Tuesday, August 26, 2014
Thursday, May 15, 2014
Springtime Landscaping (part 2)
Last post I ended with getting a trench dug for a new retaining wall and selected the block I intend to use.
The next step is to begin laying the block in the freshly dug trench. Let's back up just a second, I guess the next step is to carry all the heavy block from the front of my house where it was delivered to the back of my house. Good times, good times!
Well, here is a portion of the block...
As you can see from the pic, I started by placing the block in the trench to give me an example of the height and pattern I wanted to use. I opted to use one large block followed by one small block and repeat the pattern for each row. I am finishing the wall by topping it off with a cap stone and overhanging it slightly to complete the overall look I am trying to achieve.
Starting at the lowest point in the yard or trench I should say, I began to fill with paver base until I had approximately 2 inches of base fully compacted. I used a hand tamper to compact the base material which I then added sand to begin leveling each block with. Once I got the first large block level from side-to-side and front-to-back, I continued the same process by placing a small block, followed by another large block. This process takes time and should not be hurried! After I completed my first row, the second row was easier, but it still took some time and patience. I started the second row by placing and centering a large block on top of the first row's small block, making sure the seams were offset and not in a straight line.
I completed about 75% of the wall in less than a day and my buddy came over the next day to help me complete the rest. The last part only took a few hours to complete and I must say it looks pretty damn good and I'm extremely happy with the results.
The next step is to begin laying the block in the freshly dug trench. Let's back up just a second, I guess the next step is to carry all the heavy block from the front of my house where it was delivered to the back of my house. Good times, good times!
Well, here is a portion of the block...
As you can see from the pic, I started by placing the block in the trench to give me an example of the height and pattern I wanted to use. I opted to use one large block followed by one small block and repeat the pattern for each row. I am finishing the wall by topping it off with a cap stone and overhanging it slightly to complete the overall look I am trying to achieve.
Starting at the lowest point in the yard or trench I should say, I began to fill with paver base until I had approximately 2 inches of base fully compacted. I used a hand tamper to compact the base material which I then added sand to begin leveling each block with. Once I got the first large block level from side-to-side and front-to-back, I continued the same process by placing a small block, followed by another large block. This process takes time and should not be hurried! After I completed my first row, the second row was easier, but it still took some time and patience. I started the second row by placing and centering a large block on top of the first row's small block, making sure the seams were offset and not in a straight line.
I completed about 75% of the wall in less than a day and my buddy came over the next day to help me complete the rest. The last part only took a few hours to complete and I must say it looks pretty damn good and I'm extremely happy with the results.
Even though the wall looks complete and pretty much is complete, I still need to go back and adhere all the cap stone to the wall block using Loctite PL landscaping adhesive. Before I do that, I plan to add lighting under the overhang of the cap stone and not sure what the placement will be so I will update on a later post.
To be continued...
Springtime Landscaping (part 1)
It's that beautiful time of year again, and I am anxious to get started on some yard work. This spring I've decided to re-do some landscaping that was nice and pretty at first, but now it has been kind of neglected for the past couple of years and could use some help.
Before I go any further, here is an example of the nice and pretty...
Fast forward to the present...
As you can see from the bottom pic, the landscaping has lost some of it's character...
The first step to the landscape renovation is to build a retaining wall around the perimeter of the existing plant beds and remove the steps that were once attached in the middle of the deck (see top pic).
I started by spray painting guide lines around the perimeter to give me an idea of where the wall will be placed before I start laying block. Next was to decide on what type of block I was going to use for our new retaining wall. After looking at several different styles, types, pricing and having multiple conversations with my wife, we decided to go with an Allen+Roth wall block that we purchased at our local Lowes.
Here are the block we chose to go with: (two styles of wall block and a wall cap)
Before I go any further, here is an example of the nice and pretty...
Fast forward to the present...
As you can see from the bottom pic, the landscaping has lost some of it's character...
The first step to the landscape renovation is to build a retaining wall around the perimeter of the existing plant beds and remove the steps that were once attached in the middle of the deck (see top pic).
I started by spray painting guide lines around the perimeter to give me an idea of where the wall will be placed before I start laying block. Next was to decide on what type of block I was going to use for our new retaining wall. After looking at several different styles, types, pricing and having multiple conversations with my wife, we decided to go with an Allen+Roth wall block that we purchased at our local Lowes.
Here are the block we chose to go with: (two styles of wall block and a wall cap)
The next step was to dig a trench where I had previously spray painted my guide lines. I dug the trench a few inches wider than the width of the block and deep enough to hide one whole block plus an additional 2-3 inches for paver base and sand for a good foundation and leveling of the block. (see bottom pic)
To be continued...
Wednesday, May 7, 2014
Indiana White Bass Run - Spring 2014
First pair of waders — check
First experience of the white bass run — check
First stringer of white bass — check
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
I'd rather be fishing...
So this year, I have taken up fishing a lot more than I ever have in my lifetime, and I must admit the search for the so called "big one" has got me hooked! Below are some of my fav's I've caught so far this year...
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