In short: A custom sculpture from a photo, sketch, small model or real object is no longer a job only for a stone carver. TerraDecor scans objects with its own 3D scanner, scales them to any size and produces them by hand as lightweight, weatherproof sculptures or replicas – for gardens, pools, lobbies, restaurants and homes across Europe.
Maybe it is a weathered boulder from a mountain walk that you would love to have next to your pool. A small clay maquette by your architect that should become a two-metre lobby piece. A family heirloom, a company logo, an animal figure for a children's garden or a classical ornament copied from an old facade. All of these can become a custom sculpture – and this guide explains how the route from photo or 3D scan to finished piece works, what you need to send, what it costs and where such sculptures can stand.
What can be turned into a custom sculpture?
Almost anything with a shape. In practice, requests fall into six groups:
- Natural forms – rocks, boulders, tree trunks, roots and cliff sections, copied in their exact texture or enlarged into landscape features.
- Figures and animals – lions, elephants, horses or fantasy creatures for gardens, play areas, hotels and theme rooms.
- Reliefs – scenes, portraits or ornaments that come out of a wall rather than standing free, from a few centimetres up to 50 cm deep.
- Logos and lettering – a company logo in stone look for a reception, or framed in a moss wall.
- Replicas of existing objects – a classical statue, an architectural detail, a fountain element or a beloved object that is too fragile, too heavy or too valuable to place outdoors.
- Scaled models – an architect's or artist's maquette that has to grow from 30 cm to several metres without losing its proportions.
How does a 3D scan become a sculpture?
A 3D scanner records the surface of an object as millions of measured points and turns them into a digital model. Unlike a photo, this model contains the real depth, every curve and every crack. TerraDecor owns its own 3D scanner, so any object, model or maquette can be scanned in our workshop and then:
- Scaled – enlarged or reduced to the size your space needs, with proportions kept exactly.
- Adapted – a base added, a back side completed or details simplified for outdoor use.
- Produced – formed with our patented technology. No one else in the world produces rock and stone imitations this way.
- Hand-coloured – every piece is coloured by hand, so the surface looks like stone, bronze-patina, wood or whatever the concept requires.
The scan gives precision; the handwork gives life. That combination is what separates a replica that looks real from one that looks like a plastic copy.
Custom sculpture from a photo, sketch, model or object: what works best?
You do not need a perfect file to start. The table shows what each starting point delivers and what we need from you.
| Starting point | What you send | Best for | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Real object | The object itself, or access to it for scanning | Exact replicas, enlargements, copies of fragile pieces | Highest fidelity – the scan captures the true geometry |
| Small model / maquette | The model, plus the target size | Architects, artists, brand installations | Scaling keeps proportions; fine details are checked for the final size |
| Photos | Several photos from all sides, with one known measurement | Rocks, animals, figures you cannot ship | Hidden sides are interpreted by our artists and approved by you |
| Sketch or idea | Drawing, reference images, dimensions | Original artworks, logos, themed features | The design is developed with you before production |
How to photograph an object for a sculpture inquiry
If the object cannot travel – a rock in your garden, a statue in a courtyard – good photos save time and give a more accurate offer:
- Photograph from at least eight directions around the object, plus from above.
- Use soft daylight; harsh midday sun hides texture in deep shadows.
- Place a tape measure or an object of known size in at least one photo.
- Add close-ups of the surface: cracks, grain, moss, weathering.
- Photograph the place where the sculpture will stand and note its dimensions.
Indoors, outdoors, by the pool: where can a custom sculpture stand?
Classical sculpture materials each have a weak point outdoors. Marble and limestone are etched by acid rain, cast concrete is heavy and can crack in freeze-thaw cycles, and painted foam figures fade and dent. Our material is lightweight yet extremely durable and resists water, UV radiation, heat, frost, impact and acids. That opens places where a heavy stone figure would be impractical:
- Roof terraces and balconies, where weight matters.
- Pool edges and waterfalls, permanently wet and exposed to pool chemistry.
- Gardens in Alpine or continental climates with hard winters.
- Hotel lobbies, restaurants and spas, where a piece must be installed without heavy machinery.
- Children's gardens and play areas, thanks to an impact-resistant, non-toxic and odourless material.
From the workshop: We have been shaping rock, stone and wood since 2004, starting with Aquadecor's handmade aquarium backgrounds, where the material must be safe for living animals. The same standard applies to every sculpture. With our own 3D scanner in the workshop, an object you send us can be measured, scaled and produced without guesswork – and every surface is still finished by hand, so each piece is unique.
How much does a custom sculpture cost?
Every sculpture is different, so artistic and custom designs are priced after the details are confirmed. Our standard prices give a reliable orientation (excl. VAT, delivery within Europe included):
| Type of piece | Price basis | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Massive rock replica, boulder, pool feature | from €1,680/m³ | A replica rock of 0.5 m³ from about €840 |
| Small piece under 0.3 m³ | + €50 small-production surcharge | A 0.2 m³ accent rock from about €336 + €50 |
| Wall relief | €140/m² up to 5 cm depth, + €50/m² per extra 5 cm | A 20 cm deep relief at €290/m² |
| Figures, logos, artistic replicas | Individual offer | Priced after size, detail and finish are agreed |
The final price is always confirmed in a written offer. Compared with carving natural stone or casting bronze, a lightweight replica usually saves heavily on material, transport and installation – a crane or reinforced foundation is rarely needed.
From inquiry to delivery: the process step by step
- Inquiry – send photos, a sketch or a description, the desired size and photos of the location.
- Written offer – with size, finish and price.
- Production – starts after the offer is accepted and the advance payment is made.
- Approval – you receive photos of the finished piece before it is shipped.
- Delivery – large pieces travel on pallets or by freight.
- Installation – by you or your installer, following our instructions. Pieces can be glued or screwed; screw heads are hidden with caps in the same colour and structure.
Before you order a replica: rights and details to check
If you want to copy an artwork, a character or a logo, make sure you own it or have permission to reproduce it – this matters especially for works by living artists and for registered trademarks. Also decide early whether the piece will stand free or be fixed to a wall or base, and whether it needs to carry weight, hold water or include lighting. These details shape the design and the offer.
Featured TerraDecor designs
Spartan Warriors Stone Relief Wall Art – A dynamic battle scene of Spartan warriors in grey stone relief – a powerful statement for offices, studies and gaming rooms.
Egyptian Stone Relief Wall Art – Ancient Egyptian figures and hieroglyph-style motifs in sand-coloured stone relief – a timeless feature for studies, offices and gaming rooms.
Ethnic Stone Relief Sculpture for Terrace Walls – A hand-modelled relief of two ethnic figures in warm stone tones that turns a plain terrace wall into an outdoor work of art.
Stone Violin Relief Wall Art – A violin carved in pale stone relief and framed in a lit niche – an elegant gift for music lovers, perfect beside the bed.
FAQ
Can you make a sculpture from just one photo?
Often yes, but several photos from different angles give a much more accurate result. With a single photo, the sides you cannot see are designed by our artists and shown to you for approval.
Do I need to send the object for 3D scanning?
For an exact replica, scanning the object in our workshop gives the best result. If it cannot be shipped, we work from photos and measurements.
How big can a custom sculpture be?
From small accent pieces to large landscape rocks and wall-filling reliefs. Very large pieces are produced in modules whose joints are designed to be invisible.
Will an outdoor sculpture survive winter?
Yes. The material is frost-, water- and UV-resistant and comes with a 20-year warranty, up to lifetime on selected products. Clean it with ordinary household cleaners; avoid wire brushes and solvents.
Can a sculpture be combined with a waterfall or a moss wall?
Yes. Sculptures, rocks, waterfalls and moss walls can be designed as one composition, for example a logo inside a moss wall.
Have an object, photo or idea you would like to see as a sculpture? Browse our custom order collection and 3D wall panels, then send us photos and dimensions for a free written offer.