1.  I read that your columns and monument signs are made out of EPS foam.  What does that mean?
Actually it’s the core of the product that is EPS foam. The EPS core is then coated with a proprietary hard coat material and then a stucco-like product is applied over the hard coat. In the case of the faux brick columns and post covers, an acrylic type mortar is applied to the EPS along with a fiberglass mesh and the faux bricks are then applied. In either case, the end result is an extremely hard durable product. 

2.  What exactly is EPS foam?
EPS is short for Expanded Polystyrene. Without getting too technical, EPS is made from plastic resin beads 1MM in size (about the size of the edge of a dime). The beads are 98% air and 2% solids. Through a number of production steps, using heat and steam, the beads are expanded up to 50 times their original size. The expanded beads are then compressed into a mold under pressure forming EPS blocks up to 24 feet long and weighing up to 600 lbs. The density of the block is determined by how many beads are compressed in the mold. The more beads, the denser the EPS. Density is calculated by the weight of 1cubic meter of EPS material. The majority of companies selling EPS columns use 1lb. foam. We use 1.5 lb. foam - which makes your sign 50% more durable! The terms EPS and Styrofoam are used interchangeably. However, Styrofoam is used mainly for insulation applications and is blue in color.  EPS is used for 1000's of other applications (paper cups, insulated coolers, walls, road sub-grades, etc.and is white in color.

3.  I need some special column designs. Can you cut them out of  EPS?
Yes. Due to the properties of EPS, it can be cut (using a hot wire machine), into almost any shape imaginable.

4.  In regards to your stucco and faux brick products, what are the size and shape limitations?
Because of the EPS manufacturing process described above, we can cut the raw EPS blocks into almost any desired size or shape.

5.  Are the stone columns and post covers made the same way?
No. The stone columns (Cobblestone, Castle Rock and Ledgestone) are made out of a polyurethane material which is poured into a fixed sized mold. Because of this manufacturing process, column sizes are limited to the size of the molds - which are 20” x 20” x 50” or 8” x 8” x 44” (except in the case of the Cobblestone columns which are also available in 20" x 20" x 73').  However, heights can be increased by using our pedestals under the columns. 

6.  Can I paint my stucco columns any color I want?
Yes. Our stucco products are easy to paint. We recommend using Sherwin Williams Latex Acrylic Exterior paint. However, any good quality acrylic exterior paint will work.

7.  How much do the stucco, brick and faux stone columns weigh?
Approximate weights of stucco, brick and stone columns are 1.25 lbs., 1.75 lbs. and 2.0 lbs. per sq. foot respectively. So a 12” x 12” x 72” stucco post cover (24 Sq. Ft.) would weigh approximately 30 lbs.

8.  Do you ship to Canada?
Yes. 

9.  How much is shipping?
Due to the bulky nature of the products, shipping is determined on a state-state basis. Contact us for accurate shipping costs.

10. Do I have to maintain the products?
No. However, if for some reason you wish to clean them (bird/insect droppings, etc.), just use a garden hose.  A power washer could also be used, but as with all power washers, use caution.  Some powers washers can cut right through concrete!

11. You state your stucco monument monument signs and columns are painted. Does that mean I have to repaint them often?
No. First, we use only the best and most durable paints currently available. Second, as with any painted object, over a period of time the paint may fade and require maintenance. The majority of our signs do not require repainting for at least 10-15 years - depending on climate conditions.

12. How do I place my order?
Contact us (email is best) and tell us what products you want along with quantity, color, etc. Make sure you include your shipping info. We will get back to you with final pricing. We accept PayPal payments, personal and company checks.  

13. If needed, how do I clean my faux brick products?
Simply rinse them off with a hose or if removing graffiti, careful use of a power washer works fine.

14. Can the stone columns be cut?
Yes. Cutting is easy with a common hand or circular saw.

15. What kind of adhesive should I use to adhere my columns to the posts?
We recommend using PL Premium Polyurethane Construction Adhesive or Great Stuff Foam Adhesive (available at Home Depot, Lowe's, etc.).

16. How real do the faux stone and brick columns look compared to the real thing?
Because of the specialized way they are made, faux brick and stone products are indistinguishable from the real thing. However, there is one there is one big difference ... their low cost.

17. Will I need any hardware to install my monument sign?
Yes. you'll need a level, post hole digger, adhesive and a caulking gun. You'll also need some redi-mix bagged cement for installing the posts. (We recommend fast setting Sakrete - no mixing required). Available at at Lowe's, Home Depot and most hardware stores.

18. How do I fasten fencing hardware or signs to my columns?
On 12" x 12" columns, we recommend screwing through the column directly into your post (using a 1/4" x 6.5" lag screw). For larger column sizes, we cut a 1" x 6" (invisible) insert into the column which allows you to slip in a 1" x 6" board to use for hardware attachment. For large or heavy gates, we recommend installing a post next to the column for your hardware attachment.

19. Can I drill through the caps to install lighting?
Yes. You can easily drill through the caps (and columns) without compromising the integrity of the product.