Well that's good to hear! As I start into this my vision changes a bit and I think I will go for a lower wall (3') and just taper to meet to grade. Make a flower bed or something along that taper. Would make it more visually appealing I think, and then its also a nice place to lean against/ hop up for a seat. Starting to make a pile of cap stones as I come across them. My wife finally started to see "it" when I had the boulders in. As I grunted and groaned maneuvering a big one, I looked over and said "this is oddly enjoyable." I think if I keep up my couple hours here, 4 hours there, it'll get done and properly. Had to adjust one boulder, it is the left side anchor to my staircase, about 2". It took my kid on the tractor, chains, and my 7' steel bar with all my weight to get that 2".
It's funny how some of the hardest jobs can be fun, especially when you have tangible progress. OK my last 2 cents- might be literally. Somewhere down the line no matter which stone that you try and no matter how many times that you do flip flops with stones there is going to be a slight wobble that drives you crazy. It happens with the molded wall blocks also. A good old fashion copper penny my just come in handy. Another option is a 4 or 4 1/2" diamond cupping wheel for a grinder to knock off slight high spots. HF has them for around 30 not on sale and 40 everywhere else. I have use mine from HF for many many hours on various projects just not walls and have over 1/2 of the diamond left. There is also outdoor construction adhesive - a hidden drop of that and some sand or granular stone can also correct small variations. I'm sure there are many other creative solutions... Be careful not to stand back and look at your awesome work. You may get stuck there smiling!!! I have never done that. Happy building!
I'm enjoying this thread, great work cnice_37 . The sheds look great, the landscaping and now the stone wall. Awesome!!
Don't know how I missed this thread!!! Great progress overall, but I will say, for "not a carpenter" those sheds look FANTASTIC! What's the story on the rock wall? Finished yet, cnice_37? Great thread.
Good looking project cnice_37 . There is a lot of satisfaction in doing this kind of stuff all on your own, lots of hard work pays off. Keep us posted.
That is the way to do it - stay flexible because there are many options that you don't see in the beginning. Hey, and I now know I'm not weird for having "fun" doing major grunt work like that. I may procrastinate starting, but then in the middle, once I can see the progress (and other possibilities), I enjoy it.
8 hours on wall, 19 total with base and the lower level is complete. Slow going but its hot and time is scarce. Part of what is taking so long is moving anywhere from 1 to 6 boulders at a time from side yard to wall area. That should speed up as I picked the big boys for lowest level. Helpers (?) Pictured
A lot of family fun this weekend so not much work. My daughter and I staged the next round of boulders. I am always surprised at how much that baby 'bota hauls. Must have been 25 bucket loads or so as it took us a good hour and a half. She's 6, so work slows down with her but I wouldn't change that for the time spent. She's a hard worker and I let her know how proud I am.
OK cnice_37, first your sheds look awesome! second my daughter just said daddy we should do this in several areas so I will keep an eye out see how long it takes... ya that it! how many feet long and high are you thinking..?
