Fences and patios can be found in the landscaping of homes across America and around the world. While patios provide a beautiful and comfortable means to rest and relax in the yard, fences provide privacy and security without compromising beauty. If you are planning on installing a fence or patio, know about the materials and techniques available for a successful project.
Fences
Fences can be constructed from many different materials, such as vinyl, brick, block, wood and stone. There are basically two components to a fence: the vertical columns and the horizontal fence sections. If you are installing a brick, block or rock fence, make sure that your foundation is adequate. The footer for the column should be 12 inches thick and 6 inches bigger than the circumference of the column.
The footer for the fence sections should be 12 inches thick and as long as the sections between the columns. Lay rebar in the footer of the fence and make sure that the footer is level. Lay the columns first. Use a nylon string stretched along the outsides of all columns to make sure that they are all aligned and square to each other. Use a 4-foot level to make sure the columns are plumb and level. After the columns have dried, install the center fence sections.
Wood or vinyl fences have the same components; however, you will only need to set the posts in concrete and install the fence sections after the posts have dried. Make sure the posts are plumb. Measure the length of the horizontal sections before you install the posts, and set the posts so that they correspond to that distance. If you space the posts too far apart or too close, the horizontal sections will not fit.
Patios
Patios can be constructed from various materials, such as wood, stone and brick pavers. Wood patios should be built on a 6-inch elevated frame of treated lumber. Use cedar for the deck of the patio for a more beautiful display. If you choose to use cedar, use stainless steel nails to prevent staining. Stain your wood patio with an exterior stain.
Stone and brick paver patios should be installed directly on top of a concrete or crushed stone base. Use type S mortar to bond the stone to the concrete base, and sand as a setting agent for the crushed stone base. If you are using crushed stone as a base, dig out the earth 6 or 8 inches below grade to allow for thickness of the pavers/stone, sand and crushed gravel. Seal the pavers/stone with an exterior masonry sealer to preserve your work.
No comments:
Post a Comment