Brickwork Projects for Patio & Garden. Alan Bridgewater
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Название: Brickwork Projects for Patio & Garden
Автор: Alan Bridgewater
Издательство: Ingram
Жанр: Дом и Семья: прочее
isbn: 9781607659402
isbn:
Stakes and string
Level
Measuring and marking out a site
If you are unfamiliar with garden projects and brickwork, it can be difficult to know how to begin. Everything starts from a foundation, so either build on an existing foundation such as a patio (see here), or dig out some earth and make a new foundation.
When building a foundation, use a tape measure (available in various lengths) to establish the dimensions, then mark the site with stakes and string (see here). If the shape is irregular, use marking chalk or spray paint. Dig out the foundation hole: the sides of the hole contain the foundation. Alternatively, wooden boards (formwork) can be used to construct an accurate frame to retain the foundation. A level is used when digging to a level depth. Waste should be removed from the site.
Measuring and marking during construction
The exact dimensions of brickwork projects are (or should be) governed by the proportions of a brick (see here), so you can either calculate the length and width of the first course, and mark it out on the new or existing foundation using a tape measure, straightedge and a piece of chalk; or arrange the bricks without mortar, judging the gaps between each brick, then nudge the layout straight and square and mark around it with chalk.
Once you have laid the first course of bricks, use a level to indicate the horizontal and vertical positions, and a straightedge to check for straightness. A line set (a line stretched between two stakes) is useful for guiding the courses of stone, and estimating course heights, on long lengths of wall (see here).
Leveling: Using a level to decide whether or not a structure or brick is level (horizontally parallel to the ground, or vertically at right angles to the ground), and then making adjustments to bring individual bricks into line.
TOOLS FOR MAKING FOUNDATIONS
Spade
Fork
Shovel
Garden rake
Wheelbarrow
Plate compactor
Bucket
Sledgehammer
Removing turf and digging earth
Once the area of ground has been marked with string, chalk or paint, start digging and removing earth to create a clean-sided hole of a specific depth. A spade is used to slice through the turf, and a fork is very handy for removing the turf in square chunks. A wheelbarrow is essential for moving earth away from the site, and a bucket is useful for removing small quantities and when working in confined areas. The wheelbarrow and bucket are also employed for moving all other materials. To dig a hole in extremely hard or stony ground, specialty digging tools such as a pickaxe or mattock may be required.
Compacting hardcore
Hardcore (scrap brick, stone and concrete) must be compacted in order to form a firm base. A sledgehammer is used to break it up into smaller pieces and to beat these into the ground to make a compact, even layer. This can be notoriously hard work when dealing with large areas (over 20 square feet, or 2 square meters), so either get help or buy broken-brick hardcore, which is easier to break and consolidate. Always wear goggles to protect your eyes from chippings.
Spreading gravel, sand and concrete
Use a shovel for spreading gravel, sand, ballast (a mixture of gravel and sand) and concrete. A rake is useful for spreading dry materials evenly over a large area. A screed board is brought in to scrape off excess material to make a smooth and level surface to a specific depth, and is used for concrete, sand and ballast. It consists of a length of wood supported at either end by a frame (see here). Some patio foundations consist of dry materials, laid down without cement, and it is best to rent a compacting machine called a plate compacter to compress gravel, sand or ballast into a firm base (also for firming patio bricks into position).
Hardcore: Scrap bricks, stone and concrete crushed with a sledgehammer and leveled to provide drainage and support beneath a foundation. Alternatively, drainage rock, gravel or graded base can be used.
TOOLS FOR MIXING CONCRETE AND MORTAR
Shovel
Bucket
Plywood