DIY Yard Sculpture

Determine a Location

• A yard sculpture will most likely be a prominent aspect of your yard. The location is just as important as the sculpture itself. In determining the exact location, keep in mind the overall picture of your yard. The sculpture should not compete with the landscape but rather integrate and enhance the overall look.

Take Pictures

• Once the location is determined, take pictures. Pictures of the location will facilitate the design process, helping to integrate the sculpture into the environment. Use them for inspiration when designing the sculpture.

Material and Form

• Create a list of possible materials you have the ability to work with. Your abilities and knowledge of materials should help drive the design. Once the material is decided on, begin doing sketches of the form. Overlay a piece of tracing paper on your pictures to integrate the sculpture into the yard. Keep in mind the material you are using while creating these sketches. A carved wooden sculpture will require a much different process than a cast concrete sculpture--both directly affect the form that can be designed.

Building the Sculpture

• Begin by creating a footing for the sculpture. The height, form and material will greatly depend on the size and type of footing. Dig a large and deep enough hole, adding some rebar as an anchoring element for the sculpture. Pour concrete into the hold, securing the rebar and creating a stable base on which to build the sculpture. Using the rebar from the footing, begin attaching the sculpture to the rebar. There are different methods for building depending on size and material. Some methods allow the sculpture to be built directly onto the footing, while other require it to be built separately and attached to the footing. With either method, make sure the sculpture is secure and stable.

Finishing the Sculpture

• Once the sculpture is built, finish the sculpture by covering it in a weather-resistant material. The materials of your sculpture determines what sort of weather coating should be applied.