FAQ + Shipping & Policies

Every Dirt Road Gardener piece is handmade to order in our family shop in Michigan. Below are answers to the questions we hear most often before and after an order.

How long does production take?

Our typical production time is 7–10 business days. Because our pieces are made to order, your item may need to be cut, cleaned, welded, finished, rusted or painted before it is packed for shipment.

What finishes do you offer?

Finish options vary by product. Our most common finishes are Raw Steel and Rusted, with Flat Black offered on select pieces.

Raw Steel is unsealed bare steel. It will naturally oxidize and develop rust/patina over time, and that process may begin quickly depending on humidity, weather and where the piece is displayed.

Rusted is a genuine accelerated rust finish — not rust-colored paint or powder coat. Unless a listing specifically says otherwise, the rusted finish is unsealed and will continue to age and change naturally outdoors.

Is every piece exactly the same?

No — and that is part of the character of handmade steel. Natural steel markings, mill variation, grinding marks, weld variation and rust patterns can differ from piece to piece. Rusted finishes in particular will never develop in exactly the same way twice.

How do you ship?

We ship via UPS Ground whenever UPS delivers to your address. If UPS does not deliver to your address, we will use USPS.

Do you offer free shipping?

When free shipping is shown on the website or product listing, the shipping cost is already built into the way that item is priced and fulfilled. Oversized, remote or special-destination orders may require separate handling when noted before purchase.

Can I cancel my order?

Because we begin preparing made-to-order pieces quickly, cancellation requests should be sent within approximately 10–12 hours of purchase. Once production has begun, we may not be able to cancel the order.

Do you accept returns or refunds?

Our pieces are made to order, so we do not accept returns or refunds for change of mind, size preference or finish preference after production has begun.

What if my order arrives damaged or incorrect?

Please contact us within 7 days of delivery if your order arrives damaged or if we sent the wrong item. Include your order number and clear photos so we can review what happened and work out the appropriate replacement or resolution.

Does mounting hardware come with my piece?

Mounting hardware is not included unless the listing specifically says it is. Many of our wall pieces are intentionally made without mounting holes so you can choose the installation method that works best for your space. Porch leaners are made with four mounting holes when specified in the listing.

Can your pieces be used outdoors?

Many Dirt Road Gardener pieces are designed for outdoor garden, porch and exterior use. Always check the individual listing for finish and placement details. Raw and rusted steel will continue to weather naturally outdoors.

Do you make custom pieces?

Custom work may be available depending on the design, size, production schedule and whether the idea can be safely translated into steel. Use our Contact page to tell us what you have in mind.

Still need help?

Visit our Contact page and send us a message. If your question is about an existing order, please include your order number.

Handmade in Michigan. Built from steel. Packed with care. From our dirt road to yours.