We highly recommend Polyblend^® material. Polyblend^® has a UV protection embedded into the plastic. The foliage, stems and trunk are made stronger and more durable to withstand winds and snows. If you decide to use a plant with a natural trunk outdoors, then you'll need to periodically apply a sealer to the trunk (e.g. a deck sealer). You can read more about Polyblend^® here.

We get this question a lot. How real the artificial plant looks depends on these factors.

1. The materials used. Trees with a natural wooden trunk will appear more realistic than those with plastic trunks.
   
   
2. The room or landscape design. If you mix artificial plants with real ones, most people won't be able to tell the difference. If the plants are to be observed from afar, they will look more real. Place a couple leaves or petals under the plant to make it appear like the leaves are falling off the live plant. Real plants do shed their foliage.
   
   
3. The person's attention to detail. Of course, if you tend to look at every detail, you'll eventually see they are artificial. Sometimes, a person will touch a plant out of curiosity to find out if it's artificial.
   
   

After all, they are artificial.

Birds will build nests and roost in outdoor artificial plants. Squirrels will climb them.

So, it depends on whom you want to fool.

This depends on your application and size of plant.

You can use soil in a pot and just push the stem or trunk into the pot. For smaller plants, you can get some foam from a local hardware store.

If you find it topples, then you can make a weighted base out of either Plaster of Paris (indoor use) or KwikCrete (cement, outdoor use).

This depends on the size of the basket, if you want the plant display viewed 360 degrees or a half basket that mounts to a wall. It also depends on how dense you want your hanging plants to be.

Look carefully at the photos on our website. They show the hanging plants in full spread. You probably need at least 2-3 for a small planter.

The vines and hanging plants are shown at full spread to show you the details. You might opt to display them in a less dense spread.

At first, you might purchase fewer artificial plants than you think you'll need. You can always order more if you prefer a more dense display.

This is a design question. Think about what will look natural.

Burial depth depends on the wind, snow load, plant profile and other factors that may topple it over. Higher winds demand a deeper burial. However, for the smaller plants, wind may not be a factor.

Burial depth depends on the soil. Sandy soil doesn't hold the plant as firmly as clayey soil. We recommend concrete base for outdoors and plaster of Paris for indoors.

Bury it so it's visibly appealing. You don't want too little buried or it'll look odd to have a lot of the "trunk" exposed: it'll look like a lollipop. Too deep and it'll look odd.

Will there be "grasses" around the base? Consider that when planning burial depth. You can find more hints in our About Polyblend page.

Think about the weight and design of the fountain or statue. Many are heavy enough that an adult can't push it over. E.g., our hippo concrete statue/fountains have a low center-of-gravity making it hard to push it over. If it is a tall and narrow structure, then it might be pushed over by someone or a few people who are determined to topple it.

Children can be rambunctious and determined. It is up to you to decide if your concern is valid or not and to secure your decor in a manner that it's safe and secure.

Depending on your setting, you may want to enclose your statue or fountain within a fence.

1. The fountain statue that pours or spits water from it. Fountains such as geese, dolphins, frogs are called "spitters".
2. A pump to push the water. It can be a submersible or non-submersible pump. The submersible pumps are the easiest to install. Both types recirculate the water.
3. You will not need an external constant water source because fountains recirculate the water. You may need to periodically add water to make up for water that has been evaporated or splashed over.
4. Tubing, usually a plastic type, to get the water from the pump to your fountain statue or spitter.
5. Clamps (muffler clamps) to secure the tubing to the pump and fountain.
6. A power source for your pump and optional lights. Check with your local codes to determine the distance from the water to the source of electricity. A local electrician can help you configure your power source to meet code.
7. A reclining chair to enjoy your water feature after it's installed. Good company is always welcome!

There are a few ways to anchor it. First, look at the base.

Some crane statues/fountains have toes, no base. In that case, a "U" bolt over the toe and embedded into a cement base will work.

You can drill a hole in the base and thread an anchor bolt through it, then embed the anchor bolt in a wet cement base.

If you already have a concrete base, you can drill a hole in it to put the wet cement for the anchor.

To hide the anchor, you can have a welder attach a barb on the underside of the base of the statue. Then, embed that into wet cement.

However, most statues are stable enough to not need anchoring. Our customers ask about anchoring to secure their decor from theft or toppling over - for that added security.

No, most of all the pumps that come with the fountains, except those used in the large estate fountains, use less energy than a light bulb.

Some do, some don't. The pre-configured fountains are designed to reduce splashover. Excessive splashover happens with a pump running too fast or improperly designed fountains. We discourage our customers from trying to design their own fountain because it hasn't been tested for splashover. In general if the water falls far, it might splash creating an appealing effect. Other fountains do not splash at all and are suitable for indoor use.

We advise that you contact a local contractor for help in many situations. They know the local environment (e.g., soil) and your building codes to make your installation a successful one. This is especially important for large heavy installations.

The first thing to consider is where you'll place your new fountain. You'll need power for the pump and lights. Check your local codes or consult a local contractor for assistance.

The second thing to consider is the weight of the fountain. Why? Because you don't want your fountain to become like the "Leaning Tower of Pisa" if where you place it starts packing unevenly.

We have typical installation instructions listed below. If you want to review the instructions before you purchase, then ask us for the instructions for your particular fountain. We'll need the name and reference number.

Typical Installation Instructions
Concrete fountain without ground pool.
Floor fountain against wall fountain.
With ground pool.
Generic Text Instructions.
Fountain Troubleshooting.
Winter Care of Cast Stone Concrete.

We recommend silicone adhesive between stacked components of fountains, statues, birdbaths, lanterns, and other cast stone items.

• Apply liberally on the top of bottom piece where it will join with the top piece.
• Carefully and firmly place the top piece on it.
• Allow to set.

Always detach silicone-adhered pieces before lifting or moving.

• Do not lift birdbath, fountains, lanterns or other units without first completely disassembling them.
• Carefully detach the silicone-adhered pieces with a gentle rocking and twisting motion.
• Reassemble with silicone adhesion as described above.

Place the fountain pedestal or statuary on a firm and level location.

• Ensure that the suface is firm, stable, and strong.
• That the fountain or statuary should not sink into the ground, break through the flooring, or wobble.
• Fountains. A level surface is necessary for even water flow.
• A concrete patio block may be used, or pour a permanent concrete pad.

Fountains. Consult a licensed electrician and your building codes so that your fountain is safely installed according to your local codes and regulations.

• Some fountains come with a submersible recirculating pump.
• In this case, no plumbing lines are needed.
• You will need a grounded 110V (AC only) GCFI protected receptacle near the fountain site.
• Your fountain site should be within reach of a garden hose to replenish the water as it evaporates and to rinse the fountain.

Concrete pedestals are heavy enough to not need anchoring. The only thing you need to do is to ensure the ground or base is strong enough to hold the weight. You might discuss this with a local contractor for advice on a foundation, if you can place it on level ground, or if the ground needs packing before installing your statue and pedestal. A local person will know more about your soil and how stable it is.

E.g., if you have clayey soil, the clay expands and compresses as it gets wet and dries. In that case, you'd probably need a concrete foundation.

If you build a concrete foundation, the depth depends on your local building codes. Thus, we refer you to a local contractor for advice.

You'll need to know the approximate bottom area of the pedestal as well as the weight of the pedestal plus statue so that the contractor knows the weight per surface area (e.g., pounds per square inch).

We always recommend our customers to review their local building codes and to contact a local contractor for advice on the foundation and setting.

Patience will be your friend. You'll need the following:

1. Fountain statue or spitter.
2. Pump. They can be submersible or nonsubmersible. The submersible ones are more popular. Magnetic drive pumps use less electricity (amperes) than direct drive pumps.
3. Tubing (vinyl or durable plastic) to connect the pump to the statue or spitter.
4. Clamps to secure the tubing to the pump and statue or spitter.
5. Basin of water which can be a pond or ground pool. The basin feeds water to the pump.
6. Water.
7. Lounge chair and iced drink to relax and enjoy your new water feature.

No. Fountains have a "recirculating" pump that takes water from the main lower basin or pool up to the top where it falls back down to the main lower basin or pool.

"Patience will be your friend" is our advice for a successful fountain installation. Most fountains come with pump, fittings and assembly instructions. Smaller fountains can generally be assembled easily by the average handyperson while larger fountains may require more people. Fountains are not usually one piece: they are several pieces that need to be assembled in the proper order. Large pieces may need two or three people to lift and set. In this case it's recommended to have one or two extra people to eye the setting to ensure it's put properly in place.

FOUNDATION. Your fountain must be set up in a firm, level position. This is essential for stability as well as for an even flow of water. A patio deck, paving stones or compacted gravel might be a suitable base for smaller items depending on the soil. Larger fountains and statues will need paving or a concrete base will be necessary. Always get the advice of a local contractor about the foundation if you have any doubt. They know the soil conditions and can judge by the weight of the decor. Think about splashover if your fountain has a lot of water movement. If there is likely to be splashover, then the base should have good drainage so the fountain does not sit in water which could become ice in winter.

Never set the fountain up onto earth, grass or any other surface which will sink when wet.

POWER SOURCE Ensure you have enough people or the proper equipment to lift heavier items. The pump must be supplied through a ground fault interference device (GFI). Check your local government codes for local regulations on installing electrical outlets near water. A qualified electrician should be consulted.

For many fountains, Yes. Today's low-voltage LED lights don't have to be totally submerged underwater. There will be no problem if the water level is below the light. Some can be used out of water to light up your landscape.

Stronger lights must be submerged for cooling effects by the water./p>

Consider how the power cord gets to the outlet. Sometimes, you can feed the light power cord along the same channel as the water pump cord.

Consider lighting up each bowl of a tiered water fountain as well as the fountain from lights on the ground for a spectacular effect.

Fountain is assembled and the pump is plugged in but the water doesn't flow. Here are some causes.

• Electricity inactive. Check circuit breaker or damaged cord.
• Restrictor clamp too tight.
• Matter obstructs the pump intake.
• Kinked or clogged tubing.
• Air lock in the pump. While submersed, plug and unplug the pump several times to clear the air lock.
• Not enough water in the fountain.

If the water frequently gets dirty or cloudy, then

• Add water clarifier.
• Replace the water and rinse the fountain often.
• Remove lime deposits as described above.

If the fountain finish is fading with time, then

• Apply a light coat of sealer. Contact us to purchase.
• Refinish with a refinishing kit, if available. Contact us.

If you live where the winters have "freeze-thaw" effects that can eventually crack concrete, please follow these instructions. Although the concrete decor Gardecor^® sells are frostproof, you should consider these steps to store your fountain over winter. You need to be careful to not let water sit in bowls or anywhere where it can freeze. The mechanical action of freeze and thaw (expand and contract) might damage your concrete garden decor.

Extreme and rapid changes in temperature and humidity affect all concrete. Concrete has an inherent tendency to expand and contract with climatic conditions (a phenomenon taken into account by masons who use expansion joints such as lines in the sidewalk). The design of your cast stone concrete product considers weather conditions in the US. The concrete mix contains fiber and other additives for elasticity. Occasionally, normal, unharmful surface shrinkage cracks might appear giving your decor an aged look. If you're storing a birdbath and use a de-icer, then you don't need to follow these instructions.

Your cast stone lawn and garden decor should not crack from weather conditions if you follow these simple rules.

1. Empty the water from the fountain and pump. If you can, store the pump inside.
2. Dry out all parts as well as you can.
3. Place dry towels or rags in the bowls. The material should be able to absorb moisture that might accumulate.
4. Cover with a fountain cover or tarp that doesn't leak. Secure the cover (tie with rope or bungi cords) so the wind doesn't wear out the cover. You can find fountain covers at Gardecor^®.
5. Do not let salts that thaw the ice and snows get into contact with the concrete. Salt can dissolve the concrete and invalidate your warranty. Do not allow the bases of your concrete item to sit in a pool of ice that can freeze-thaw.

By following these simple and sensible precautions during the winter season, you will protect your cast stone concrete products for years of beauty and enjoyment.

No, anti freeze may be harmful to wildlife that drinks from the fountain. Heating devices can't be relied upon to keep all water in the fountain free of ice.

To avoid limescale building up over time use rainwater that you've collected. If you don't have this option then use a Water Clarifier; adding this solution to your fountain's water reduces both limescale and algae buildup. You can find clarifier at Tricker's Water Gardens. Ensure it removes lime.

A little maintenance is required. To keep your fountain running well, keep it full with clean water and remove any debris that may have gotten into the water. To avoid buildup of limescale use rain water or if this is not possible use a Water Clarifier; adding this solution to your fountain's water reduces both limescale and algae buildup. You can find clarifier at Tricker's Water Gardens. Ensure it removes lime. Water Clarifier can also be used to avoid a buildup of algae if this is not desired; however many owners prefer the aged look which a buildup of algae gives to lawn decor. See Winter Maintenance for those in snowy areas.

No, chlorine isn't recommended because it may cause harm to the fountain's finish and corrode the pump and fittings, we recommend a Water Clarifier; adding this solution to your fountain's water reduces both limescale and algae buildup. You can find clarifier at Tricker's Water Gardens

The pump in your fountain needs little maintenance. Ensure it's always submerged in clean water. Remove debris from the inlet. We recommend a Pump Sock prefilter to help keep debris from entering your pump. The prefilter will need to be periodically cleaned as debris will cling to the sock. If you are winterizing the fountain ideally you should store the pump in a bucket of clean water which will not be allowed to freeze.

Three words: Pride, Laborious, Custom

Hand-wrought means the iron is heated, hammered, folded, hammered, heated, over and over again until the iron particles align. This alignment of the iron makes your piece durable and less prone to rusting than decorative or cast iron and even stainless steel.

The entire process is done by a human craftsman who takes pride in their work when it's completed. Making a piece of wrought ironwork takes days to weeks of labor next to a high heat source.

The craftsman watches every step of the process and can fix flaws before it reaches you. Mass-produced items don't have this close inspection of each and every piece.

If you scratch a piece of wrought iron, you can see the iron particles look like aligned fibers. Machined or cast iron won't have this and are more brittle thus more prone to cracking or breaking.

Other than being hand-crafted, these pieces are hand polished.

It can take 10+ hours to polish only one piece. The craftsman takes pride in the work and inspects every step of the process, fixing any visible problems that mass produced goods don't do.

You'll take just about as much pride as the craftsman who manually makes your furniture.

We no longer offer color matching. Rather, we prefer you to visit the powder coater's website, Tiger Drylac to see the rainbow selection of colors. They can send to you samples to compare with your decor in your lighting.

Wrought Iron is made by a human. The resulting product is stronger than the other iron products and less prone to rusting than steel.

A craftsman sees every step and is able to fix any flaws before going to market. Hand-wrought iron is more expensive because of the human labor involved.

Ornamental Iron is machined. The iron isn't as strong and more prone to rusting than wrought iron. This is mass produced, including the welding of pieces together, and not every piece will be inspected by a scrutinizing human eye. Thus, flawed ornamental iron can reach your home.

Cast Iron is melted iron that is poured into a mold. This iron is more brittle than wrought or machined iron. Care must be taken to remove mold seams if it's not a lost-wax method. It is generally mass produced.

A new mold is expensive to make because you need to start with a design and sculptor who makes the first piece. There are several steps before the mold is completed and ready for casting. Molds do wear out, too.

Longevity and Quality.

Powder coating is a process that bonds the color to the item. The colored powder is electrostatically applied to the metal, then heated to bond it to the metal.

A powder-coated piece of furniture or garden decor won't lose it's color in the weather. It's about as good as your car paint finish.

The powder can't get into every tiny crevices or holes where the furniture is spot welded. Over time, you may notice a bit of rusting there. Many customer prefer the rusting for an aged appearance. If you don't, then periodically apply a rust protector.

Bronze or brass will not weather very fast. Think about the archeological finds from thousands of years ago that were made from bronze or brass. Many people love the look of the aged bronze or brass.

The copper in these materials is what will weather and turn your piece green, aqua or blues, depending on the composition. Sometimes iron may be present that will lend reds or oranges to your piece as it ages. The patina (surface coating) may be aged fast in the manufacturing process.

Maintenance. Bronze and brass are indeed a "living" medium which makes it desirable and collectible. Most of our clients prefer to simply enjoy their bronze or brass fountain, statuary or furniture as it weathers naturally.

If you want to preserve the original patina, short of painting over the actual metal surface, you might treat your piece with a coat of clear floor wax or liquid or paste to delay the aging process.

Bronze and Brass Statues and Fountains are
Dynamic Pieces of Art in Progress.

The longevity bronze and brass fountains, statues, ornaments and furniture impart genuine heirloom status to artwork crafted with these materials. The beauty of these materials constantly changes as the metal, reacts to the environment with it's colors evolving through time.

Bronze and brass are an amalgamation of organic and inorganic elements, including alloys of lead, copper, and tin or zinc, as well as ferrous (iron) metals introduced as part of the ancient lost wax process by which bronze and brass sculptures are hand crafted. The natural characteristics of this blend of raw materials allow each piece to be unique and change and weather with time and exposure to the elements. The brown is the reduced form of the copper. As the copper oxidizes, it turns various hues of greens and blues, called "verdigris". Gardecor® offers brass and bronze statues and fountains cast with the sought-after lost-wax method because of the beautiful unique results.

Depending on the fountain's or statue's exposure, as well as the different combination of alloys used in a piece, you may see streaks of brown, white, yellow, and green. This is the same effect that valued copper architectural trim gets to reveal a myriad of hues. The natural phenomenon contributes to the patina (surface finish) of bronze and brass that they are quite desirable as heirlooms for both homes, gardens, parks, and businesses.

Different regions of the country will have different aging and weathering effects. Acid rain, climate peculiarities, sunlight's ultraviolet rays, and even bird droppings will alter the appearance of any bronze and brass item. To determine how your piece will weather with time, just look around a park, town center, or formal garden to see the bronze statuaries and planters in various states of aging.

The basic difference between bronze and brass is bronze contains tin and brass contains zinc. How each weathers depends on the composition which can differ.
Bronze is harder than brass, and most people can't visually tell the difference.
Bronze will be 4+ times more expensive than brass. That's why many of our lovely outdoor pieces are brass with a bronze patina (outer surface finish).

Think about the location and surrounding features.

• You want a nice size to complement, not overwhelm, the area. The piece should be large enough to be noticed, not lost in your decor.
  • If you have many tall trees, you might consider a tall piece or a small one to tuck underneath a tree.
  • If this is for a patio, a shorter piece will do fine.
  • If people will be close to it, then a smaller piece will do fine.
  • If it will be viewed from afar, then a large piece should work well for you.
• Consider whether people will be able to view your bronze artwork from all around it.
• Or, will it be nestled within a garden where only half of the piece is viewed.
• Are there stairs nearby where you might be able to enjoy your bronze fountain or statue from the top?
• Will it be part of a collection of statues, fountains, plaques?

Installation is easy. Find the right location, level the surface and place your fountain or statue in place. Heavy pieces may require a concrete foundation to avoid sinking into the ground. Any local contractor or your government building department. can advise you.

If it's a tall piece that may topple (when they get that large, it's extremely hard to topple the piece) or if you're concerned about theft, you can drill a hole in the base and put an anchor bolt through it and sink the anchor into wet cement. Or put a chain through the hole and lock to a "U" sunk into a concrete foundation. For a better cosmetic look, find someone who can solder-weld to bronze or brass. Then have them weld a strong metal barbed wire inside the base. The barb should extend below the base. Then, sink the bard into wet cement.

About Lost-Wax Metal Casting

The lost-wax method of casting is valued because each piece is unique and has no unsightly mold seams. The technique that dates back for thousands of years requires more skill and is more labor-intense than other methods. Gardecor® carries only bronze, brass , or other metal statues and fountains that use this method because of it's superior results.
1. Wax is first painted then poured into the mold, so that every crevice is filled, allowing for maximum detail.	The exceptional detail inherent in our brass sculptures is created as each piece is cast by the "cire perdue," or "lost wax" method, dating back to ancient Egypt and refined in Rome and later Paris. After a mold is created from an original sculpture, wax is poured into the mold (1), and after hardening and removing the mold, all the details are perfected (2). The wax impression is encased inside and out with refined clay (3) and (4). Once the clay sets, the wax impression is fired in a kiln; the wax melts out of the clay mold, and is "lost" (5). The void created by the melted wax in the clay mold is then filled with molten brass, which is identical to the wax impression it replaced (6). The clay mold surrounding and inside the sculpture is delicately removed, revealing the cast sculpture, which is subsequently finished by buffing, polishing and patinizing to give the piece its final verdigris (green-grey) or bronze luster (7), (8), and (9).	5. Molds after the wax has been "lost."
		6. The clay mold is then filled with molten brass.
2. After the wax statue is removed from the mold, all the details are perfected by hand.		7. Larger pieces sometimes require welding as they are cast from smaller pieces.
3. The wax impression is surrounded by wax sprues. The sprues allow air to escape during the brass pouring, preventing air bubbles in the finished piece.		8. The pieces are polished and then an oxidation formula is applied to give them their verdigris patina.
4. The wax impression then encased inside and out with refined clay.		9. Finally a coat of wax is applied to the oxidize piece to protect the finish.
This labor intensive method of lost wax casting produces unique sculptures with exceptionally fine detail of lasting durability, and which are aesthetically warm and ruggedly handsome. Each piece is cast and assembled by our artists one at a time, just as the originals were. Variations in color, finish, size and shape will occur due to the individual craftsmanship inherent in the process.

"Cast stone" is a term used by designers, landscapers, and manufacturing plants to define the process of casting wet cement into a mold to make a concrete product. "Cement' is the wet form and "Concrete" is the hardened dry form.

Cast stone is cement that has been cast into a mold. It is not sculpted by an artist in hard stone, rather the mold is created from original sculptures and used over an over again. The mold eventually wears away and a new one is made from the original artwork.

Creativity

Gardecor®'s line of cast stone designs sparkle with artistry and innovation. Season after season, decade after decade, our manufacturer's continuously flow original and ancient designs in fountains, statuaries, and garden ornaments. Exciting new creations reflect the classic styles of Europe, Asia, and other cultures.

Quality

Gardecor® carefully selects manufacturers of beautiful designs and top-quality workmanship. That is was Gardecor® is acclaimed for. The hand cast pieces are renowned for premium artwork. Every piece is crafted by hand in the meticulous tradition of Old World Craftsmanship. From sculpting to mold, from casting to finish, the cast stone products are skillfully fashioned for years of beauty and enjoyment. Where available, the color finishes are durable and admired for their depth, subtly, and elegance.

Consistency

Creativity and quality are the passions of craftsmen: Constancy of service to Gardecor®'s clients. For decades, our manufacturers strive to continually invest in original and replica antique designs to offer you the best. Our steadfast commitment to extraordinary service simply shines.

In warm weather, there is really no maintenance involved.

Generally, concrete products that we sell are frost-proof, however in climates with constant freeze-thawing weather, you may want to dry your piece off and wrap it with tarp or a fountain cover.

Do not use abrasives, acids (vinegar) or bases (baking soda) on your concrete decor. These chemicals can dissolve the concrete wearing away your piece.

Do not allow salt to contact your concrete decor as this can also dissolve the concrete.

Some pieces may have the color embedded in the concrete.

Others have a finish applied, either a stain like the Relic colors or a durable outdoor paint applied. These are sealed with a concrete sealer to help prevent water from entering into the concrete and wearing it faster. The pieces with an outer finish should not be scrubbed clean with abrasive cleansers or cloths because you can damage the surface coating.

Other than that, just enjoy your cast stone decor!

Your cast stone decor will most likely be hollow. The concrete is poured to about 1.5" thick. This is thick enough for a solid, durable piece.

To Give You the Best Price!
For items too large and heavy to ship via UPS, FedEx, USPS or the like, we found that our customers get the best pricing by requesting a quote. These items are marked with "(fgt)" in the Reference Number for the product.

Freight rates fluctuate daily and have steeply fluctuated in the past (remember when oil spiked at $130+ a barrel? Freight shipment rates also increased.).

To Be Fair!
Customers who live close to the manufacturing facility will get a lower rate than those who live across the country. It can be $hundreds difference depending on the item. It's only fair to charge the actual rate rather than estimating the rate to the farthest distance and have everyone pay that rate.

To Give You Great Customer Service!
Customers ordering huge items sometimes don't fully understand the process from shipping to delivery through installation.

Requesting a quote gives us a chance to discuss with you what you should to expect so that your delivery goes smoothly as you expect. When this process begins, we find many customers start asking questions that they otherwise wouldn't ask.

Estimates
Sometimes we we can't get the shipping rate until the merchandise is packaged and ready to ship. In this case, you'll receive a good estimate.

This can happen when you order several items. You'll be either refunded or charged the difference when your order ships. Your estimate will indicate if the shipping is an estimate or quote.

You'll pay a greatly reduced freight cost (up to 75% discounted). We also research to ensure that you're getting a great price.

At Gardecor®, you pay the actual freight to you
- and no farther.
That's is the fair way to do business.
With our pricing model, you'll save $tens to $hundreds.

Most quotes are valid for 2 weeks.

Quotes expire because both shipping rates and raw materials can fluctuate for merchandise that is made to order. Fluctuating raw material costs result from developing nations such as China, India and Russia that are demanding more and more cement, copper, iron and other raw materials. Energy prices can wildly fluctuate due to, among other factors, disasters (e.g., hurricanes in oil producing areas) or market behavior.

If your quote expires and the prices go down, the price you pay will lower as well, and vice versa.

Rarely do manufacturing costs increase shortly after a quote expires. If our cost does go up within a month of your expired quote, we work hard with the manufacturer to honor the original price.

If your quote expires, just ask us to re-do it. It's that simple.

First, the size and weight of your shipment needs to be calculated by the manufacturer's shipping department. Most shipping departments work early in the morning and close early. Some are on Eastern Time, so closing is even earlier for those of you on the West Coast.

A few shipping companies are contacted to find the best rate with a reputable shipping company for you.

They do their calculations to determine the rate. First, they need to determine the item type (for the "class").

Then, they do more research to get your rate. I, too, have wondered why it takes so long, but as you see, there are several layers of communications to get a good rate for you.

Bulk orders can take a while to compile, double-check, and assess the best discount for you.

International destinations will take even longer as we need to get the shipment to the border, across customer and to its final destination. International shipments might involve more than one shipping company, and arranging this isn't fast when you communicate across time zones.

1. If you see "(fgt)" in the item "Reference Number". Take the item through checkout. Checkout will automatically tell us that you need a quote and usually we'll respond to your request within a day if not 2 business days.
2. If you plan to place a bulk order. Email us with your list and the destination.
3. If you believe checkout returned a too high a rate.*
4. If checkout can't calculate shipping, it'll default to requesting a quote.*

Sometimes an item looks light and small enough for FedEx, USPS, UPS, and the like but if it's fragile, the manufacturer will decide to ship it via freight. This reduces breakage and your overall cost.

*This can happen if the zip code doesn't match the city. Or, if you order several items, the shipping calculation falls apart because it doesn't know if everything can be shipped in one box. It acts like all items ship in its own box. The website goes to UPS while you're checking out to get the current rate.

We try to make it easy for you.

1. Online
   • Put the merchandise in your cart. You don't have to make all selections such as color at this time. You can change that when you finalize your order.
   • Go through checkout and select "Request Quote" as payment method. No credit card information is needed.
     We will need the destination information for your quote.
     For the rest of the fields, you can enter "TBD" (to be determined) if you don't have that information at hand. We will need your email address to send your quote to you.
2. Email Click the "Email Us" link at the top of the page and send us an email. Instructions are there as to exactly what we need from you to prepare your quote.
3. Phone Our toll-free number and long hours are at the top of every page. We hire live people in the USA to answer our phones and assist you. They can answer most of your questions, too.

You can view our topic "Freight: Shipping HEAVY LARGE items" by clicking here.

Only if you created an account, then you can login to see your order status. We require that for security. Feel free to email (You can reply to your order confirmation email) or call us about the status of your order.

You'll receive an email as soon as you place your order that confirms your order. If you didn't get that email, then check your spam folder. Your order will be shown in your online account if you registered. Alternatively, you can phone our customer care department and they'll confirm your order.

This depends. We know you want to receive your items as fast as possible. Your order is in progress as soon as you make payment. You generally have a day to change things. If a few days have passed, then phone us about your order.

Many items are made to order. Once manufacturing has begun or the order is in shipping, it is usually too late to change your order. Again, phone us to discuss.

Because we are committed to processing all customer orders as quickly as possible, we cannot guarantee order cancellations.

If you would like to cancel an order, call Customer Care as soon as possible after placing the order and we will attempt to cancel it.

However, if the order has been processed, we may not be able to cancel it.

For processed and shipped orders you can find more guidance in our Returns section to process a return or exchange.

Customers get confused with terminology when talking with their banks about the credit card transaction. Here is some information that we recommend you read before contacting your bank.

The events and terms for a credit card transaction are

1. "Authorize" - funds are approved but won't be transferred to our account. The funds are "reserved" for us, but not transferred. This is the step to confirm the card is valid (checks billing address, enough money available, etc.).
   
   If approved, the funds are on "Hold".
   
   If multiple Authorizations are done, then the card can "max out" until the funds are released. "Max'd out" meaning they can't charge more on the card. BUT, it doesn't mean the card is really max'd out because we won't take all the funds if multiple authorizations are made. We just take enough for the order.
   
   If you try to repeat a transaction too fast, then a fraud alert can be set and your card will be declined.
   
   THIS IS WHY YOU DON'T WANT TO KEEP TRYING TO PROCESS THE CARD OVER AND OVER.
   
   
2. "Capture Funds" - means the money will be transferred to the merchant.
   
   
3. "Void" - the charge was reversed. This is not a "refund". Customers and banks will not see a void on their "statement" although we did void the transaction. This is a problem with the bank's system that is frustrating to us as well as our customers.
   
   Most banks release the "Hold" at midnight and the customer should not see the "hold" the next day. We'll ensure the card is charged only once. ALL BANKS DIFFER WITH THEIR POLICIES, so ask them.
   
   
4. "Refund" - Funds were "captured" then "refunded" back to the customer. Customer will see these two transactions, one taking money out (capture) and one putting money back (refund).
   
   
5. "Batch" is when the system sends all the transactions to the banks to capture or refund the funds. This is done once a day at night.
   
   
6. "Voided" charges are done before the "batch" is sent to the banks. Thus the bank will not see the voided charge request. If the "void" isn't done before a "batch" is sent to the banks, then the money is "refunded".

That depends. We can estimate when an item should ship; however, once your order is in transit, it's up to the shipping company, not us.

We carry stock for some of the garden decor and will show the quantity available.

Many items here at Gardecor are made to order. The production times are noted with the item when we know it. The lead times are an average for the year — longer during busy seasons and shorter during the off season.

Your patience is appreciated when considering delivery times. If you're in a hurry, then contact us to see if we can expedite your order.

NOTE: If you select to expedite ship a made-to-order item or item that is not routinely held in stock, that doesn't mean your order will be bumped to the top of the production line.

The longest transit time within contiguous USA is about a week. Don't count weekends.

The great majority of shipments arrive intact. All orders are carefully inspected before it is picked up by the transit company

If you receive your order and the merchandise is damaged by the delivery company, you can refuse delivery. We recognize that you may not be home to receive your merchandise.

Contact Gardecor^® Customer Care within 2 days to report the damage.

Take a photo of the damage and forward to us with a description of the damage along with the photos.

We'll respond with instructions and what will happen next.

Keep the packing material in case the shipping company wants to inspect it.

Freight Shipments. You'll receive an email with detailed information when we notify you that your shipment has left. Read more information under "Freight: Shipping and Receiving HEAVY LARGE items".

For some items.

We can and have shipped concrete fountains to Canada. These are made in USA which may reduce the import fees. Contact your country's customs office for details.

We don't promote this for everythings because it can be expensive, especially for the smaller merchandise. Some may be just too fragile to ship internationally such as some artificial trees.

If you're outside the USA and Canada or checkout doesn't have your country listed, just send us an email introducing yourself, what you'd like to purchase and the destination. We'll enable checkout to list your country so you can make your purchase.

For security reasons, we thoroughly investigate international orders to reduce fraud.

A "freight" shipment doesn't go by UPS, FedEx or the like (called "common carrier"). These companies have a limit on the size and weight of the boxes.

When your order is too large or too fragile for UPS, FedEx, etc. then it'll ship via "Freight". On Gardecor.com, items that ship via freight will have a "(fgt)" in the reference number. Bulk orders might ship freight if it's more economical than shipping several packages.

A freight shipment can arrive by an 18-wheeler semi truck or a 40-ft truck. If you live in a gated community it may not allow semi trucks to get to your home. You'll have to let us know so we can arrange an appropriate truck to deliver your goods.

A "lift-gate" is the elevator at the back of the truck. It lowers your crate or pallet to the ground. It's about 4-feet from the truck bed to the ground.

A ramp is not good for crates or pallets because the goods can easily topple over crashing to the ground.

Thus, "freight" shipments are all about scheduling so the truck making your delivery is properly equipped.

Sometimes your shipment may go via rail (train) and can be delayed. Delays can also happen due to unforeseen events such as floods wiping out major bridges, hurricanes, or earthquakes.

The receiving depot near you won't schedule delivery to you home until it arrives there. When they call you, confirm that the truck will have a lift-gate if you ordered one. Confirm absolutely everything with them and ask questions so that you know what to expect.

Please have patience and understand that delays can happen.

Freight shipments are complex because of the steps involved transporting and delivering large and heavy goods. Here are the types of deliveries involved.

LOCATION

1. Residential. We always request scheduled delivery for residential deliveries. The trucking company will contact you when your shipment arrives at the receiving depot and no sooner.
   
   
2. Commercial. This is an area comprised of businesses. This is not an at-home business. The trucker will arrive unscheduled during normal business hours.
   
   
3. Construction. We need to know if the site is a construction site because the rate may be different than other destinations.

SERVICES

1. No Lift-Gate. You are responsible for unloading your crate(s) from the truck bed. Once you take possession, you are responsible for damages. If you have a forklift or unloading dock with at least a pallet jack, then you won't need a truck with a lift-gate.
   
   
2. Yes, Lift-Gate.This is also called "curbside delivery". The trucker will leave your crate(s) on the ground behind the truck. They are not supposed to leave it in the street. If you have a skilled driver, they might back into your driveway as a courtesy to you. Remember that they are not obligated to perform additional requests.
   
   
3. Inside delivery is offered ONLY for the wrought-iron furniture. The trucker will bring your items inside your home. They are not obligated to unpack it for you. This is not offered for fountains because fountains require someone who can install it for you. See "White-Glove Service", below.
   
   
4. White-glove Service. This is offered ONLY for the wrought-iron furniture. This is not offered for fountains because fountains require someone who can install the fountain. Generally, a third-party local company is contracted to pick up the merchandise from the main shipper's depot to deliver to you. That specialized trucking company will arrange to bring your items inside, unpack it, set it up and haul away the packing debris.

---

Don't expect the trucking company to set up your fountain or place your statue in it's resting location. I would not recommend this as they are not trained in dealing with installation services.

Some truckers carry a pallet jack to move your crate beyond the back of the truck. We always request this but cannot promise it as it is not a service the trucking company offers. The driver may or may not have a pallet jack. You can rent a pallet jack for the day from a local rental center.

YES. It is Gardecor^®'s belief that you should receive your order in good condition. It is the importer, the manufacturer's or our responsibility to file a claim with the shipping company for items damaged in transit.

We'll need your help to file this claim. If we don't get enough information from you, then your claim can be denied.

If your order arrives damaged, you need to document that with the shipper. Always carefully inspect your package when it arrives. We recommend to write on the trucker's receipt something like "Subject to inspection". Get a copy of everything, especially what you sign..

If something is damaged after you open it, then notify us within a business day. We will require an in-focus photo of the damage to pass onto the shipper for their determination.

The great majority of the cases will get a replacement at no cost. The manufacturer-supplier and Gardecor, Inc. reserve the right to determine whether to repair or replace the item or part. If not everything is damaged, only the damaged goods might be repaired or replaced.

To be fair, we require a freight quote from the factory to your destination. Customers living near the factory will pay a lower rate than those across the country. That is only fair

For a quote, you can place the item in your cart and take it through checkout. No payment information is collected. We will research the best rate for you and notify you within a day or two.

Quotes will expire within a week or two to give you time time to ensure that you are ordering what you want.

Feel free to contact us to further discuss your quotation.

The great majority of orders arrive intact without damage. However, once in a while, items are damaged during transit.

Replacement items cannot be sent to production or authorized to be shipped until the damage is confirmed by the manufacturer and shipper.

When your freight shipment leaves, you'll receive an email with instructions as to what to do when a shipment arrives.

When the freight company calls you to schedule delivery (not commercial zones), that is the time to clarify any question you may have about the delivery process.

Keep Gardecor^®'s phone number available in case there are serious problems that need to be remedied during delivery. Don't let the truck driver try to rush you.

We'll need you to document and send us the documentation (e.g., photos) to file with the freight company for insurance purposes. Your help is greatly appreciated.

If your order arrives damaged, then follow the instructions in your email.  

We must be notified within two (2) days of receiving the goods. If you don't think you can inspect the goods for a while, then let us know when you expect to be able to inspect your rorder.

 

WITHIN 2 DAYS OF RECEIVING THE MERCHANDISE, the very fist step is to EMAIL US with the reason why you need to return or exchange the merchandise. You should receive a response within 2 business days. If you don't receive an email reply, then phone us so we're aware of your intent.

All approved returns and exchanges must be approved by Gardecor, Inc. before you ship the merchandise. You'll receive return instructions and terms so that you ship it to the correct address. If you fail to ship to the correct address, you'll have to pay to have the merchandise re-shipped.

Damaged Merchandise
If the merchandise arrives damaged, you have 2 days to email us to file a claim so that we can get your replacement in progress. You'll be required to send us an in-focus photo of the damage. Call us for the email address to email us the attached photograph (our email changes due to becoming spammed). If you don't receive a reply email back within 2 days, consider us not getting your email and phone us.

Customer Changed Mind
Shipping costs are paid by neither Gardecor, Inc. nor our suppliers/manufacturers when the customer is simply dissatisfied or regrets making the order. We offer our customers detailed information about the merchandise. Color samples and plant cuttings/samples are available for most items so you can make an informed online purchase, especially for custom or made-to-order non-returnable merchandise.

Other Reasons
If you believe the merchandise was misrepresented, then email us a photo of what you received and explain in detail why you believe this. Our "Terms and Conditions of Sale" to which customer agree state that the customer understands that unintended typographical, scanning, and human errors can occur.

Restocking Fee
We pass on the return policy of the supplier/manufacturer onto the customer. Some have a restocking fee (e.g., the artificial plants) and some don't (e.g., wind chimes). If you like, please call or email us to confirm if there is a fee on what you want to buy.

Not Returnable, Not Refundable, Not Exchangeable Custom Items
The "custom-made" and "made-to-order"items are not returnable and neither refundable nor can be exchanged. The custom and made-per-order items will be noted on the website and on your receipt.

Our Agreement
These Return Policies are a binding agreement between the customer and Gardecor, Inc. as covered in our "Terms and Conditions of Sale" to which customers agree upon checkout, regardless whether they order online, by fax or by phone.

Gardecor, Inc. loses money on every return granted from credit card processing fees and labor costs. Help us keep costs down by being an informed customer and ask us a lot of questions before you order.

A refund will be made to your credit card after the merchandise is received and inspected.

Please send us the tracking information when you ship the merchandise so we can watch for it to expedite your refund. If you don't hear from us, then please contact us about your return.

Merchandise must be in transit within 1 week unless otherwise specified in your return instructions. Returned merchandise must be in unused and 100% new condition and in original manufacturer's packaging otherwise a reduced or no refund might be issued.

We accept Gift Cards from the major credit card companies: Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover. We do not sell gift certificates.

Gardecor, Inc. is governed by Colorado state law. Under Colorado law, company gift cards more than $25 cannot expire. After 5 years, Colorado companies are to turn in the value of any gift card with more than $25 to the State if it has not been redeemed. After 5 years, customers can go to the State Treasurer's office to redeem the gift cards/certificates.

If the gift card was worth $25 or less, there is no recourse for consumers with gift cards from companies licensed by the State of Colorado.

The best gift card would be from one of the major credit card companies. Your recipient can then use it anywhere and anytime.

If you have a gift card from a specific company, you'll need to check the state law regarding how that company handles redeeming the money covered in your certificate.

I hope this helps!

Carving
Cutting into the surface to produce a decorative design.

Chasing, chased
To create a design in metal by cutting, embossing or incising.

Chinoiserie
The design motifs with Chinese styling. French.

Finial
An upright decorative piece in a variety of shapes used to top columns, fence posts, fountains, and other decorations.

Fleur de Lis, Fleur de Lys
French for a lily flower.

Fluting, Fluted
Concave cuts that are parallel to each other, usually found on columns. Originated from Greek architecture.

Gardecor®, "Garden Decoration"
Gardecor® is any outdoor decoration such as fountains, statuaries, furniture, garden stakes, weathervanes, wall plaques, decorative light fixtures, etc. of artistic design and worthy of heirloom status. Materials used to make gardecor® include, but are not limited to bronze, brass, authentic wrought iron, cast stone concrete if formulation allows for longevity, marble, granite, etc. Excluded materials are those that break down or can easily break such as resin, polyresin, alabastrite, plastics, and other materials that quickly break down. You won't find fountains, statues, or furniture made out of these inferior products at Gardecor®. Gardecor® is a registered trademark protected under the U.S. government Patent and Trademark Office.

Gilding
Gold leaf applied to wood, plaster, or other metal. Gilt furniture has gilding.

Gullioche
A motif of interlocking circles. May or may not have other decorations.

Inlay
Embedded materials in a piece of furniture for decoration.

Mosaic
A decoration consisting of small pieces of tile, stone, glass in a mortar or other cement. "Peitra Dura", Italian for "hard stone" is a colored marbled mosaic.

Patina
The outer surface of a metal piece. Can be the natural oxidation of the metal such as verdigris (greenish, bluish from oxidized copper) and cor-ten (oxidized iron, rust), or a polished bronze (brown).

Quatrefoil
A motif with 4 lobes ("foils") reminiscent of Gothic cathedral decorations.

Singerie
Motifs showing playful monkeys. French.

Tessare
Tiles, glass or other small decorations used in mosaics.

Trefoil
The motif with three lobes ("foil") used as decorations on Gothic cathedrals. See above under Quatrefoil which has 4 lobes.

Barbed Connector
This is how the accepting piece of the fountain, pump or connectors is designed. It is a tube with an irregular surface to hold the tubing.

Clamp
This secures the tubing to the pump, "T" or manifold, and fountain statue or spitter. It can be either a nylon tie or small muffler clamp. The pressure from the water flow can dislodge the tubing from the pump, "T", etc.

Flow Restrictor
A device used to adjust the flow to a water fountain staue or spitter. The simplest flow restrictor is a piece of bent metal with two holes. The tubing goes into the "V" of the bent metal. A nut and bolt goes through the two holes. As the nut and bolt are tightened, the flow to the fountain or spitter gets less.

A flow restrictor should be placed on the third part of a "T" and open to the water. If it's placed between the fountain and pump with no open end to the water, then there will be a backpressure to the pump. This backpressure can reduce the life of your pump.

GPH = Gallons per Hour or GPM = Gallons per Minute
Water flow is measured as GPH and GPM, "Gallons Per Hour" or "Gallons Per Minute", respectively. For a standard fountain, GPH is used. For large spray rings and very large fountains, GPM is used. The flow that comes out of the fountain, water spitter or spray ring depends on ...

• Distance from pump to outlet.
• Height from pump to outlet. If the pump is in a lower pond and the fountain is in an upper pond, then a stronger pump is needed than if the pump and fountain are at the same horizontal if everything else is the same.
• Inner diameter of the tubing. A larger diameter tubing requires a stronger pump to push more water.
• Power of the pump. See "Pumps", below.

A Pump Chart is used as a guideline for selecting the right pump. Bear in mind that the diameter of the tubing can change what you read from the pump chart.

Pumps, Water
A device that takes water in and pushes it out at a particular force. They are "recirculating" meaning that you can place a pump in a bowl of water and it will recirculate the water without needing to add more water to get a flow.

There are submersible and non-submersible pumps depending on the application.

Direct-drive pumps tend to last longer than a magnetic-drive pump which is driven by a magnetic motor. Some customers perfer magnetic drive pumps because they require less energy. For very large pumps, this can be a consideration.

Larger pumps can consist of two separate parts, a motor and the pump. A 1 horsepower pump can have a different water flow depending on the size of the motor and the size of the pump.

Pump flow is usually measured in gallons per minute, GPM, or gallons per hour, GPH (see above) for more powerful pumps.

"T" Connection or Manifold
The "T" connects to the tubing between the pump and fountain statue. The third part of the "T" can be connected either to a flow restrictor or another fountain statue.

A manifold is a connection with several outlets. These outlets can have adjustable valves or flow restrictors on them to adjust the water flow to each fountain or spitter attached to the manifold.

Tubing
Tubing connects the pump to a "T" connector to a fountain staute or water spitter. It is usually vinyl or some polymer but can be copper. The longer the tubing, the more friction water encounters during its travels inside the tubing. Thus, you'll need a stronger pump if you use long tubing to get the same water height coming out of your fountain. The tubing diameter should match the pump and the fountain. If there is a large difference among the tubing and pump and fountain, then undue stress can be placed on the pump which might wear out sooner than if the diameters more closely matched.

Water Spitter
A statue of an animal or human that spits water out of the mouth.

Apron
The skirting attached under a seat rail, tabletop or piece of casing.

Chaise Lounge, Chaise Longue
French for "long chair". A chair and a long seat for lounging.

Continuous Stretcher
The pieces that connect all legs of a chair or case. Used to make the piece stronger.

Crest Rail or Top Rail
On a chair, the crest rail is the top horizontal piece.

Canape, Canapé
A French sofa or settee.

Kline
A Greek bed or reclining couch.

Ladder-back Chair
A chair with horizontal slats on the back. They look like a ladder, thus appropriately called, "ladder back".

Lectus
A reclining couch or bed from Roman origin.

Raking Back Chair
A chair with a slant back.

Runner
The piece that is between the chair legs or case. Used to strengthen the piece. The runner rests on the floor whereas a stretcher doesn't.

Seat Rail
The horizontal piece of a chair, sofa or settee that forms the seat part.

Shoe
The disk at the bottom of a scrolled foot.

Splat Back Chair or Bench
The wide vertical wood piece used as a back support.

Splayed Legs
Outward slanted legs.

Stretcher
The horizontal piece between the chair legs. Stretchers, unlike runners, don't touch the floor.

Strut
The piece that connects the seat to the stretcher for added support.

Tabouret
A French stool.

Top Rail or Crest
The upper horizontal part of the back of a chair.

Baluster
A turned form used as a support in pieces of furniture or railings. The common form is an elongated vase.

Pilaster
A squared column that is generally against a flat wall.

Plinth
The small block at the base of a column, pilaster, or pedestal.

Alabaster
A natural stone with a translucent (light can pass through but you can't read a newspaper through it) properties. Usually a creamy white with brown streak depending on the source. Used for windows before glass panes were developed. Not to be confused with "alabastrite" which is another name for the manufactured plastic product called polyresin.

Bronze and Brass Products
Although brass and bronze are different, brass can be considered a subclass of bronze. Both contain substantial amounts of copper metal. Bboth can have a copper-like appearance, the copper is mixed with other metals to make the product more durable and stronger than copper. Both are durable and long lasting as heirloom items. Brass, being stronger, is preferred for nuts, bolts, and other fittings.

The basic difference is that brass has zinc whereas bronze contains tin. Actual bronze is harder than brass, but the majority can't tell the difference. It's when someone need to make a piece of hardware, musical instrument or other widget that the composition becomes important.

Small amounts of nickel, silicon, manganese, aluminum, iron and/or lead can also be natural or incorporated into the metal. The final composition varies depending on the natural composition of the copper, the copper purification process, the foundry and the availability of metals. Bronze is 4-5 times more expensive than brass because of the components.

Depending on the final composition and weathering process, the colors can vary from a deep reddish-brown to bluish-green to yellowish-gold. Other elements, such as iron, can impart beautiful patina to the artwork. Bronze and brass are valued for the unique quality of the original appearances. Each piece is truly unique as each one weathers differently.

Don't confuse the metal bronze with "Liberty Bronze" which is really polyresin made to look like bronze.

Further Reading
Greece History: Stone and Bronze Age
Bronze: A 3000 Year-Old Tradition
Bronze: Wikipedia
Ancient History: Bronze Age Britain

Cast Iron Products are made by pouring molten iron alloy into a mold. The iron is generally an alloy with 2-6% carbon. The carbon makes it too brittle to be wrought, and it must be shaped by casting in a mold while molten. Depending on the process, seam molds can occur. Cast iron is used for products that require a thicker feature, such as statuettes.

Cast Stone Products, Concrete Products
Cast stone products are made from cement (the wet form) poured into molds to make a "cast" concrete product. It is not solid rock or stone. There are various formulations of cement to make the final product strong and lasting. The additives depend on the final product. For a statue with an aged look, air bubbles are allow to form. Larger aggregates may be included for a textured appearance. Fibers can be added to help prevent cracking and breakage. Whatever the formulation, the cement has to be thin enough to fill the crevices in the mold, but not to thin as to distort during the drying process. Large items will have metal such as something like chickenwire or stakes/rebar for stability and strength.

Bear in mind that archaeologists uncovered beautiful cast stone concrete statues from the ancient Greece and Roman days. There are some winter precautions that you need to consider for your cast stone concrete piece.

1. Do not bring into contact with salt, such as when throwing salt onto walkways and patios to melt the snow. The salt will dissolve the concrete.
2. During winter, prevent water from getting into the concrete. The water will expand when frozen and contract with thawed. The frozen form can create cracks, and when thawed, will creep into the cracks to make them bigger when the water freezes again.

Further Reading
The History of Concrete: A Timeline - University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Materials Science and Technology
Timeline of Concrete - Auburn University Architecture Department

Polyblend®
A polymeric plastic used in outdoor artificial plants. It is impregnated with UV resistant compounds and thicker than standard plastics.

Polyresin
A plastic also referred to as "resin" or "alabastrite". Polyresin doesn't hold up to the outdoor elements very well. That's why you won't find fountains, statues, address plaques and other products made out of polyresin at Gardecor®.
"Liberty Bronze" is really polyresin made to look like bronze.

Powdercoating or Powder Coating
A process where color in powder form is applied to a surface then baked at high temperatures to bond the color powder to the surface. The powdered color is applied to the clean surface. It can be applied electrostatically, with compressed air, or other method. The piece is cured in an oven until the color melts forming a smooth surface. The right powder color must be used for the piece to be coated.

The method results in a durable and uniform finish that resists cracking and peeling, unlike some paints. Powdercoats also provide electrical insulation to the piece. Some types of powdercoat are approved by the FDA for food containers.

When deciding on the finish for your powdercoated piece, you'll need to decide the sheen.

• Glossy - a shiny finish that reflects light as a mirror. Minor marks, fingerprints, scratches might be noticed.
• Flat - non-reflective matte finish. This helps to hide imperfections and scratches.

Because the powder won't get into each and every tiny pinhole place, you can prevent rusting by periodic application of a rust protectant from your local hardware store.

Further Reading: The History of Powdercoating.

Teak Wood
A wood resistant to water damage that is found in the tropics. As with all wooden furniture, the wood must be dried before crafting the piece. If it isn't, then the furniture can deform during the drying process rendering an unsuitable product. Most overseas manufacturers make the furniture in a tropical climate which is very humid. Once the piece arrives at it's destination, which is most likely a drier climate, the drying process continues. Gardecor® carefully scrutinizes the products and decided to not carry teak products for ethical reasons. Most countries that supply teak harvest it in a clear-cut method with low-paid and/or child labor.

Victorian or English Wire
An ornate design with delicate curves and turns made from wire, almost like the designs in doilies. Originated in the Victorian days in England.

Wrought Iron is truly authentic hand-wrought, not machine made. The product is made by a labor intensive by stretching, banging, re-heating and cooling the iron. The wrought iron method is becoming a lost art as machining "decorative wrought iron" reduces the labor.

Beware that we've seen merchandise claimed to be "wrought iron" when we know it was machined. These are usually have an Asian origin.

The iron is purified of the oxidized iron (rust) and of carbon that makes the metal brittle (See "cast iron products", below). The purification process makes the iron more rust-resistant than steel. The iron contains "slag", fibrous materials that are aligned by the procedure. As the fibers align, the metal becomes stronger resulting in a more durable product than either "decorative wrought iron" or "cast iron" methods. If you ever break or scratch a piece of authentic wrought iron, look closely and you can see the fibers.

If it doesn't say "wrought-iron", then it isn't. Some stores might state than an item is wrought iron when it isn't. All wrought-iron products at Gardecor® are authentically hand-wrought iron. Gardecor® offers custom designs and sizes of wrought-iron products. Just contact us.

Decorative Wrought Iron is simply bent by machine to produce mass quantities. The iron isn't necessarily purified as well as authentic wrought iron because the method isn't as demanding. Decorative wrought iron lacks the wrought feature: the final product isn't as strong or resistant to rusting as authentic wrought iron.

Many items at Gardecor^® are a complicated order because they are the items are large or heavy enough to ship via freight, there are design issues, or for other reasons. Pay close attention to the words used on this website, in the Policies, and in the Terms and Conditions of Sale. We want you to understand exactly what you're getting. Here are some definitions that some customers misinterpret. Please read this so that you have a successful order.

About, Approximately, Approx, Estimate
These terms mean that the value given, such as lead time, is not an exact value. The actual value can vary by a reasonable amount. E.g., if it states, "About 4 weeks to ship ..." means that something can ship in 3 weeks or 5 weeks. Most of our products are made to order and the exact shipping date can't be predicted because manufacturing depends on whether or not it's a busy season, personnel on hand and other factors. If you have a deadline, please contact us before ordering to ensure that we can meet your deadline. Some items are hand made such as the wrought-iron furniture and ceramic plaques. Thus, the exact size can vary. If you need an exact size, ask us if we can meet that size and tolerance before you order.

"Freight" Shipments
"Freight" is a service other than DHL, FedEx, UPS, USPS or the like. Freight services are used when the order is too large or too heavy for these limiting "courier" services. All orders shipping via freight require a quote for the best and fair price to your location. Freight expenses aren't included in the price because it just isn't fair to all destinations.

Be prepared. Every freight delivery is different. Freight deliveries can arrive in a semi-truck (18-wheeler) or transferred to a smaller truck. We can't predict what type of truck arrives to deliver your order. The freight company makes this decision when your item arrives at the Receiving Depot. You can contact the freight company for further information about your particular shipment.

We can't predict exactly when your order will be delivered. You'll be supplied with tracking information and it's up to you to arrange delivery after the order ships.

We can't predict what freight company is used because the one with the best rates are contracted. If you have an account with a freght company, you can use them. Just let us know when you request a quote.

A General Freight Process.

• When the crate is picked up from the warehouse or manufacturing facility, we consider it "shipped" and in transit.
• The trucker who picks up the crate assigns the tracking number then, and not beforehand.
• The crate then goes to the freight company's "Shipping Depot". The items being loaded must be loaded in a particular order, that is, the items being delivered last get loaded first. They want to ship full truckloads, so the wait at the Shipping Depot may be a day or two.
• The freight company might consider it "shipped" when it leaves the Shipping Depot.
• It might or might not be unloaded and stored there until a truck is scheduled to transport the order to a "Receiving Depot" near you.
• The truck arrives at the Receiving Depot.
• Then, if this is a residential delivery, you'll be notified for final shipment. They have to schedule a truck for final delivery to you. Commercial zones should expect the truck the show up during a normal business week without notice.
• If this is with lift-gate service, then a truck with the lift gate must be scheduled.
  
  On this website, items with "(fgt)" in the Reference Number ship via freight.

Lead Time to Ship
This is the estimated time between when we receive payment for your order and when the order ships. " When the order ships" means when the order leaves the point of origin. Many customers erroneously believe that "Lead time to ship" to mean when it will be delivered. Add transit time to estimate delivery time.

Quotes or Estimates
We provide quotes for freight shipments and very large orders. Refer to our Policies and Terms and Conditions of Sale for details.

"Gardecor^®" means upscale outdoor decor and site amenities for gardens, lawns, homes, parks, and businesses. We carefully screen merchandise for quality, longevity, and suitability for outdoor settings.

So, why purchase your Gardecor^® from us?

1. Quality.
   We have an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
   
   We challenge you to always consult the BBB rating for any company that you deal with. We find other websites with a "C" rating or less that are no longer accredited by the BBB.
   All complaints filed with the BBB are mediated by the BBB. No one can file a false anonymous complaint with them.
   
   Please be aware that when you see product reviews or other reviews, many of these review systems can be adjusted by the company - that is, they can remove bad reviews and keep the good ones. That is why we rely on brand reputation and factory longevity and success for the outdoor decor that we offer you.
   
   
2. Personalized Customer Service.
   Gardecor^® is not just a click-n-buy store like our competitors' websites. We work hard to inform our customers and clientele about the ordering process, from navigating the website, finding the right decor, through delivery of the goods. This FAQ is one example. Our phone crew is another example.
   
   Because we have an outstanding repoire with our suppliers and factories, we are able to mediate warranty claims between the customer and the factory. Several times, we have reversed factory decisions to deny claims and get our customers a favorable remedy. That is because we know the manufacturing process and understand how manufacturing defects can occur.
   
   
3. Competitive Prices.
   If we didn't compete, then we wouldn't be here.
   
   
4. Secure.
   Our website is secured for credit card transactions and customer data. We hire a third party to routinely scan our website looking for security issues, both minor and major. We haven't had any major security issues with our website or server. We have a full-time programmer to stay current with the latest trends and modify the website when necessary.
   
   
5. Great Merchandise.
   We carefully screen our manufacturers and suppliers for quality and reliability. Gardecor&^® doesn't pack our store with everything it can like other websites. We keep our product line manageable so that you get great service in addition to great merchandise. The better our merchandise the happier our customers are!
   
   
6. Longevity.
   Gardecor^® has been in business since 1999.

"Gardecor^®" is a registered trademark filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. All rights reserved in using the mark.

The Better Business Bureau, BBB, is a non-profit organization that monitors good business practices including advertising practices.

1. Honest reviews. Unlike most merchants or product reviews, we cannot throw away comments that we do not like and keep only the good ones. Really! Many merchants can discard reviews that they do not like with their systems.
   
   
2. Third-party mediation. Unlike numerous reviews you see, the BBB mediates complaints to ensure that you are treated fairly. Some popular reporting systems (such as that at Google and popular blogs) will receive and post comments and never notify the affected party to get to the truth. The BBB will look into your complaint as a third party to determine the validity and help get a resolution acceptable to both parties.
   
   

Not every company opts to become accredited by the BBB. If you don't find a company at the BBB website doesn't mean much. If you do find one with a good rating means alot. The BBB will accept complaints on companies if they aren't accredited.

So, always check with them before making your purchase, no matter how small.

We noticed some competitors who were once accredited by the BBB are no longer accredited probably because of too many complaints. Companies can have other websites, too, to cloak their ratings. They can terminate the company and start a new one under a different company name, the new one getting an A rating when the old one was C or lower — and we've seen all these practices.

Always click the link to the BBB on websites.
If it doesn't go anywhere or doesn't go to the URL, www.BBB.org, then that company is probably not compliant with the BBB and infringing on the BBB's trademark. I've seen many websites will display the BBB seal and not be a member. This misleads the consumer that they are accredited when they are not. CHECK THE BBB WEBSITE.

Here is our BBB seal and link to them. Click it to see for yourself! We're proud to have an A+ rating.

 

Why are we telling you this?
There is more to shopping that just clicking and buying. Customer service and other factors are important when making a decision of where to make your purchase.

Gardecor^® works hard everyday to meet or exceed the expectations of the BBB and our customers. We want our customers to be wise shoppers and know with whom they're dealing. Contact the Better Business Bureau before sending your credit card number to an unknown company.