FAQ

Our aluminum lake maps can be displayed indoors or outdoors. Select the outdoor mounting option for outdoor installation. Colored backplates may fade with prolonged direct sunlight, so contact us about the display location and finish before ordering.

Weight depends on the map and size. A larger standard map generally weighs less than 14 lb. Check your selected product and contact us for its weight if you need to plan an installation. Use fasteners suitable for your wall surface and follow the supplied installation instructions.

Our lake maps include 3/4-inch stainless steel mounting hardware, wall anchors, screws and an installation guide. You will need a drill and screwdriver; a second person can help position the map and mark the holes. Check the selected product for its mounting options.

Our lake maps are made from 3003 sheet aluminum. The map layer is 1/8 inch thick, while backplates are thinner. The brushed aluminum finish gives the shoreline a metallic surface; product pages show the available backplate and customization options.

Select the customization option on the product page and enter what you would like included. We use those details to prepare a proof, contact you if we need clarification, and let you request changes before approving the design for cutting. Check spelling, house-pin locations and all other details before approving the final drawing. Personalized and custom maps are final sale unless we made an error; see the return policy. The custom lake map gallery shows examples of names, coordinates and house pins.

Our production runs start each Tuesday: Monday orders join that Tuesday’s run, while Wednesday orders join the following Tuesday’s run. Estimated dispatch is 1–2 weeks for standard orders and 2–3 weeks for custom orders, counted from the scheduled Tuesday production start. Typical UPS transit is another 2–4 business days after dispatch. Custom designs require proof approval before cutting. These are estimates; see our production and shipping information and contact us before ordering for a specific deadline.

Yes. Contact us to discuss wholesale or volume pricing. Share the designs, quantities and any customization you need so we can confirm options and provide a quote.

A smaller map can lose shoreline detail, so not every design works well below its listed size. We also make oversized custom maps. Send us the dimensions of your display space and the lake you want, and we can discuss a suitable size before you order.

Request a return of a standard, non-personalized product within 3 days of delivery by emailing ken@metallakemaps.com for authorization. This policy applies to maps, signs, decor and hardware. Opened but unused items are accepted. After authorization, ship the item within 3 days using the original packaging and a service with verifiable tracking. For returns unrelated to a defect, you pay insured return shipping and a 20% restocking fee; original shipping is not refunded. We inspect returned items within 3 business days of receipt. Refunds take 5–7 business days after the inspection period. Exchanges are available for signs, butterflies, other decor and mounting hardware; email us to arrange an exchange before sending an item back. Personalized and custom products are final sale unless we made an error. Read the full return and cancellation policy.

Email ken@metallakemaps.com within 2 days of delivery with photos of the artwork and packaging. Keep the original packaging and all items for UPS inspection, and do not attempt a repair. We handle the UPS claim and typically remake damaged artwork in the next production run and send a replacement. Please complete any inspection UPS arranges. See the damage policy for details.