Displaying sculpture outdoors

Primarily sculptures are designed to be part buried in the ground to display them, however I now offer several different options regarding bases for the sculptures, negating the need to have a position in your garden to part bury them.

Having a base enables you choose the position of the sculpture and move it around your garden depending on your perspective.

 

If displaying sculpture in the garden in a fixed position,

careful consideration is required when deciding where to place garden art.

Refrain from placing in a hot sunny dry area or either a wet dark area. 

All day hot summer sunlight may dry it out.

A semi shady area would suit well.

Generally, if you place a 180cm garden art sculpture into the ground, burying it up to a level of 25cm/30cm in a semi shady area it will give you many years of enjoyment.

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If you intend burying sculpture to display in your garden

Always be mindful of the weather conditions in your area. Secure sculptures well.

Information on fitting a large sculpture 1800mm/180cm. When finished the sculpture should be approximately 1500mm / 150cm exposed above ground level.

*Dig a hole approx. 30cm Length x 25cm width x 25/30cm Depth.

*Place base of sculpture into the hole and fill to half way with postcrete or sand and cement.

*Making sure that the sculpture is plumb on both axis. 

*Gentle support sculpture while cement dries with timber stakes.

*Then fill the remainder of the hole with soil, earth.

*Sit back and enjoy your sculpture.

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*When fitting a trio set, depth of holes will vary depending on height of sculpture.

the largest sculpture will require more support.

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For extra support

(With this method you don't need to bury sculpture so deep, leaving more to display)

*You will need 2 x 10-15mm pieces of rebar (reinforcing bar) 50cm-500mm length.

You can purchase this from B&Q or any building material outlet.

*Drill 2 holes into the base of the sculpture with a drill bit slightly larger than the rebar

to a depth of approx. 20-25cm

*Slide rebar into holes leaving 20-25cm protrusion.

*When placed in to the ground the Rebar offers more support to the sculpture, reducing the need to dig such a deep hole.

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If you intend displaying your sculpture on a level surface. i.e. Patio, decking

If you purchase one of the Plywood bases for the large sculptures, always be mindful of the weather conditions in your area. Secure sculptures well. When using a base, make sure its on level ground with a solid footing. Fixing base down in to supporting structure is advised for your piece of mind. Try not to leave the base submersed under water, display sculpture in an area with good drainage will per long the life of the base and sculpture.

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*Making a base for sculpture

*External grade 18mm plywood is best if displaying outdoors. (Stained black)

*Plywood or 18mm MDF can be used if displaying indoors.(Stained black)

*Base size needs to be at least 50cm x 50cm to offer adequate support to sculpture.

*Screw plywood/MDF to base of sculpture with 4 x 120mm screws.

*Screw the base to the ground in your chosen display position.

*Sit back and enjoy your sculpture.

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However you choose to display your sculpture be mindful of the weather conditions throughout the year. Be sure your display method can stand up to the Wind

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Primarily my sculptures are designed to be displayed outdoors however, If displayed indoors, most homes have central heating, reducing humidity. Best practice is to refrain from placing wood art in direct sunlight or next to a direct heat source, i.e. radiators, heater or fireplace. A well lit, well ventilated area would be best.

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Best Practice

If you have purchased or thinking or purchasing one of my sculptures.

It is best practice when the delivery person drops of your parcel, check visually all over for any damage to the outer packaging. If there is damage to the outer packaging then fully unwrap the sculpture and check for damage before signing for the package. If its damaged don't sign for it.

When you have received your parcel through the post, unwrap it as soon as possible. Enabling you to firstly check the contents and secondly to allow the sculptures to acclimatize to the environment. 

Don't leave sculpture wrapped and stored in a hot place.

Store sculpture securely in upright position.

Until its ready to be fitted in-situ Store sculpture in a cool dry area.

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Maintaining sculpture

All garden art sculptures, wood and glass sculptures are finished in 

Ronseal satin wood stain

(10 year protection).  Does exactly what it says on the tin!

Over time if needed a wipe down with a soft brush or damp rag

depending on situation. Every situation is different depending on

weather conditions experienced by the sculpture.

If needed when dry, a light sanding with fine grit sand paper. (240grit)

Then apply a couple of even coats of Ronseal satin wood stain with a brush.

Allow to dry, sit back enjoy your sculpture.

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If sculptures are placed well and maintained they will give many years of enjoyment.

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How weather effects timber

With the changing weather, you may notice that all of the timber in your garden is changing.

Because timber is a natural product, it is affected by the environment and natural conditions that is exposed to, much more than a man made product would be, particularly during the hot, dry summer days.

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Reaching equilibrium

Wood alters in a bid to match its environment in terms of moisture and temperature. This is known as an equilibrium, and whenever there are changes in the environment, the timber will seek to match them itself.

Often during the summer, the air moisture content is constantly moving up and down, as well as the temperature, and the wood tries to match this. If the moisture content drops, the wood will dry out further as it looks to reach an equilibrium – which can cause it to crack and split.

Many people instantly assume that this means the timber is damaged, and that the sculpture is defective. However, this is not the case. It is simply a case of the natural product adjusting to its environment.

When the inner core of the timber is wetter than the outer section, the cracks will be evident, but once the wood's centre is also dried out to the level of the atmosphere it is in, these cracks and splits will dissipate.

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Can you prevent timber cracking and splitting?

Part of the charm of owning wooden items is its natural ability to change and suit its surroundings.

Because it's a natural process, the cracking and splitting of timber cannot be totally prevented. However, if it is a concern for you that it is happening, the process can be slowed by applying a treatment to the wood.

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When the weather gets really hot.

In the summertime during really hot and dry periods, if you notice cracking in your sculpture, best practice is to treat your sculpture as you would your garden plants.  You can gently spray the sculptures with the hosepipe in the mornings and evenings to increase humidity in the timber and you will see any cracks close within a few days.  Maintaining humidity over hot periods is important.

If you can move the sculpture to a shady, cool spot, then do so. 

In extreme conditions you could carefully drape a wet blanket over the sculpture in the evenings again helping increase humidity.

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Stained glass garden art, wood and glass sculptures are made from external grade treated

redwood timber sleepers. Often used to build raised up gardens, flower beds, steps and all manor of garden decoration. As all wood/timber has a moisture content and needs to find an equilibrium to the humidity in its final display position. Meaning that if displayed in direct sunlight on a hot day it will shrink and reduce slightly but on the other hand, on a wet day it will take on moisture and swell up. These seasonal changes in weather effect all timber that is left outside and may warp and twist the timber. This is why it very to important to consider final placement of sculpture weather or not you intend displaying indoors or out.