Care Guide

Installing your sculpture

When your piece arrives, unpack it slowly. The packaging is custom-cut foam — save it if you ever need to ship the piece somewhere later.

Standalone placement (no anchor needed)

Most pieces under 24" can sit directly on grass, gravel, or a patio. The base is heavy enough to stay put in normal weather. For maximum stability, place it on level ground.

Ground anchor installation

For pieces installed in windy or sloped locations, the stainless steel ground anchor kit (included or available as a checkout add-on) keeps the sculpture firmly in place. Choose your final spot before installing — the anchor is permanent.

Drive the rod with a rubber mallet — not a steel hammer, which can mar the threads. Drive deep enough that only 4–6 inches remain above ground. Slide the sculpture base over the rod, position it where you want it, and tighten the clamp with the included Allen key.

Shaping your sculpture

Every sculpture leaves the studio in its standard form, but the leaves and petals are designed to be lightly adjustable — bend them outward or inward to get the exact silhouette you want for your space.

How to bend without damaging the finish

• Use both hands. Grip the leaf at its base with one hand and at the tip with the other.
• Bend slowly. A few small adjustments are better than one big push.
• Bend at the base, not the middle. The base is where the metal is designed to flex.
• If a leaf feels stiff, that's normal. Apply steady pressure rather than forcing it.

Common adjustments

• Wider stance — bend each leaf outward 10–15° at the base. Reads more horizontally; works in wide planters.
• Tighter cluster — bend the outer leaves slightly inward toward the center for an upright, vertical look.
• Asymmetric — bend a few leaves more than others. Looks great alongside live plants.

Choosing the right spot

• Negative space matters. Leave at least 18 inches of open ground around the piece.
• Light direction. Pieces look most dramatic in raking morning or late-afternoon sun.
• Backdrop. Pieces pop against simple backdrops — gravel, decomposed granite, white walls, low ground cover.
• Grouping. Two or three pieces in different sizes read as a deliberate composition.
• Companions. Native succulents, ornamental grasses, and lavender all grow well alongside steel sculptures.

Routine care

Steel sculptures are low-maintenance. Here's what they actually need.

Cleaning

• Wipe down with a damp cloth as needed — usually once a season.
• For stuck-on dirt, use mild soap and water. Rinse thoroughly.
• Avoid abrasive scrubbers, steel wool, or harsh chemicals (vinegar, bleach, ammonia).

Inspection

Once a year, walk around your sculpture and look for spots where the finish has chipped from a stray rock or lawnmower bump. Touch up small chips with a matching outdoor enamel paint to prevent rust from starting underneath. We can mail color-matched touch-up paint — just email us.

Anchor check

For anchored pieces, give the sculpture a gentle sideways nudge once a year. If there's any wobble, snug the clamp with the Allen key.

Year five and beyond

A well-cared-for Axel Decor piece should look as good in year ten as it does the day it ships. The finishes are designed for the long haul, but a few habits extend the life significantly.

Annual outdoor sealer

For coastal, humid, or high-rain climates, applying a clear outdoor sealer once a year keeps the finish saturated and blocks moisture. Apply with a clean cotton cloth on a dry day, in indirect light. Takes about 10 minutes per piece.

Storms and high winds

Sculptures handle sustained 50+ mph winds when properly anchored. For named storms, lay the piece flat on the ground temporarily — easier than rebuilding a damaged piece.

Snow, ice, and salt

Snow won't damage the steel — brush it off when convenient. Don't chip ice with a metal tool. Within a mile of the ocean, rinse with fresh water once a month and touch up any chips immediately.

Common questions