On a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the most difficult, this project rates a 2. Pouring Footer, etc. = 2 hours
Laying Block, etc. = 4 hours
Setting the Stone, etc. = 3 hours
Finish Setting Stone, etc. = 6 hours
Total project time = 15 hours Materials: Two 80 lb. bags Quikrete
Eight 18" No. 4 rebars
Six 12" x 16" cinder blocks
Two 12" x 16" solid caps
2 mortar bags
2 pallets stone (4" thick pieces)
16 brick ties
6 bags of type S mortar
Mailbox
Newspaper holder (round ceramic chimney flue used in show)
Light fixture
Tape measure
Fluorescent marking paint
100 ft. underground non-metallic building electrical wire
Electrical box and switch
Ditch digger (rental)
Shovel
Hoe
Masonry hammer
2' square of plywood
Level
Framing square
String
Grinder with masonry blade
Additional masonry tools
Additional electrical tools
Sand (enough sand to mix the appropriate amount of type S mortar for the job) Prep Work for Stone Mailbox A stone structure mailbox is rather permanent and you need to decide on a design before you begin that suits your tastes. To check out the many styles and materials, you can use a computer program that will allow you to experiment with different styles, etc. Before beginning this project, there are several things you need to do first: - Remove your mailbox and post.
- Clear out a space in the mulch so you can level the ground.
- Measure off a 30-inch square allowing 6 inches all around, and mark the area with fluorescent marking paint (figure A).
- Dig footer 6 inches deep and level up the base (figure B).
Expert Tip: A footer should be at least 6 inches thick and 6 inches wider than your mailbox. If you live in an area with cold winters, dig your footer deep enough so that the base rests below the frost line.
RESOURCES :
Masonry Skills
Model: 0827371764
Author: Richard T. Kreh
(January, 1997 -- 4th Edition)
To order this title from Amazon, click here.
Delmar Learning
Building with Masonry: Brick, Block and Concrete
Model: 156158228X
Author: Richard T. Kreh
(November, 1998)
To order this title from Amazon, click here.
The Taunton Press Inc.
Website: www.taunton.com
The Art and Craft of Stonework
Model: 1579902189
Author: David Reed
(March, 2002)
To order this title from Amazon, click here.
Lark Books / Altamont Press
Website: www.larkbooks.com
Fieldstone (Castone LLC)
Castone LLC
Website: www.castone.org
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