Sculpture Installation

Proper installation ensures your sculpture is both secure and visually effective. Below are recommended methods depending on your site’s environment and the design of the piece.

In-Ground Installation Overview

For many residential installations, securing the sculpture directly into the ground is sufficient—especially for smaller pieces or those in protected environments.

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

Installation Steps:

1. Use ½" threaded rods, 2–3 feet in length.
2. Thread a washer and nut onto each rod before installation to protect the threads.
3. Insert the rods through the base plate holes and hammer them directly into the ground.
4. Once the base plate is flush with the ground, tighten the nut to secure the sculpture firmly.

Important: Avoid hammering directly on the bare threaded rods, as this can damage the threads and make it difficult to secure the nuts afterward.

This is a simple and effective installation method that works well for most garden or residential applications.

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Concrete Installation Overview

For high-traffic, windy, or commercial environments—especially with tall or top-heavy sculptures—a poured concrete pad is strongly recommended for long-term stability and safety.

Each base plate includes four clearly marked holes for bolting to the surface. For best results, use:

• Anchors: Variable-depth internally threaded anchors (recessed wedge-style)
• Bolts: Stainless steel button-head socket cap screws (for a clean, tamper-resistant finish)

Anchor Installation Steps:

1. Thread a nut and washer onto a threaded rod.
2. Add the anchor to the rod (nut, washer, and rod not included).
3. Hammer the assembly into the pre-drilled hole.
4. Tighten the nut once the washer is flush with the surface to engage the anchor fully.

These anchors offer excellent pull-out resistance and a secure fit when installed in 3,000 psi concrete.

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Using Sono Tubes for Multi-Footing Sculptures

For large sculptures with multiple anchor points—such as individual legs or components—especially on uneven ground or where a single pad isn’t practical, we recommend using Sono Tubes.

These cylindrical concrete forms create stable, individual footings that follow the natural terrain while ensuring secure anchoring.

Installation Steps:

1. Mark Footing Locations: Position the sculpture and mark each anchor point.
2. Place Tubes: Insert level, cut-to-length Sono Tubes into pre-dug holes.
3. Pour Concrete: Fill tubes (minimum 24" deep; deeper in frost zones), and insert anchor bolts or set them after curing.
4. Secure Sculpture: After curing (48–72 hours), attach the sculpture using stainless steel bolts.

This method provides strength and flexibility, especially for installations on sloped or irregular ground.

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Sculpture Cleaning

Stainless Steel Cleaning Instructions

For cleaning the stainless-steel portions of your sculpture, Dale recommends using Bar Keepers Friend, a common kitchen cleaning product available at most retailers. Here’s a link on Amazon.

Steps:

1. Wet the stainless steel surface with water.
2. Apply Bar Keepers Friend to the area you want to clean.
3. Let it sit for about 45–60 seconds to allow the product to activate.
4. Scrub the area thoroughly, then rinse clean with water.
5. Once dry, apply WD-40 to all stainless-steel surfaces to help protect and restore shine.

Important: Do not apply WD-40 to the rusted (Cor-Ten) sections of your sculpture.

Video Demo

Watch a short video of Dale demonstrating this cleaning process: Watch the video

Cor-Ten Maintenance

Cor-Ten steel is designed to weather naturally and form a protective rust layer over time. It requires little to no maintenance. If cleaning is necessary (e.g., to remove dirt or debris), simply use warm water—no soap, chemicals, or scrubbing needed.