When people think about buying a sculpture, the first question may not be about design or material, but price. What does an exclusive piece of sculpture cost? The answer isn't simple, as an original piece of artwork contrasts significantly from a mass-produced piece of artwork or decor. However, as long as you understand the cost factors, it will be easier and faster to customize a sculpture that perfectly suits your budget and vision. So, let’s take a closer look at the most important factors that influence the price of custom sculptures.
The single biggest influence on custom sculpture cost is size. A small custom resin sculpture might only cost a few hundred dollars. These are popular for personal gifts or home décor, and they can be produced relatively quickly. A medium custom sculpture for a garden or courtyard, especially in fiberglass or stainless steel, can range from $1,000 to $5,000 depending on detail. Once you move into large public installations, costs rise into the tens of thousands. These pieces are not just bigger—they require stronger internal structures, special transport, and careful installation.
Polar bear sculptures of different sizes and materials
The material is the second main variable that affects the price of custom sculptures. Resin is inexpensive, lightweight, and suits small to medium-sized pieces. Fiberglass is robust, durable, and used extensively for outdoor sculptures, finding a compromise between robustness and expense. Stainless steel, while pricier, has a high-shine, contemporary finish and will last twenty or more years outside with negligible maintenance. Other media such as bronze or stone are also an option, though they tend to cost the budget up further. Material selection often involves finding the right compromise of your aesthetic requirements and practical robustness.
A plain abstract form is less expensive and quicker to manufacture than a highly realistic human form. If the design calls for realistic textures, detailed carving, or unique paint finishes, the price will proportionally go higher. In the extreme, the design process itself—sketches, computer-generated 3D models, or investment molding and casting from wax or resin replicas in the studio—comes from the client's pocket.
A sculpture of Sun Wukong with various details
The surface of a sculpture may be left matte, solid colors may be applied, or the surface may be polished to a high shine, or the sculpture may be coated with protective finishes. A simple fiberglass piece might be inexpensive, while a stainless steel sculpture perfected by polishing costs more due to the increased labor and material requirements. Custom painting, gold leaf, or moisture-resistant coatings also increase the cost but dramatically improve the end appearance.
Beautiful deer sculpture
Few consider logistics when asking about the price of a custom sculpture. For monumental outdoor sculptures, transportation and installation become significant expenses. Crating, trucking, rigging gear, and installation on site become variables.
The price of a custom sculpture is affected by many factors. However, generally speaking, small sculptures are priced under $1,000. Most large sculptures start at $1,000, while more complex, high-end sculptures can cost over $10,000.
These are not exact figures, but they do reflect the experience of most clients. The best approach continues to be to show the manufacturer your design, your measurements, and your material of choice and request an estimate of a custom piece.
Ruiheng is a leading manufacturer of sculptures and crafts. With a factory spanning over 10,000 square meters and extensive experience, we're able to produce everything from small tabletop sculptures to large outdoor sculptures. If you're considering a project and would like an exact price for a custom sculpture, please contact us—we're ready to help you turn your ideas into reality.
+86 13418719769
market@craftsornaments.com
Newshang Smart Valley, Xilianhe Industrial Park, Fengtang Avenue, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
