All,
I have a customer who for some unknown reason removed his brick steps to the front porch. Now he wants me to rebuild them. Here’s the catch – he does not want a poured concrete base because there is pipework below the location where the steps would be built. (He is fearful of damaging the pipe) [ Redirecting the pipe is out of the question].
What type of base should I use to lay the brick on?
I have considerd 4x8x16 concrete blocks.
Does anyone have any other suggestions?
Thanks,
dlb
“The undisciplined life is not worth examining.”
Replies
Dale,
When you say "base" are you referring to pouring a whole porch and then bricking over top? If so, then:
Disconnect the pipe and encase it with another larger pipe, then pour your concrete porch. and brick over top.If you can't disconnect it, build a box around it and then pour. Support the encasement with compacted sand underneath it if possible, otherwise support with metal rods or with wood bracing, and then bury the whole structure in concrete.
If you are referring to a "pad" only, you could dig down a little, use compacted limestone roadbase, and set 2x2 concrete patio pavers on top of gravel base, flush with ground elevation. Using the concrete blocks that you mentioned in this fashion should also work. Will the steps ever move? possibly.
Persuade to use concrete, or else don't guarantee your work.
Just my 2 cents.
Davo