Support

What materials do you offer?

We offer 6061-T6 aluminum and solid brass. Each piece is machined from a single block of metal. You can order 75 mm and 125 mm aluminum pieces online. Brass and 175 mm pieces are available by custom quote.

What are the finish options?

For 75 mm and 125 mm aluminum, choose as machined, #220 grit bead blasted (+$69), or polished (+$99). As machined leaves light tool marks. Bead blasting gives a durable matte surface that handles everyday use well. Polishing gives a bright, reflective surface that shows fine scratches more easily. Other materials are available by custom quote. Anodizing is no longer offered.

Will the finish change over time?

Aluminum forms a thin oxide layer and stays stable. Brass darkens and develops a warmer patina over time. If you prefer it bright, metal polish can restore the shine. We leave both metals uncoated.

Why not wood?

Metal holds fine terrain details well, without wood grain affecting small ridges and channels. Wood can also warp or crack over time. If you’d like wood or another material, contact us for a custom quote. These orders cost more than our standard pieces.

How should I care for it?

Gently remove dust with a clean, soft cloth. Take extra care with polished pieces: grit and abrasive cloths can leave fine scratches. Bead blasted pieces are more forgiving of everyday handling. A gentle metal polish can restore the shine to brass as it develops a patina. Every piece is uncoated. These pieces are not food-safe or intended as drinkware.

What sizes are available?

Three sizes, all round: Small is a 75 mm disc, Medium is 125 mm, and Large is 175 mm. Maximum total height is 60 mm for all three. You can order Small and Medium aluminum pieces online. Large pieces require a custom quote. Tap the lemon button beside the preview’s zoom controls to compare your piece with a Meyer lemon. Tap again to hide it.

How heavy is it?

Weight depends on the size, base height, and terrain you choose. At a typical 40 mm total height, aluminum weighs about 270 g for the Small (roughly a smartphone), 760 g for the Medium (a hardcover book), and 1.5 kg for the Large. Brass is roughly three times as heavy: about 860 g, 2.4 kg, and 4.7 kg. Maximum total height is 60 mm for every size.

How accurate is the terrain?

We use high-resolution satellite elevation data. Before machining, we process the model for the size and shape of your piece, so some fine details may differ from the preview.

Can I order a location that isn’t a mountain?

Yes. You can choose a coastline, canyon, river valley, crater, or even your own backyard. Search for the location on the map to see how it looks.

What if my area is mostly flat?

River deltas, coastlines, and gentle valleys can work well. Try increasing the vertical scale in the preview to make subtle changes in height easier to see. If the area looks too flat, zoom in or move the selection to nearby terrain.

How do I choose the right scale?

Use 1:10K–1:25K for a small area with more detail, or 1:100K–1:500K for a whole range or stretch of coastline. For a single peak or valley, start around 1:50K. For a region, try 1:200K. Adjust the scale while watching the preview to find the framing you like.

Can I engrave custom text?

Yes. You can add names, dates, coordinates, or other text to the side of your piece. Choose from sans-serif, serif, or monospaced type.

What’s on the bottom?

With laser engraving, the underside gets a contour map made from the same elevation data as the terrain, with a north arrow and center mark, and the coordinates, material, scale, and mountains.art name around the edge. Without engraving, the base is left plain. Rotate the 3D preview to see the bottom.

Can I preview before ordering?

Yes. You can rotate and zoom the 3D preview, adjust the terrain height, and try sizes and finishes before ordering. The preview uses the same satellite elevation data as the finished piece. Tap the lemon button to compare the size with a Meyer lemon.

How long does production take?

We’re currently taking pre-orders for our next batch. Orders close November 8. Once production starts, machining and finishing take 4–6 weeks. We’ll ship your piece as soon as it passes inspection.

Can I cancel or modify my order?

You can cancel within 48 hours of placing your order for a full refund. After that, your order is committed to the next production batch and cannot be cancelled. If you need to change something, contact us as soon as possible and we’ll see what we can do.

How much is shipping?

How is it packaged?

We’re redesigning our wooden crates, so orders currently ship without one. If you’re ordering a gift and need presentation packaging, contact us before ordering to ask about the available options.

What’s your return policy?

Each piece is made to order, so we generally don’t accept returns. Orders can’t be cancelled once production begins. We photograph every piece before shipping. If something isn’t right, contact us within 14 days of delivery and we’ll work with you on a replacement or refund.

Will I receive updates on my order?

Yes. Your confirmation email includes a link where you can check your order’s progress through production and delivery. We’ll also email you when it ships.

Do you accept custom or bulk orders?

Yes. Save on orders of 10 pieces or more. Making pieces in batches saves us time on manufacturing setup, and we pass those savings on to you. Email [email protected] with your design, quantity, and any delivery deadline. We’ll confirm the price, batch requirements, and timing before payment. Shipping and tax are separate. We make bulk orders for corporate gifts, events, and retailers, and can quote custom sizes, materials, and finishes.