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concrete wall or structure
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Posted by mosaicleanne WA (My Page) on Thu, Mar 20, 08 at 20:42
| Greetings! I turn the big "50" late June and am hoping to do a family fun activity mosaic concrete. For my 40Th we did stepping stones (cit 50 cardboard tubes, placed in pizza boxes and everyone brought items (old jewelry, some coins, rocks, tiles etc). Everyone really got into it. This time I want to do a concrete structure well before the party and then have people (using thin-set, marbles, tiles etc) and mosaic the structure. Next day I will grout it and then will seal it- I want it an all age activity and will have it in my grandchildren play area. So I have tossed around ideas of benches- or animal shape- they can climb/sit on/jump off....and then decided perhaps a wall instead. I was thinking about 3 length by 2.5 feet high by 8" or so wide. I need to figure out the best way to "form" it...making sure it is sturdy and can't be pushed over. Also how much cement I will need so I know my costs of project. My husband is a very handy guy so with his brains and bronze I should be able to do this. Just need some ideas from some experienced folks on how we should do this! Also very interested in similar projects or suggestions that may include different forms/shapes. Thanks! Leanne |
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RE: concrete wall or structure
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I would think that a concrete structure of any size that's meant to be played or climbed on would need interior reinforcing. I've seen faux rock walls being made at zoos and parks . Basically they're a rebar & wire mesh form with concrete stucco applied over the surface, but they usually aren't meant to be climbed on.
Could you build the wall of cinder blocks set on a good foundation? The party guests could attach their decorations to that and you can follow up later with grout.
You might consider posting this question over on the hypertufa forum, lot's of good folks that know about concrete over there.
Good luck and let us know what you decide to do......and of course we expect pictures!
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RE: concrete wall or structure
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| If wall built it out of concrete blocks, good foundation you can use thinset to glue the tiles on, then grout, seal if you want. I and another teacher wrote a grant to do a 50'snake. He did the major building and I did the mosaic. He built it using rebar, chicken wire mesh ( various layers and concrete ). You may want to use another kind of wire with smaller openings. Create a design, pick location, place rebar, start sculpting the form with the wire, attach the pieces of wire mesh, with other strong gauge wire. After scultpure is complete start covering with concrete mix. make sure to smooth out the area before it dries out.1 section at a time.Do concrete in one day. I was planning on doing a bench shaped like a turtle. Then mosaic. Good Luck! |
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