Creating an Entrance

[EddieWalker]

Time to get started laying blocks. There's four and a half pallets of white split face block for the main part of the sign.

Since the split face block only comes that way on one side, I have to double it up to get the same look on both sides.

Those blocks are $3 each. Over twice the cost of the standard blocks at $1.12 each at Home Depot. I'm still saving money though, because my original plan was to build the face of the sign from standard block and cover it in Austin Stone. More labor and allot more money that way. In the end I think the split face block will look better and it will be a theme I can carry through the Park.

Eddie

 

[Bird]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( This time of year . . . there's no predicting the next time it will rain )</font>

Probably this evening and tonight. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif It's been raining steadily here since about 7 a.m. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[EddieWalker]

Three rows up and just about all I can do in a day! That's 38 blocks per row.

The ends of the sign are larger than the middle and of standard block becasue they will be wrapped in the same artificial stone I used on the entrance columns.

The rebar coming up through the blocks goes almost three feet down into the holes I drilled with my post hole digger and are tied into the footing. The cavities they are in are being filled with concrete to add extra strength.


Eddie Walker

 

[EddieWalker]

The next day I only got two rows done, but didn't get as early a start. The ends will be taller than the face of the sign and will have the pyrimid caps similar to the ones I made for the columns, minus the lights.

I'm not putting any mortor in the front of the blocks because I'm using standard Type N morter, which is grey. I will finish it up when the blocks are all done with the expensive white mortor.

Eddie Walker

 

[EddieWalker]

I was done for the day and cleaning up when I looked up at the sky and saw this sunset!!!!!

WOW.

Some days just end better than others!!!!!!!!!!!!


Eddie Walker

 

[Bird]

With a sign that size, folks shouldn't have any trouble finding you. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[jinman]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Since the sign will be built from cement blocks, it will be very heavy and quite tall, I wanted some overkill. )</font>

Eddie, how tall is "quite tall"? Things are looking better all the time. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[EddieWalker]

The main part of the sign is 11 blocks tall. Final measurement is right at 7 feet 4 inches.

Then end columns are currently 12 blocks tall, but I just bought some more today to raise it one row taller. I want the end colums to really stand out and add some power and demension to my sign.

You only have one chance to get that first impression. My sign is crucial to do just that.

The mixer was $250 from Home Depot. I shopped around and the cheaper ones were just too cheap for what I wanted.

The scaffolding was also $250, but i bought another section when I built my barn for another $100. Best money you can spend. I use my scaffolding for just about everything now.



Eddie Walker

 

[EddieWalker]

I'm almost done for the day in this photo. Rain is my biggest issue in finishing anything. But even if the rain didn't start, I still wasn't gonna finish this day.

I'm short 10 grey blocks for the end columns and 8 white blocks for the sign. I picked up the white blocks today for $3.27 each at a specialty brick supplier. The only good thing is I had a $60 credit on my account with them.

If you look under the scaffolding, you can see the rock that will cover the grey block on either end of the sign.

This is the same rock I used on the entrance columns.


Eddie Walker

 

[txdon]

Eddie, Looking good! I can't wait. What is the name going to be?