Do you require a special sand?
No and yes. We pride ourselves on our ability to design sculptures that do not require perfect sand. On occaision our sculptors will shovel up existing sand on a beach for a team building event or a product launch. This sand being far from perfect,very washed or full of shells etc.,dictates a lower, more horzontal format. Hand screening some of the sand to remove stones,shells and debris may be necessary at times.
Yes, when ordering sand to be tipped, we require an unwashed builders sand or a screened fill sand. The properties of the sand we are looking for are as follows.
A sand that compacts well with the addition of water.The sand particles should be angular as opposed to smooth. A high silt,clay content is present in unwashed sand.
Where can I find builders sand?
Most sand and aggregate quarries/merchants can provide a good builders sand. Sand is always sourced near your event. Price always varies so shop and compare.We can assist you in sand procurement. It is always less expensive when sand is tipped by a truck exactly where the sculpture is displayed. This truck access approach allows for quick removal as well ,i.e. utilizing a grab service for sand disposal after your event
What if I do not have access large enough for sand to be tipped?
No worries, this is often the case. Sand can be tipped near the venue by truck and brought into the venue by more site appropriate means. We often have sand delivered in one ton nylon bags and have the venue forklift them to the sculpting site.
What other requirements are necessary in Professional Sand Sculpting Displays?
Adequate source for water, and hosepipe. Adequate is dependent on the size of your display.
Security during constuction and throughout the event. Barriers are often sufficient while the sculptors are present.
Marquees can be helpful should inclement weather pose a threat.
Heavy equipment/ operator may be necessary in the early stages of very large projects.
Food, lodging and transportation to the job site should be provided.
Should a project require form work for doing a pound-up, alist of required timber/materials will be provided in advance. These materials must be delivered to the job site prior to our arrival.
What is a Pound-up?
A pound up is a term used to describe the process of building a stepped pyramid of compacted sand. A large,bottomless wooden box is filled with sand and introduced with the proper amount of water. This box is packed solid with a weighted tamper. A slightly smaller box is placed on top and the process repeated. The sculpture unveils itself by removing the wood from the top box down.See image.
What is a soft-pile sand sculpture?
It is a technique often used on a very large project when time and budget dictates limited use of formwork or no formwork at all.
The sand needs to be of good carving quality,descibed above. Heavy equipment is u sed to compact the sand as adequate water is introduced.
If some form-work is required to achieve a bit more height.A plateau of pre-determined height is created on top of the soft-pile.This plateau is sufficently large enough to begin our pound-up's bottom box.
