The Completed Project Another quick project update this week, this one involving a rebuild of a stone driveway border wall, a replacement set of stone steps, and a new wet-set flagstone walkway.
I was first contacted by this homeowner to discuss rebuilding an old stone wall that bordered the edge of their driveway. The old wall was falling apart, a combination of substandard original construction, having been clipped by vehicular traffic more times than is recommended, and some of the old original schist stone splitting and deteriorating due to moisture.
As we spoke about the wall, we also identified that the steps leading to the side door were quite awkward -- two risers each measuring 10"-plus, treads that were narrower than the risers were high, and constructed from uneven field stone. Not an easy approach. So we were contracted to rebuild the wall and replace the steps.
I was first contacted by this homeowner to discuss rebuilding an old stone wall that bordered the edge of their driveway. The old wall was falling apart, a combination of substandard original construction, having been clipped by vehicular traffic more times than is recommended, and some of the old original schist stone splitting and deteriorating due to moisture.
As we spoke about the wall, we also identified that the steps leading to the side door were quite awkward -- two risers each measuring 10"-plus, treads that were narrower than the risers were high, and constructed from uneven field stone. Not an easy approach. So we were contracted to rebuild the wall and replace the steps.
Steps Before -- Ugh!
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And After. Still Need to Replace the Path Though ...
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The wall was disassembled carefully, setting aside stone that could be reused in the rebuild, and discarding stone that was deteriorating or unusable. We dug out the trench for the wall footing, installed a footing of compacted crushed gravel, and began laying the stone.
Additional stone was purchased from a local quarry to replace the stone that was discarded. The wall measured on average less than a foot high, but we still wanted to make sure an adequate foundation was in place. That includes about 4" of compacted crushed gravel, plus about 6" of buried stone -- much more than was in place on the original build.
For the steps, we wanted to include natural stone to match and complement stonework on the house. But getting rid of those uneven treads was important. So we went with a concrete foundation, with mortared natural stone veneer on the sides and risers, with full length bluestone treads. The rebuild included installing an additional step, now instead of two 10" risers we included three 7" risers. Much more comfortable, and we widened the depth of the treads to 14".
Additional stone was purchased from a local quarry to replace the stone that was discarded. The wall measured on average less than a foot high, but we still wanted to make sure an adequate foundation was in place. That includes about 4" of compacted crushed gravel, plus about 6" of buried stone -- much more than was in place on the original build.
For the steps, we wanted to include natural stone to match and complement stonework on the house. But getting rid of those uneven treads was important. So we went with a concrete foundation, with mortared natural stone veneer on the sides and risers, with full length bluestone treads. The rebuild included installing an additional step, now instead of two 10" risers we included three 7" risers. Much more comfortable, and we widened the depth of the treads to 14".
The homeowner was thrilled with the results. Well kind of. The wall rebuild looked great, the steps were even and comfortable to walk on, even the old wood trim that was rotting out below the door threshold was replaced.
But there was a problem. Now that the wall and steps had been replaced, the muddy homeowner DIY pathway connecting the drive and the steps stood out like a sore thumb.
Luckily, we knew just the people to help with the pathway replacement -- us! We went with a wet-set bluestone linear-shaped walkway to match the treads on the steps.
The old pathway was lifted and set aside for the homeowner to use as stepping stones through their gardens. We ID'd the desired footprint for the path, excavated accordingly, poured a concrete foundation, and mortared the flagstones to the surface.
What a transformation! Now the homeowner was officially thrilled, wall, steps, walkway and all.
Is there a part of your yard that needs a transformation? Give us a call or shoot us an email, and see what we can do for you!
But there was a problem. Now that the wall and steps had been replaced, the muddy homeowner DIY pathway connecting the drive and the steps stood out like a sore thumb.
Luckily, we knew just the people to help with the pathway replacement -- us! We went with a wet-set bluestone linear-shaped walkway to match the treads on the steps.
The old pathway was lifted and set aside for the homeowner to use as stepping stones through their gardens. We ID'd the desired footprint for the path, excavated accordingly, poured a concrete foundation, and mortared the flagstones to the surface.
What a transformation! Now the homeowner was officially thrilled, wall, steps, walkway and all.
Is there a part of your yard that needs a transformation? Give us a call or shoot us an email, and see what we can do for you!
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