Sculptures are three-dimensional, often heavy, and frequently have projecting elements that standard packing cannot protect. Austin Crate & Freight builds custom crates with precision foam saddles and mounts designed around the specific geometry of each piece.
A painting has two faces and lives in one plane. A sculpture exists in three dimensions, and each dimension introduces new vulnerabilities. A bronze figure with an outstretched arm will break at the shoulder in a drop if the arm is not independently supported in its crate. A ceramic piece with a narrow neck will fracture at the neck under vibration if the body and head are not separately immobilized. A stone torso will chip at every sharp edge that contacts the crate interior.
The solution is not more bubble wrap — it is a custom foam mount that holds the sculpture in the specific position that distributes its weight correctly and isolates every vulnerable projection. We make cardboard templates of complex sculptures before cutting foam, ensuring the mounting fits the actual piece rather than our approximation of it.
Heavy stone and bronze sculptures present an additional challenge: they are dense, so even a small size carries significant weight. A marble bust that weighs 80 lbs needs a crate rated for the weight, with internal bracing that prevents the sculpture from shifting under its own momentum during hard braking or a sudden lift.
Our sculpture crating process is built around the individual piece — not a standard protocol applied regardless of geometry or material.
For complex sculptures, we make a cardboard template of the base profile before cutting foam. This ensures the foam mount holds the piece in the correct orientation — not slightly off-axis where it would create pressure on a specific point.
Foam is cut to support the sculpture at its strongest structural points — the base, major mass areas — not at thin or projecting sections. Projections are individually padded to prevent any contact with the crate interior.
A secondary foam layer below the sculpture mount absorbs road vibration before it reaches the piece. This is particularly important for ceramic and glass sculptures, which micro-fracture under sustained vibration before any single visible impact occurs.
Every element that extends from the main mass — arms, horns, handles, pedestals, thin branches — is wrapped individually before any enclosing material is applied. These are the points where sculptures fail in transit.
Metal sculptures with patina (bronze, copper, silver) are wrapped in acid-free tissue to prevent chemical reaction with foam or plastic. Stone and ceramic surfaces are padded with soft foam; glass with polyethylene foam at appropriate density.
Crate lumber grade is selected based on sculpture weight. A 150 lb bronze warrior requires heavier joinery and a reinforced base compared to a 10 lb ceramic vessel. Forklift entry points are engineered into large sculpture crates.
Each material has distinct vulnerabilities. Our process is adapted to the specific material and finish of each piece.
Cost depends on size, weight, material fragility, and destination. As a rough guide for crating at our Austin facility:
Under 2 ft, light to moderate weight. Custom foam mount, small wood crate.
2–4 ft, up to 100 lbs. Precision foam saddle, full wood crate with vibration layer.
Over 4 ft or over 100 lbs. Engineered crate, forklift entry, liftgate coordination.
Yes. Large bronze sculptures are some of the most common pieces we crate. They require weight-rated lumber, engineered internal bracing, and liftgate service at both ends. We assess large sculptures on-site before crating to confirm the approach.
Acid-free tissue paper is placed against all patinated metal surfaces. Never foam or plastic directly against bronze — both can react with or adhere to the patina over time. After tissue, soft foam padding is applied for secondary protection.
Yes, with additional planning. Kinetic elements need to be immobilized or removed for packing to prevent self-damage during transit. We assess which elements can be secured in place and which should be packed separately, then document reassembly for the recipient.
Absolutely. We ship sculpture to galleries, exhibitions, and collectors across Texas and nationally. The crating standard is the same regardless of destination — only the freight method changes (local delivery vs. LTL freight vs. dedicated van).
Coverage at full replacement value is always recommended. LTL carriers default to $0.10–$0.25 per pound liability — catastrophically low for a $20,000 sculpture. We coordinate declared value coverage through the freight carrier at actual insured value.
Austin Crate & Freight serves the entire Austin metro — custom crating, white-glove pickup, and specialty freight for items that standard carriers cannot handle.
White-glove furniture shipping and custom crating across Austin and all of Texas. Sofas, dining sets, bedroom furniture, antiques, and pieces too large or fragile for standard carriers.
Tell us the material, dimensions, weight (if known), and destination. Photos are always helpful and can be texted or emailed.