Normally, these projects would be done one at a time -- but normally, the team would have more than two days to get everything done. Under the circumstances, they are working on two projects -- building the wall and tiling the patio -- simultaneously to save time. Once everyone has pitched in and dug the foundation, some team members tackle the wall while the others get a crash course in laying tile.
Wall: before.
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Wall: after.
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Another view of the wall.
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Steps- Add stone A layer of stone helps drainage and also provides a firm foundation for the blocks. After wheelbarrows full of stone are added to the trench, Laura uses a hand tamper (figure A) to pack it down; you can also rent a plate compactor (figure B), which does the same job in a fraction of the time.
Lay the base course The base course, the first row of stones, must be level or the entire wall will lean. Because the stones in the base course must be level not only front to back but also next to one another, a level is indispensable at this stage of the project (figure C). A small sledgehammer is used to make any minor adjustments necessary in order to get all the stones leveled.Add higher rows The interlocking feature (figure D) for the wall system they're using makes it possible for Dean and Mark to add the second and third courses of stone pretty quickly; as the stones are put in place, each is locked in with bars that run through holes in that stone into the one underneath (this pin system is clearly outlined in the directions that come with the wall system).
Backfill Once the wall is a few rows high, it is backfilled with larger stones. Cap the wall The capstones are added, with a generous bead of adhesive to help hold each in place. (Adhesive is used only on the capstones. The other stones are held together by the pin system.)
RESOURCES :
Black and Decker tools
Website: www.blackanddecker.com
Black & Decker, Inc. (Corporate)
Website: www.bdk.com/main_bd.htm
Crossville Ceramics Porcelain Stone/USA
Website: www.crossville-ceramics.com/
Ames True Temper Tools
Ames-True Temper
Website: www.ames-truetemper.com
Delta Tools
Deltak Power Tools
Website: www.deltamachinery.com
Weathered Mosaic interlocking stone
Versa-Lok Retaining Wall Systems
6348 Highway 36 Blvd., Suite 1
Oakdale, MN 55128
Toll-Free: 800-770-4525
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