How to Care for Cast Stone

Anything that remains out in the elements needs some type of periodic maintenance, cast stone concrete included, says Janice Lucioni of Secret Garden Statuary, Seattle.

Statuary
Secret Garden Statuary

"We recommend that all pieces be treated with a water sealer, once a year for fountains and birdbaths and every other year for statues, benches, etc. Air pollution and acid rain do more damage to concrete statuary than anything. They affect natural stone, too," she adds.

But keeping concrete statuary in like-new condition may not be desirable for all garden settings, particularly those where a more naturalized look is desired. Cast stone manufacturer Campania recommends letting statuary weather naturally so it takes on an antiqued appearance. They purposely do not seal their products, saying that exposure to the elements will permit them to "age gracefully" and develop moss growth.

What most cast stone suppliers do agree on, however, is to take precautions with pieces exposed to freeze-thaw cycles. Suggested strategies include:

  • Placing planters left outdoors year-round on pot risers, tiles or pieces of pressure-treated wood to leave the drainage hole open.
  • Raising birdbath/fountain bases, statuary and bench legs off the ground in winter so they will not come in contact with the soil.
  • Bringing the tops of birdbaths and fountain bowls indoors, or if that's not possible, turning them upside down or covering them with plastic or waterproof tarps so they don't fill with water that can freeze and expand.
  • Draining fountains during winter, and removing pumps and drain pipes if accessible.

If your fountain or statuary comes with a warranty, be sure to understand what it covers and follow the manufacturer's maintenance instructions. The warranty may not apply, for example, if you neglect to drain your fountain and cracking occurs after a hard freeze.

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