Answers To Common Questions About Our Artificial And Fake Rock Props, Tree Stumps
Here are questions that are commonly asked about our lifelike cast stone fake rocks and tree stumps which are popular back-to-nature props with visual merchandising professionals, special and mobile event planners, and retail, exhibit and trade show display designers for temporary, permanent, indoor and outdoor theming projects.
• How are the fake rocks, boulders and trees manufactured?
• Do the artificial cast stone rocks look realistic?
• How durable are they over the years?
• Can I cover an item in a display or exhibit with one?
• Do the boulder and tree stump props require special care?
• How many different models are in the collection?
• Do you have larger sizes of fake rocks?
• What choice of natural colors are available?
• How are the fake rocks and tree stumps shipped?
• What's the best method to unpack them?
• What's the typical turnaround time for an order?
• Is there a manufacturer's product guarantee?
• Can logos, plaques or signs be mounted on the boulders?
How are the fake rocks, boulders and trees manufactured?
The rugged collection is manufactured from construction-grade GFRC cast stone to withstand 9,000 psi (pounds per square inch) of pressure and--if located outside--a variety of climates with minimal maintenance and care. They are hollow, approx. one-inch thick, and open at the bottom. The standard-sized fake rocks weigh between 50-60 lbs. (but are exact replicas of real ones that would normally weigh 800-1,000 lbs.) while the tree stumps weigh 40-70 lbs.
Do the artificial cast stone rocks look realistic?
Since detailed molds for the boulders are meticulously taken from actual rocks found in nature, customers are guaranteed a finished product that looks and feels like rock...even from inches away. They are just as realistic as our lightweight polyurethane faux rock models which are more commonly used when hundreds or thousands of models are needed as props for retail projects being shipped to numerous locations.
How durable are they over the years?
Due to modern high-performance polymers and other scientifically-developed, construction-grade admixtures, our artificial boulders, rocks and trees are designed to last for years and typically wear in the same manner as, or superior to, natural stone. If used as props, it's common for the designers to use the rocks as outdoor landscaping accents when no longer needed for display at a project.
Can I cover an item in a display or exhibit with one?
Yes you can, however it's important to remember that the dimensions shown for the artificial and fake rock and tree stump props are exterior measurements. Since they are handcrafted, and the thickness and shape of each boulder and tree varies, exact dimensions of the interior hollow space can't be guaranteed for covering specific items in a display or exhibit. Due to their lighter weight, our collection of polyurethane rocks with larger interior clearance are actually much better suited for concealment purposes.
Do the boulder and tree stump props require special care?
The only special care required is in climates with freeze-thaw conditions if being displayed outdoors permanently. Our cast stone formula includes moisture-proof admixtures and an industrial sealer has been applied to all surfaces. However, if they are indeed being installed outdoors permanently, we strongly recommend purchasing from your local hardware or home improvement store a penetrating concrete sealer and applying it to each rock or tree (after gently washing it with mild, soapy water to remove dust) every 5-6 years for best protection against moisture intrusion and freeze-thaw cycles.
No chemicals or cleaning solvents should ever be used to clean the products. Care should be taken when unpacking, moving and installing the fake rocks and trees, but if one should be accidentally scratched or chipped, the mark will likely disappear from view as natural weathering takes place over several months, similar to natural stone. However, easy-to-use scratch "kits" are available upon request.
How many different models are in the collection?
We offer 20 reproductions of 800-1,000 lb. boulders that weigh 50-60 lbs. There are three styles of tree stump props and four Estate Boulders, 300-400 lb. exact replicas of 2 1/2-ton rocks that are still comparatively lightweight enough to be installed with minimal effort and are especially well-suited to anchor a temporary or permanent exhibit, retail store or trade show display, or other venue (see the Estate Boulders section of this website for more details).
Do you have larger sizes of fake rocks?
Our selection of 20 artificial and fake rocks and three tree stumps from cast stone material were chosen so they can be conveniently shipped via FedEx Ground. Any artificial rock that is larger than those in our cast stone collection would exceed FedEx's size and weight limits and would therefore have to be shipped on a pallet via common freight carrier, a much more costly mode of transportation (especially if being delivered to multiple retail locations). Visual merchandisers who want larger rocks to anchor a temporary or permanent display should see our cast stone Estate Boulders or polyurethane boulder collection pages of this website.
What choice of natural colors are available?
There are three color choices for the cast stone collection of fake rocks: Slate Gray (popular in the Midwest and East Coast areas of the United States), Sandstone and Red Rock. Since detailed molds for the boulders are precisely and tediously taken from actual rocks found in nature, customers expect that the color process used for them match the realism of the reproductions. Their demand for quality is met by craftsmen who enhance the castings with permanent natural shades using a proprietary coloring process which requires no special maintenance in the future.
How are the fake rocks and tree stumps shipped?
The 20 models of cast stone faux rocks are shipped to a single or list of multiple retail locations via FedEx Ground in 350-lb. test, double-walled corrugated boxes using an industrial foam-in-place packaging system for maximum protection. Our Estate Boulders are crated on pallets and shipped by common carrier.
What's the best method to unpack them?
First, it is the customer's responsibility to check for damage in the unlikely event something happened to the rock(s) or tree stump(s) during shipping. On the rare occasions there is damage, contact us so we can submit a claim with FedEx and arrange to send you a replacement once we receive the original back (FedEx will want to pick up the model to be returned to us in its original packaging including the box and foam).
Once the package is opened, the industrial foam-in-place packaging system material can be removed by pulling it up, breaking it off or carefully cutting it away from the fake rock or tree piece-by-piece and disposing of it. (Note: Traditional bubble-wrap or "peanut shell" material isn't suitable for shipping products as heavy as our fake rocks and trees).
Cutting and tearing off parts of the corrugated box often make it easier to access the hardened foam for removal. Please remember, the manufacturer is not responsible for any damage to the products when customers unpack, move or install them.
What's the typical turnaround time for an order?
The amount of time it takes to process an order depends on the quantity desired and number of orders already in-house and scheduled for production at the factory. It is normally 7-10 business days (including shipping time) if ordering 1-10 items, but longer if a quantity order is needed. Please contact us to discuss your deadline needs for larger quantities and whether models manufactured from cast stone or polyurethane would be better suited for your project.
Is there a manufacturer's product guarantee?
A 100% Satisfaction Guarantee is offered for the lifetime of each product if the craftsmanship is found to be defective in any way (with the exception of naturally-occurring adjustments in color). Vandalism, damage by the public or theft is expressly not covered in this guarantee. Customers with a valid craftsmanship claim will receive an immediate replacement with an identical model once the product is returned and/or the claim confirmed by us.
Can logos, plaques or signs be mounted on the boulders?
We can easily create hand-chiseled recesses in our rocks or tree stumps for logos, plaques, signs, stickers or other brand-building or directional purposes. All of the 20 boulder models can fit a 7 1/2" (W) x 5" (H) plaque or sign while models LB1 through LB6 and LB9, LB10 and LB21 can accept one up to 11" (W) x 8 1/2" (H). Custom shapes are possible and any material can be used for the actual logo, plaque or sign (i.e., bronze, plastic, wood, etc.). Talk to us about your ideas!
We also offer four 300-400 lb. Estate Boulders--replicas of 2 1/2-ton rocks--for larger logos, plaques or signs up to 24" (W) x 22" (H) which are ideal for visual merchandising floor and window displays, entryways to special events or venues, sponsor recognition and more.
Visit our contact page to get in touch with us to discuss using our products as unique elements of your project.