The column match

This is one of the new columns. Notice the color of the cap. Notice the size of the mortar joints.















This is the existing column 30 feet away that we asked to match.

Day 8 - The project punch list

We went over the job site to see what still needs to be done to complete the project. The concrete caps are not the color requested which is forcing us to come up with a new color for the radius wall. The caps are decidedly warm brown and not the greenish tone of the existing concrete work in the front. And there are many areas that need to be patched or cleaned up. The caps also need additional acid washing to make them consistent. The under cap lights are not level and each had stucco covering the light. The drain holes are not covered. with grates. The edge of the pavers next to the wall have stucco over spill which needs to be cleaned off and so do the rock columns. And, of course, the stucco wall is not colored yet and the lanterns need to be installed on the columns. The wrong paint type had been purchased for the wall, so it is currently a brilliant white. Carlos came over and agreed that the project is not completed yet and that the site needs further work.

Day 7 - stucco the walls, lay the pavers

Today the large crew arrived to finish the project. While Jose and Israel mortared the columns and stuccoed the wall on both sides with white stucco color coat, the paving team laid the 2 drains, tamped the road base and laid the pavers. It was lucky that I went out when I did because the drains were going to be placed in the center of the deck even though we had gone over the placement with Craig and with Carlos at the beginning of the job. And we were surprised that the team left without coming to show us their completed work. Moments later we got a call asking for full payment!

Day 6 - The concrete pour

In the misting rain today Jose and Israel poured concrete into the forms to make the cantilevered caps for the wall and columns. They had to make a tent of plastic to keep the rain from falling on the wet concrete. They worked late into the day.

Day 5 - forms built

A few adjustments to the columns today, especially to the column at the west. Jose and Israel took down rocks at the top and rebuilt it to try to make the angles better, but it still looks like it tilts south. Then they prepared the forms for the concrete wall and column caps. The three low voltage lights were installed under the caps and the wires were attached to the existing ballast.

Day 4 - columns built

Jose and Israel, the Pacific Pavingstone masons, arrived on schedule at 7am. They started where they had left off, working on the 2 stone columns. Each rock has to be carefully selected for shape, size and color. Then it is placed into the jigsaw puzzle which will become the columns.

Later in the day they put the first coat of stucco on the 18-inch sitting wall and ran electrical wire for the 5 low voltage lights.

Day 3 -the rock columns get started

The crew arrived at 7am. After corralling the 5 dogs, the careful crafting of the stone columns began. Jose and Israel are the masons.