Question
We want to place an antique zinc garden statue (previously was a fountain, but the bottom/base has been filled with concrete) in a garden.  

Should we use granite dust or something to set the statue or
concrete?  I have been told to fill a whole the diameter of the base up to 12 inches deep with granite dust...what are your thoughts?  I do not want the statue to fall over.

Thanks, Allyson

Answer
Here we call it decomposed granite, or D.G.  It is an inexpensive material (about $18/ cubic yard here), and when compacted is VERY dense.  Even though Zinc is very corrosion-resistant, I would not just place your statue directly on the ground, because you may have high-acid soils which would attack the zinc - I do not know your particular soil situation.

Other areas use what they call "crusher fines".  Same idea.  Angular particles that compact to a hard surface.  You may also consider a mix called "base", "sub-base", or "road base", which is a material used under road beds or as gravel driveways.  It is a blend of aggregates and fine particles that, when compacted, also yield a solid base for your fountain.  

12 inches seems kind of deep, unless you have Gumbo for soil - So, maybe 12 inches in your area might be the right amount!  The goal is to create a level pad that won't settle, causing the statue to list to one side or the other.   

We only use about 4 inches, here, for concrete subgrades.  Now if this statue is going on a slope, then 12" might be the right amount for ONE side of the new, level pad.

Material prices vary by area. Maybe you have an abundance of granite, making it the least expensive alternative.  Look in the phone book under "landscape materials" to get an idea of prices.  These local, helpful suppliers may have some another alternative ideas on how to set your statue.

~M