Cast Stone Plinth

Nichols Dry Cast Stone Products Installation and Maintenance

Proper installation is very important in allowing our containers and garden ornaments to perform as designed. The pieces are heavy and a solid and a level surface is required for most installations. Though these items are heavy and durable, they have an aspect of fragility to them, especially the corners and sharp edges. Pry bars, hand trucks, tools and chains must be very carefully employed.

A very important factor in planter performance is drainage. Our planters are made with drain holes and they must be utilized and maintained.

With every order we ship installation instructions and small rubber squares to act as spacers or pot feet. These are to lift the bottom of the planter 1/4” – 3/8” off the ground to allow proper drainage. If water is allowed to collect in the container it can lead to efflorescence; and in extreme cases of ice buildup, can cause the planter to crack.

We now manufacture saucers to match most of our planter line, and they are an effective way to both ensure proper drainage and prevent unsightly runoff.

For multiple piece planters it is recommended to secure the base of the planter to the bowl with an epoxy, caulk or waterproof masonry mortar. This will prevent water from draining down the outside of the base and discoloring it.

All of our cast stone pieces will age and patina much like cut sandstone. For those who desire this effect, do nothing, and the natural moss and lichen will make your garden ornaments look like family heirlooms in just a few years. Others wishing to keep a new look can wash them with a water/bleach or a water/muriatic acid solution. These should be applied very carefully so as to not “burn” the surface of the piece. Pressure washing can also be an effective cleaning method, but again care should be taken so as not to damage the surface of the stone.

Fountains and Fire Features

It has become very popular to utilize many of our designs as fountains or as fire features. This can be done if proper measures are taken. For fountains, we prefer to use a slightly denser mix design when we cast the piece. It is also preferable to adapt the drain holes to accommodate the necessary inflow and outflow. This involves casting the plumbing connections into the piece.

After casting we seal the fountain pieces with three coats of a custom blend sealer. Because of this sealing process, an extra week or two lead-time is customary with fountain orders.

Fire features have different requirements. Our cast stone material cannot handle the heat generated by a wood or charcoal fire. It will form cracks. Natural gas or propane is the only acceptable source of flame for these elements. Even then, it is necessary to direct the flame away from the stone and limit the amount of actual heat. When installed in this manner, several of our planters make for a beautiful fire feature. As with the fountains, it is desirable to make the modifications necessary to adapt fire features prior to casting. This saves drilling and patching later and gives a much cleaner look.

Because we cannot control the installation and conditions of use for fire features, our standard 10-year warranty does not apply to such usage.