation (Preferred for Public or Commercial Spaces)

For public or commercial installations, or any setting with high foot traffic, exposure to wind, or sloped terrain, we strongly recommend using a poured concrete pad. This is also essential for tall, vertical, or top-heavy sculptures that require added stability.

We advise waiting until the sculpture is on-site before pouring the pad, so you can test orientation and alignment.

Concrete Pad Guidelines:

  • Depth: Minimum 6"
  • Surface Area: At least 3" larger than the sculpture’s base plate on all sides
    (Example: A 23" x 23" base plate needs a 29" x 29" pad)

Recommended Fastening Hardware:

  • Anchors: Variable-Depth Internally Threaded Anchors (recessed wedge-style)
  • Bolts: Stainless Steel Button-Head Socket Cap Screws – clean finish and tamper-resistant

This method ensures your sculpture remains safe, secure, and durable for years to come.

Using Sono Tubes for Multi-Footing Sculptures

Some of Dale’s animal sculptures and other multi-legged pieces have individual footings rather than a single base plate. For these, we recommend using Sono Tubes—cylindrical concrete form tubes commonly used to create deep, round footings.

When to Use Sono Tubes:

  • Sculptures with multiple anchor points (e.g., each leg or paw)
  • Uneven or sloped ground
  • Projects where a single large pad is impractical

Installation Process:

  1. Mark Footing Locations: Set the sculpture in place and mark each anchor point.
  2. Dig and Insert Tubes: Place cut-to-length Sono Tubes in each hole, level with the ground surface.
  3. Pour Concrete: Fill tubes with concrete (minimum 24" deep, deeper for frost-prone regions). Insert anchor bolts or set them after curing.
  4. Secure Sculpture: Once concrete cures (typically 48–72 hours), bolt the sculpture to each footing using stainless steel hardware.

This approach allows the sculpture to follow the natural slope of the land while ensuring it is anchored securely at each point.

Need Help?

If you have any questions or would like assistance planning your site prep or install, feel free to reach out. We’re happy to guide you through the best solution based on your specific piece and environment.