How about a landscaping thread
- Thread starter wallster
- Start date
TonkaJoe
Well-known member
Wow.. I sure wish I had your masonry skills!.. that is a whole lot of work from prep to finish, looks great!
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ishiboo
Well-known member
I hate yard work with a passion, HATE IT
So I built a website for a local landscaper and maintain it for him, and he maintains my yard.
Before
Kinda after, like a week after he initially cleaned it up.....haha
Looks great! The front steps kinda mar it though... throw some slate or something on there for a cheap fix
Robey5
Well-known member
@TonkaJoe:
Thank you. Frankly speaking, I am not mason by profession, those boys work fast, and could do a lot of this work in their sleep, and don't work in the rain.
Once I was able to get the BASE level and/or pitched in the correct direction, and got my routine down - setting this stone was a pretty easy task. If you ever want to test your 'toughness' - go out and rent (or buy, depending on how much masonry work you need to do at the house) a mason's saw. The free-hand saw (which I just sold) is pretty easy to use and the blade is the more expensive part of the assembly. The table-saw type of mason's saw looks innocent at first glance, but this thing (pictured, a rental unit) really took a LOT out of me over a long weekend. I am in pretty good shape (exercise daily) but this thing left me very sore and coated in a water/dust mixture that required my wife to hose me off when I was done using it every night.
The other 'tough' part of this job was that front down spout. I had to pull the french drain that was failing in this area and put a proper Sched-40 pipe in; which required that I cut through the drive way and work my way down the hill to manage the gutter/drainage. Plus: knowing that a french drain and a long-term level paver base do not really mix: I went a little overboard and sent the water off the back of the house's property.
Thank you. Frankly speaking, I am not mason by profession, those boys work fast, and could do a lot of this work in their sleep, and don't work in the rain.
Once I was able to get the BASE level and/or pitched in the correct direction, and got my routine down - setting this stone was a pretty easy task. If you ever want to test your 'toughness' - go out and rent (or buy, depending on how much masonry work you need to do at the house) a mason's saw. The free-hand saw (which I just sold) is pretty easy to use and the blade is the more expensive part of the assembly. The table-saw type of mason's saw looks innocent at first glance, but this thing (pictured, a rental unit) really took a LOT out of me over a long weekend. I am in pretty good shape (exercise daily) but this thing left me very sore and coated in a water/dust mixture that required my wife to hose me off when I was done using it every night.
The other 'tough' part of this job was that front down spout. I had to pull the french drain that was failing in this area and put a proper Sched-40 pipe in; which required that I cut through the drive way and work my way down the hill to manage the gutter/drainage. Plus: knowing that a french drain and a long-term level paver base do not really mix: I went a little overboard and sent the water off the back of the house's property.
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drivesitfar
Well-known member
Robey: yep that manual labor is maybe better EXERCISE than your daily workouts at your gym that is for certain.
just curious what you are (or did) use for your base under your pavers? it doesn't look like sand or crushed gravel so just curious. also it looks like you put a couple maybe 1 inch steel pipes down at the level you wanted to end up with and after leveling the material you'd pull out the pipe and maybe fill in the holes left by hand as you put down the pavers?
nice work and really nice fix on the drain.
also just an FYI it took me 2 summers to complete my front yard project cause i didn't want to work out in the rain. of course when it's 70-80 degrees you really don't want to work either.
just curious what you are (or did) use for your base under your pavers? it doesn't look like sand or crushed gravel so just curious. also it looks like you put a couple maybe 1 inch steel pipes down at the level you wanted to end up with and after leveling the material you'd pull out the pipe and maybe fill in the holes left by hand as you put down the pavers?
nice work and really nice fix on the drain.
also just an FYI it took me 2 summers to complete my front yard project cause i didn't want to work out in the rain. of course when it's 70-80 degrees you really don't want to work either.
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Robey5
Well-known member
Drives:
Thank you for the compliment. The new house has a lawn that is slow to establish itself, I could only wish to have the green you are working with. (..with time, I suppose).
Under the pavers; there is a 3 inch base of "21-aa" (which is basically crushed concrete with a lime-stone binder) that is leveled/pitched and compacted, and then there is a 1 inch layer of slag (a common compactable material used on little league and softball fields here in the midwest) that is compacted, and finally the steel pipes go there to set your sub-level (what the pavers will sit on) and these pipes are used as a screed-guide. Before the pavers are laid on the base, the steel pipes are used to pull a fresh layer of slag (about 1/4 inch or so) and then removed (yes, they're 1 inch black pipes) and the little void is filled with slag with a trowel.
I learned a LOT from this job, including how important the planning part of this type of project is.
Thank you for the compliment. The new house has a lawn that is slow to establish itself, I could only wish to have the green you are working with. (..with time, I suppose).
Under the pavers; there is a 3 inch base of "21-aa" (which is basically crushed concrete with a lime-stone binder) that is leveled/pitched and compacted, and then there is a 1 inch layer of slag (a common compactable material used on little league and softball fields here in the midwest) that is compacted, and finally the steel pipes go there to set your sub-level (what the pavers will sit on) and these pipes are used as a screed-guide. Before the pavers are laid on the base, the steel pipes are used to pull a fresh layer of slag (about 1/4 inch or so) and then removed (yes, they're 1 inch black pipes) and the little void is filled with slag with a trowel.
I learned a LOT from this job, including how important the planning part of this type of project is.
I don't want to take up too much space here, but I posted a landscape story on my garage build thread. Here is a link to the landscaping part, which starts at post #46.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6354872&posted=1#post6354872
in case you don't want to click over, here is a photo that summarizes it well: informal garden in the woods and a dog that follows me everywhere.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6354872&posted=1#post6354872
in case you don't want to click over, here is a photo that summarizes it well: informal garden in the woods and a dog that follows me everywhere.
TonkaJoe
Well-known member
As I was scrolling down your post, I got to the picture and thought "I've never seen that color of ornamental grass before".. only to realize once seeing the whole picture it was in fact a fluffy dogs tail... [emoji1] lolI don't want to take up too much space here, but I posted a landscape story on my garage build thread. Here is a link to the landscaping part, which starts at post #46.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6354872&posted=1#post6354872
in case you don't want to click over, here is a photo that summarizes it well: informal garden in the woods and a dog that follows me everywhere.
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don long
Well-known member
I have a 3 day project my helper and I did last fall.
It all started a year earlier when I stole the fence along my driveway for the party garage game room. Much to my wife's surprise. Then I needed more fence to build the barn inside the garage. The bushes were getting to big and old so we went after a new look at the end of my driveway
the begining
with the first section of fence down
Looking from the back side of the project
The project starts by removing all the old plants and leveling out the ground
The river rock and the boulders were gathered from around the yard and I finally found a spot for my fire trolley
I thought the project was finished until my wife asked about the other side of the walk way.
I rounded up a bunch of larger round rock and layed them out like pavers
and found a great spot for the old stove I picked up earlier
Looking from the back side. The place looks much fresher
It all started a year earlier when I stole the fence along my driveway for the party garage game room. Much to my wife's surprise. Then I needed more fence to build the barn inside the garage. The bushes were getting to big and old so we went after a new look at the end of my driveway
the begining
with the first section of fence down
Looking from the back side of the project
The project starts by removing all the old plants and leveling out the ground
The river rock and the boulders were gathered from around the yard and I finally found a spot for my fire trolley
I thought the project was finished until my wife asked about the other side of the walk way.
I rounded up a bunch of larger round rock and layed them out like pavers
and found a great spot for the old stove I picked up earlier
Looking from the back side. The place looks much fresher
drivesitfar
Well-known member
KWY: i made a comment over on your garage thread. WELL DONE and pretty good ideas and application too on the many many projects and areas you changed.
DON: so 3 days to do all that? AMAZING even with help. you've got a great eye and i don't think there is anything at your place i haven't liked or that i'd change. i'm sure there is always things you can maybe add on to that you like better, but i bet your guests really enjoy their time at your place and with you and your bride. thanks for sharing
DON: so 3 days to do all that? AMAZING even with help. you've got a great eye and i don't think there is anything at your place i haven't liked or that i'd change. i'm sure there is always things you can maybe add on to that you like better, but i bet your guests really enjoy their time at your place and with you and your bride. thanks for sharing
TonkaJoe
Well-known member
I'm curious to know if anyone on here has either used or heard of SimTek fence?
www.simtekfence.com
They're based out of Orem Utah I believe. Home Depot in the states sells the product also but here in Canada they don't carry it. I found out yesterday that we now have a local fence company who supplies the product where I live in Southern Ontario Canada. This company is providing a "cash and carry" offer that claims they can beat the big box store prices.
I was originally planning on going with a wooden fence but due to the increase of vandalism In my area and my rethinking of the project I am considering this product as a wood alternate. It's MUCH more expensive than wood however its more or less maintenance free and the reviews are very positive. Plus I am always trying to be smart with thinking "long-term" as I do projects around the house as much as possible.
What do you guys think? If the product is accurate with its claims, costs more, still looks great, but is almost maintenance free would you consider this?.
I'll be calling tomorrow to get a rough price on the 140' I require.. even if I get half of that done for the time being I'd be happy as the one section of chain link looks like hell. I'll post back what I find out cost wise.
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www.simtekfence.com
They're based out of Orem Utah I believe. Home Depot in the states sells the product also but here in Canada they don't carry it. I found out yesterday that we now have a local fence company who supplies the product where I live in Southern Ontario Canada. This company is providing a "cash and carry" offer that claims they can beat the big box store prices.
I was originally planning on going with a wooden fence but due to the increase of vandalism In my area and my rethinking of the project I am considering this product as a wood alternate. It's MUCH more expensive than wood however its more or less maintenance free and the reviews are very positive. Plus I am always trying to be smart with thinking "long-term" as I do projects around the house as much as possible.
What do you guys think? If the product is accurate with its claims, costs more, still looks great, but is almost maintenance free would you consider this?.
I'll be calling tomorrow to get a rough price on the 140' I require.. even if I get half of that done for the time being I'd be happy as the one section of chain link looks like hell. I'll post back what I find out cost wise.
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drivesitfar
Well-known member
TJ: when you say you want to build a fence other than wood because of vandalism is it because the idiots are painting fences or stealing them? i'm not sure paying the extra money for that fence you are talking about will stop the idiots so i'd still build a wood fence and spend the extra money on a security monitoring system so you can see WHO THE IDIOTS ARE and do something about changing them instead of your fence.
look back a few posts and i think i posted up a cedar fence i'm going to build soon that has plenty of security and if you have a cedar mill you can buy better lumber (thicker and better quality) i'd still stick with wood instead of the brick lookalike or chainlink. of course that is up to you and your family and if i wanted to upgrade from that i'd built a real brick fence and sharpen up my brick laying skills.
good luck
look back a few posts and i think i posted up a cedar fence i'm going to build soon that has plenty of security and if you have a cedar mill you can buy better lumber (thicker and better quality) i'd still stick with wood instead of the brick lookalike or chainlink. of course that is up to you and your family and if i wanted to upgrade from that i'd built a real brick fence and sharpen up my brick laying skills.
good luck
TonkaJoe
Well-known member
I should gave been slightly more specific Drives. I had first planned on a fence very similar to what you posted actually, but because my house sits next to a un lit public walkway its at times a magnet for the little **** head highschool kids to come through at 3am to go to the "un official" druggie house everyone knows about a street over.
I have a feeling they'd see a nice unmarked fence and either spray paint or run sharp objects down it like they decided to do 4 years ago here when they spray painted 14 vehicles on my street. I figured this option would help reduce the damage a bit if any was done since its a lot more difficult and time consuming to fix the same damage on wood.
I do have a camera system in place now as its just myself at the house and I work continental shifts keeping me away from home for a good chunk of time after this past summer where I had 2 separate attempts of teenage kids trying to get my truck ( both were caught).. two of 6 cameras watch over my back yard, one partially covers that walkway to watch my shed specifically. I'd likely have to add another with a higher mm lens to look directly down the pathway to get a good look at a face in the dark.
With all these new subdivisions in my little country town we have a lot of city people moving in with teenage kids who are doing all the vandalism and increased b&e's. I simply wanted to cover my options first before I jump on an idea and potentially have it ruined with bs like that!. It seems we can't have and enjoy nice things these days..
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drivesitfar
Well-known member
TJ: sorry to hear about your neighbor kids. we need to get the lawyers on our side and not the kids so much and let a few spankings occur again. it's hard raising kids and you never really know how they will turn out, but if they hang with the bad kids even the good kids go bad cause "YOU ARE WHO YOU HANG OUT WITH" eventually. i'd say first off maybe getting some of the neighbors together to monitor the "DRUG HOUSE" and send them a little grief if you know what i mean.
ok back to fencing. if a wood fence does the job of security and looks how about painting it. that way if the IDIOTS spray it then you can just paint over it instead of having to pressure wash it. of course if you catch the kid then have HIM PAINT IT is maybe a good option.
ALSO NOT ALL KIDS ARE BAD, but can you imagine how we might have grew up with all the internet and cell phone BS that kids get these days? speaking of which there are many KIDS on GJ that are doing amazing things. a couple weeks ago a 19 year old member posted a picture of his 10 year old brother using his wood lathe and with a full face shield on with a huge smile under that shield while he was turning some wood.
good luck and post up your solution to the landscaping and maybe your fix for the kids if you found one too. all we can do is try to help some kids when we can cause some people weren't meant to be parents or just didn't want to be.
cheers
ok back to fencing. if a wood fence does the job of security and looks how about painting it. that way if the IDIOTS spray it then you can just paint over it instead of having to pressure wash it. of course if you catch the kid then have HIM PAINT IT is maybe a good option.
ALSO NOT ALL KIDS ARE BAD, but can you imagine how we might have grew up with all the internet and cell phone BS that kids get these days? speaking of which there are many KIDS on GJ that are doing amazing things. a couple weeks ago a 19 year old member posted a picture of his 10 year old brother using his wood lathe and with a full face shield on with a huge smile under that shield while he was turning some wood.
good luck and post up your solution to the landscaping and maybe your fix for the kids if you found one too. all we can do is try to help some kids when we can cause some people weren't meant to be parents or just didn't want to be.
cheers
PhantomEB
Well-known member
Now the garage is mostly done, I shall be following this thread.
Got a landscaping company coming in next month to do the backbreaking dirt moving of my little backyard. See how the sod takes being in shade most the day before I start my do-over of my simple little deck. Planning 2 levels so not as many steps for my mother to tackle at once. Top level covered for winter BBQ's but lower be better for summer lounging with privacy.
Got a landscaping company coming in next month to do the backbreaking dirt moving of my little backyard. See how the sod takes being in shade most the day before I start my do-over of my simple little deck. Planning 2 levels so not as many steps for my mother to tackle at once. Top level covered for winter BBQ's but lower be better for summer lounging with privacy.
I knew there would be a thread like this haha. Welcome to 2018 GJ
My yard was pretty bad when we moved in a few years ago, here are some before pics.
The ones with the deer and the egret, that was all rough **** about 60' then there is a creek behind it. My neighbors cleared that all out on their lots and I did last fall.
I will get some updated pics asap.
My yard was pretty bad when we moved in a few years ago, here are some before pics.
The ones with the deer and the egret, that was all rough **** about 60' then there is a creek behind it. My neighbors cleared that all out on their lots and I did last fall.
I will get some updated pics asap.
