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Mortar Stone on a Wall by Vicky Smith
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Mortar Stone on a Wall |
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Business
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Mortaring stone on a wall fuses the rocks together to create a sturdy landscaping structure that can last for decades in your yard or garden. You can use inexpensive field stone, but cut and shaped stone (ashlar) is usually easier to work with because it stacks so well. Since a mortared stone wall is much more permanent than a dry-laid (mortarless) stone wall, Alan Bridgewater, co-author of "Outdoor Stonework," suggests that you construct a small sample section of your wall first for practice, especially if you're new to building stone walls. Instructions as follows: Firstly, hammer wooden stakes into the corner and end locations of your stone wall. Run a string between the stakes to mark the front line (face) of the wall. Secondly, dig a footer trench at least 6 to 8 inches wider than the base of your stone wall; for instance, if your wall is to be 12 inches wide, your trench must be minimally 18 to 20 inches wide to provide a solid base for the wall. Locate the front edge of the trench about 3 inches in front of your marking string. Use a shovel to dig the trench to a depth of 10 to 12 inches. Thirdly, spread a 2- to 4-inch layer of gravel across the base of your footer trench. Pour enough concrete over the gravel base to bring the footer level up to about 2 inches below the ground. Level the concrete with a piece of 2-by-4-inch board and allow it to dry completely. Fourthly, ix the mortar in a wheelbarrow. Follow the directions carefully, adding enough water to moisten it, but keeping it about the consistency of cake batter so it's still somewhat stiff. Spread a 1-inch layer of mortar across the concrete footer. Fifthly, lay your base course of artificial stones, starting at one end or corner. Press the stones slightly into the mortar, making sure the faces of the stones are in line with your marking string. Fit the stones together so their edges are in line with each other, filling any cracks with mortar, when necessary. Sixthly, lay the rest of your stone wall courses, one layer at a time. Spread a 1-inch layer of mortar before laying the stones in each layer, making sure you stagger the rock joints in each layer, as well. Work with small batches of mortar and stir it regularly so it doesn't set prematurely. Seventhly, clean the extra mortar off the stones when it's still wet. Bridgewater suggests that you use a stick or narrow board to scoop out the mortar between the joints to expose as much of the sandstone surface as possible. Remove smears of mortar from the faces of your stones with a wet cloth or sponge. Tips & Warnings Check with your city office to see if you need to obtain a building permit before constructing your wall. Try to roll the stones instead of lifting them when possible to minimize possible back injuries. In short, as a renowned business E-platform of promoting stone industry, we have been continuously merging all kinds of resources together, in which regard not only have we realized the strategic combination of Stones Yellow Pages and overseas famous stone magazines, but also our good cooperation with overseas stone associations and organizations. If you want to consult us freely, you can also see diamond or become a loyal follower of us by @ https://twitter.com/stonebtb.
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