Just came from a maintenence meeting at the local elementary school. I have two questions:
1. Whats the “best” way to fasten cut stone caps to the top of a brick wall. We need someting that’s as vandal proof as possible. Two stones need to be replaced, they were taken off the wall and thrown into the river adjacent to the school.
2. What’s a good cover for a PT picnic table frame. Don’t want to use PT as the kids will get splinters, and money is an issue. Anything good in synthetic decking?
Thanks
Replies
I just read an article on page 26 of the current (May) issue of Journal of Light Construction where construction adhesive was tested as an alternative to mortar in a wall made of standard concrete block. It was a product called Mason Bond. In tests it had a modulus of rupture of 349 psi. Code requires mortar to have a modulus of rupture of 63 psi. In some cases the block broke before the bond did.
Another approach would be to make the blocks heavier in some way -- longer, thicker, or whatever. You could also coat the overhanging bottom edge with Tanglefoot, which is sold in garden centers. It is a sticky, messy substance applied in a ring to the bark of tree trunks which traps caterpillars. That would gross out anyone trying to get a grip.
Trex and similar synthetic decking makes a fine table top and bench top for picnic tables. They are non structural, though, so the frame still needs to be pressure treated or metal. Routing the edges of the pressure treated will reduce the chance of splinters. Don't forget the new pressure treated lumber requires special corrosion resistant fasteners.
PL Premium constuction adhesive will be fine for the capstone.
PL also makes one just for that purpse.
Lowes has both.
Lexel clear adhesive will work great for caps
Thanks for the input. Now I guess I have a couple of jobs to do....