Expert: Joan Miller - 5/17/2009

Question
QUESTION: First, thanks for taking the time to read my (brief)questions. In the planter areas around my house, most are lined with stacked bricks, which are now mostly falling over. I would like to take them all down and redo it solid but I'm not sure about the foundation as the bricks will probably not exceed 3-4 high. Does the consistency of the mortar have a lot to do with the strength at the end of the job; nothing drastic, just the difference between a little too wet or a little too dry. My last thing is using rocks to turn a spot in my back yard into a small rock patio. Can I just use a dens dirt to level the rocks? And what should I use between them, concrete or mortar. I've looked for info on the internet and what I've found is either to vague to answer my questions or they want $$$ for the info or books. My bricks we either already in the yard or from the 115 year old fireplace I'm taking down and my rocks I've collected myself from close to my fathers place. I'm a disabled vet so most of what I get is free from hunting or bartering.
Thanks again for your time,
Steven

ANSWER: Thank you for your questions Steven, it is a pleasure to help you. With regards to the stacked bricks in planter areas, it is normal that they do fall over, since the ground level always is in movement. The sand and soil push with the movement and makes them fall down. To resolve that part, I suggest that you make an appropriate foundation, meaning you have to dig 6" deep, compact with 2/3 cobble stone 1/3 sand on top, build a mold 10" wide (if you are creating a double brick wall) by the length needed, pour in the cement. That is the for the foundation part. Usually, a few pieces of wood and cement are not too costly.

Then you install your bricks with the appropriate mortar, 3 or 4 pieces high as you suggested and complete the top of your wall with limestone cap. You may determine the height and length as you want. As for the mortar, purchase a pre-mixed mortar (that is with Masonry and sand included), all you need is to add the water till you get the appropriate texture. The texture of the mortar is like cake mix, if you play with it too much, it won't hold on to your bricks. When you layer your bricks, "pad" the mortar lightly, then when it starts to dry a little, then you can even the joints. Don't wait too long please, or else you will find that part complicated! I know that for a fact having tried it myself.

In all, the cement and the mortar that is used to keep the bricks together shall last for years to come and will never fall out if done correctly. Masonry is an "art" and must be done with patience.

For your patio rocks, the dirt will be the foundation compact that part evenly then add 1" of stone dust, compact evenly again, then deposit the stones on the surface. To make a joint inbetween the stones, a masonry joint is preferred. That joint has more percentage in "elasticity" that straight cement. The pure cement will crack within the years. I would also like to refer you to you a landscaping specialist that you may find on All Experts that can valid this part of the information.

I hope this helps and good luck with your project.

Joan



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for your quick response. Your advice is very informative and what I've been looking for for a long time. As for the mortar; I've been using a drill with an attachment that I made to mix it with as I do my concrete as well. Something you said made me wonder if the way I mix it could end up causing me some problems in the future. Buckets are about the only receptacles I have at my disposal right now until I can make something bigger.

Answer
You're very welcome. I am glad I could be of help.

Just to re-assure you concerning the way you mix the mortar, do use the bucket you have, add the pre-mix mortar and add a few quantities of water at a time till you obtain a compact sand like texture. In other words, the texture is soft enough for application, but not too dry nor too wet like mud for instance.

Here is the technical data sheet for the product I use in Canada. You may find an equivalent in the USA hopefully. Click on this link for the installation instructions that you may find helpful.


http://www.daubois.com/docs/betomix_plus_n-en.pdf

Thank you.

Joan