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Reclaimed-Brick Front Landing From "Rock Solid" episode DROC-309

(Continued from page 3)

Cutting Curved Inside Pieces

• On the platform you will need to cut bricks to fit inside the curved section. Dry lay the brick above the gap and draw a curved line where you need to cut it (figure M).

• Cut the brick using a wet saw to get the exact curve that you need. Place the brick between the stops and cut it along your pencil mark (figure N), using a slow, steady hand. If you're feeling confident, you can finesse the cuts right up against the blade.

  Figure M

  Figure N

  
  

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• Continue to set the risers and treads (figure O). First set the vertical bricks against the riser. Remember to parge the riser.

• Then set the bricks on the tread. Check that the bricks are level left to right (figure P).

  Figure O

  Figure P

  
  

• Be certain to ensure that the bricks pitch slightly away from the house (figure Q).

• If there is a gap between the bricks for the tread and the riser, fill in this space with bricks set horizontally (figure R) — i.e., perpendicular to the tread. You may need to cut them to fit in the space.

  Figure Q

  Figure R

  
  

Once all the bricks for the steps are set, let the mortar dry. Spray the steps down with water. The bricks are very porous, which means they will suck the moisture out of the mortar. So to let the mortar cure at a evenly rate, it's a good idea to wet it.

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