Answers to questions that are commonly
asked about our GFRC cast stone boulder reproductions:
How are the rocks and boulders
manufactured?
The rugged castings are manufactured from construction-grade GFRC cast stone to
resist freeze-thaw conditions and 9,000 psi (pounds per square inch) of
pressure. They are hollow, approx. one-inch thick, and open at the bottom. The
standard-sized models weigh between 50-60 lbs. (but are replicas of real ones
that would normally weigh 800-1,000 lbs.) (We also offer
Estate Boulders that are exact duplicates of 2 1/2-ton rocks. Contact us for
more information.)
Do the boulders look realistic?
Since detailed latex molds for the boulders are meticulously taken from actual
rocks found in nature, you are guaranteed a finished product that looks
and feels like rock...even from inches away. These are not the lightweight fiberglass
or polyurethane "fake rocks" commonly used by homeowners to cover
pumps or utility boxes. They are also not pumice or the faux rock seen in Las
Vegas or at theme parks or miniature golf courses where cement or shotcrete
is layered over wire mesh forms and hand-carved in an attempt to imitate a real
boulder or cliff.
How durable are they over the years?
Due to modern high-performance polymers and other scientifically-developed,
construction-grade admixtures, the GFRC cast stone reproductions are designed
to last for decades (even in freeze-thaw conditions, high winds and in the face
of mowers, watering and trimming) and typically wear in the same manner as,
or superior to, natural rock.
Can I cover a pump or utility box
with one?
Yes, you can. However, it's important to remember that the dimensions shown for
the artificial rocks are exterior measurements. Since they are handcrafted,
and the thickness and shape of each boulder varies, exact dimensions of the
interior hollow space can't be guaranteed for covering pumps, utility/TV cable
boxes, etc.
Do the boulders require special
care?
The boulders are made to last outdoors for decades without any special maintenance
or care, whether located in high humidity or wind, extreme heat or freeze-thaw
conditions. Care should be taken when unpacking, moving and installing the boulders,
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 real rock. Easy-to-use scratch "kits" are available upon request.
How many different models are in
the collection?
We have two sizes of landscape rocks/boulders: Landscape Boulders and Estate Landscape Boulders.
- Landscape Boulders: We have several reproductions of boulders approx. 26" (W) x
26" (L) x 12" (H), a size that most agree is neither too small nor too big for a
residential or commercial landscape.- Estate Landscape Boulders: These boulders are exact
replicas of 2 1/2-ton rocks that are especially well-suited to anchor a
landscape design or for showcasing a dedication, memorial or donor recognition
plaques at a park, plaza, flagpole, school or university, corporate campus
or other outdoor location.
What choice of natural colors are
available?
There are three natural colors from which to choose: Slate Gray (popular in
the Midwest and East Coast areas of the United States), Sandstone and Red Rock.
Since detailed latex molds for the boulder are precisely taken from actual rocks
found in nature, the color process used for them matches the realism of the
reproductions. Our 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 boulders shipped?
The standard-sized manufactured boulders are normally shipped to your residence
or business via FedEx Ground in 350-lb. test, double-walled corrugated boxes
using an industrial foam-in-place packaging system for maximum protection.
The estate size boulders are shipped on crated pallets
via common carrier and can be hand-installed by two or three men.
What's the best method to unpack
them?
First, it is your responsibility to check for damage in the unlikely
event something happened to the boulder(s) during shipping. On the rare occasions
there is damage, contact us so that we can submit a claim with FedEx and arrange
to send you a replacement. (FedEx will want to pick up the model to be returned in its original packaging to ship it back to the manufacturer.)
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 boulder piece-by-piece and disposing of it.
(Note: Traditional bubble-wrap or "peanut shell" material isn't suitable for
shipping products as heavy as the boulders).
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 boulders when you
unpack, move or install them.
Once you see how realistic the rock reproductions are, we think you'll agree
that it's unlikely anyone is going to bother with what appears to be a
two-ton natural rock that would require incredible effort and a crane to move.
However, if you feel it's necessary in your area, we suggest the use of the
heavy-duty rebar hook manufactured underneath each boulder for anti-theft
purposes.
To use this feature, you should purchase a length of chain of which
one end is locked onto the rebar hook (with an inexpensive combination or key
lock) while the remainder of the chain is pushed into a cement-filled hole
underneath the boulder where it can be left to dry to form a pillar for extra
anchor security.
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).
Is there a manufacturer's product
guarantee?
A 100% Satisfaction Guarantee is offered for the lifetime of each boulder if
the craftsmanship is found to be defective in any way (with the exception of
naturally-occurring adjustments in color). 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 the manufacturer.
Can bronze plaques be mounted on
the boulders?
The manufacturer specializes in creating boulders for the award & trophy,
professional fundraising, and "death care" (cemetery and funeral home)
industries with hand-chiseled recesses for dedication, memorial and donor
recognition plaques.
They
can be found under Recognition Rocks.
