Let's build the block work that we will later install stone veneer onto! If you haven't seen the previous video where we poured the concrete footing, check it out by clicking this link right here👉th-cam.com/video/coiIdU-vkM8/w-d-xo.html
I hope you or someone will answer me this question,I’m thinking of doing a stairs and small patio in my backyard,first I have to do the stairs??and then the patio??
This is crazy you posted this video. I just built stone veneer steps. I had a mason help me. He was laying out the lines for the block and explaining why we subtract to account for the overhang and I was so confused. I was looking for a video on this and couldn’t find any. Appreciate the video. I just started my hardscaping business last year. Been learning a lot. And seriously appreciate your videos. I’m from eastern PA, just outside philly.
Very cool, sometimes the timing is perfect. Subtracting the overhang is very important and I almost forgot because I was thinking too much about the video...🤣 Does it make sense to you know? Congratulations on your business! Stick with it brother, it will definitely pay off. ✌
Awesome work as always! You guys ever use metal reinforcements (wire mesh/rebar) and fiber mesh mixed into your concrete? Game changer. Helps me sleep at night 😂
Thanks man! We got rebar in the footing and geogrid in between the layers of block. I am comfortable with that on a small 3 step application. When we get into like 5 step or more applications, you will see us do a little more with reinforcement. I have never used mesh in with my concrete though, probably not a bad idea... ✌
Your laying your block upside down, there is a top side and a bottom side to a block. Like every thing you do for water control most blocks are designed to do the same thing. The skinny groved side is always facing down and wider smooth side is up. Keep up with the good work you do!! I'm a 32 year seasoned stone mason and it's nice to see some common sense used on a job site. Kudos to you and Benny. I like too use 14 inch treads because as you age those extra 2 inches are a life saver for the elderly and their footing walking down them.
You know, I never really know which side is the top or bottom, especially because the styles vary depending on where you get them... Thanks for the information though brother! I appreciate the feedback from a seasoned vet like you. And I hear you on the 14" treads, definitely a more comfortable step. I will keep that in mind for my future projects. ✌
@@TheChristianHardscaper it’s great, I’m about not having to go back so we’ll see in a few years 😂. I think the key thing is water management so definitely solidifying the soil with stone and then using clean stone makes a lot of sense. Thanks for you great videos !
Thanks, that geo grid is so helpful with locking it all together. And no, mortaring the heads is not necessary in my opinion, especially for stone veneer steps. Just be sure to offset the joints on the next row, and then the block will be locked in tight. Then when we install the stone veneer, the mortar behind the veneer will seal up everything. + it saves so much time.... ✌
Is there an application for this kind of staircase that excludes the concrete pad on bottom? any dry install applications not involving concrete//mortar? Would be interested let me know
For any stone veneer work like this, you really need a concrete footing. You can build most concrete block steps on clean, crushed stone without a footing. Here is a link to a video I made of steps like that 👉th-cam.com/video/EVmJ6tNYb58/w-d-xo.html
Awesome job Christian and Benny 👍🏻💯 Christian, have you heard of this new adhesive product called STICKYSTONE ? If so, I would like to know your input on it.
Thanks! I have heard about it, I know the adhesives have come a long way and I use them on a few things. Have not used the sticky stone yet though.... For veneer, I think any adhesive is going to have a very hard time comparing to this ardex mortar.... This stuff is crazy how good it bonds, and I still like the using mortar aspect. Makes me feel like a mason, gluing and sticking veneer just seems cheesy to me... 🤣 But I'm sure the product works well and lasts a long time. I personally just love this ardex and will most likely use it for a long time...✌
@@TheChristianHardscaper Thanks for your input. I wasn’t too crazy how they demonstrated the use of adhesive and leaving so many gaps for water to seep behind the veneers. It’s very expensive too. I am looking forward to more of your videos.
The mortar in between the blocks just is not necessary for step applications. In my opinion, it's better than mortaring in between the blocks. It keeps the blocks touching each other, so that there is no point of failure. If you see broken down block work, the 1st point of failure is the vertical mortar joints. They crack and loosen, eventually falling out which allows the blocks themselves to shift and fail. When the block is visible, they do it for looks, measurements and for sealing it to prevent water from getting in. When you are covering the blocks with stone veneer, you do not have to worry about the water, looks or measurements. Plus it saves so much time... As long as the joints are staggered, they will never move. ✌
It's just is not necessary when you are stone veneering on top of it. Saves time and in my opinion, it holds better. If you look at failing block work, the mortared joints in between the blocks is the 1st point of failure. So I keep them tight when building for stone veneer.
Very nice bro!!! I seen your videos awhile ago! Your out here killing it!!! I’m a stone mason from Pennsylvania I’ve been putting some videos up nothing like yours but I’ve just been starting to put up videos of my work and talking to other tradesman. Anyway I’m def gonna subscribe! Keep up the great work!!! I came over from a short from Grubb
That's awesome man, thanks for the support. I just checked out your channel, you do some sweet stone work brother. Must be plenty of that work down in Pennsylvania, so much natural stone in that state, I love it! Looking forward to seeing more of your work. TH-cam has been a blessing in my life, Hopefully it is for you as well! ✌
@@TheChristianHardscaper Thnaks brother!! Your the man! I appreciate the support! And yes there’s plenty of masonry work. Not to many guys laying solid stone anymore. But you also have to find people who want and can afford that sort of thing cause it is time consuming. We fortunately can do a lil bit of everything masonry related from stonework, pointing. Brick block. Patios. Sidewalks. Steps. Stucco. You name it we do it. But yeah bro keep up the great work your the man!!! And thanks for hitting me back!!!
@@maxg9999 The masonry trade has definitely lost a ton of workers in the past 10+ years. The majority of guys in this generation can't handle the hard work. They all want cushy jobs in an office.... I love this work and can't ever imagine doing something else. I am hoping to get more into natural stone work in the future, but as you said, it is not easy to sell. It takes a client with good taste and a big bank account.... lol But they are out there. Thanks again man, we will stay connected. God bless!✌
@@TheChristianHardscaper hey bro it definitely has but I get it the trade has really been beaten down somewhat due to a lot of things. Alot of the masons are getting older and not too many young people getting into it. Also you can only get paid so much starting out as a laborer so it’s hard to stick with it when you can make similar money working in a warehouse. Also once you work for yourself you can only Charge so much and still get the work. And you also have people who do some work that’s not so great that you got to compete with and a million other things I could go on and on about that make it difficult to maintain a profitable business. But me and my dad got a pretty good thing going. It’s just me and him and we do quality projects and try to have a good time while we’re doing it. You seem to have a good thing going too with your business. Hope your having a great day brother.
I'm comparing two of your videos and I'm not sure which method I should be using. Hoping you could tell me which video to follow for my situation. I'm using Alta pro Wall Blocks to construct a 6'x6'x1' stoop to enter the house as part of a paver patio. With caps around the perimeter and pavers in the center on top of the blocks. The "DIY(Split Faced) Concrete Block Steps" video shows the blocks being laid out directly on the gravel base while this video shows a concrete slab base. The other difference would be filling the middle with cinder blocks vs more gravel and a layer of sand to lay the pavers on. Appreciate your time and the videos are a huge help!! Thank you
Thanks for reaching out and watching the videos! So when you use concrete wall blocks which are dry laid on top of each other, laying them directly on an (Open Grade) gravel base is just fine. Concrete block walls are designed to be dry laid and have the ability to shift slightly with ground movement. But when you are using block and mortar with stone veneer and granite caps that will also be mortared, a concrete footing is necessary to basically make the entire stoop, one large piece. Some people may not agree with building block steps on gravel, but it is a tested and true method. What a footing does is make the proposed install 1 piece, split faced wall block is designed to be separate from each other and allow for slight movement through freeze / thaw cycles. When I say slight movement, we are talking 1/8 - 1/4 of an inch at most. They lift when it freezes and sink back into place when it thaws. Even that is an extreme case. With a 6+ inch base of clean crushed stone, the likely hood of block steps moving in cold weather is almost non existent because the stone does not hold onto water, it drains through freely. And with the block steps covering the base material, the cold does not penetrate deep enough to freeze whatever little moisture may be in the stone. And even if the little bit of moisture does freeze, the open spaces in the stone allow for it to expand into them and prevent the material from shifting. Now if I was building steps which would be much larger than that set of steps in the "DIY (Split Faced) Concrete Block Steps" I would most likely build them on a concrete footing. But the size of those steps and width did not require a footing in my opinion. Just as I do not believe the project you are building requires a concrete footing. If you are only going 2 steps high, a gravel base of at least 6 inches is more than sufficient. Just be sure to compact the gravel firmly, than build the stoop right on top of that and follow the steps I took in that block steps video. Geo grid is very helpful, don't forget that... Good luck! ✌
I wouldn't necessarily say it's better, just one of many ways to build inner steps to later apply stone veneer and caps to. Pouring sloid concrete would require a lot of concrete and may be considered overkill, especially for a 3 step stoop. This way allows for water & moisture to travel through freely.
@@TheChristianHardscaper I am planning on redoing my front steps with blue stone treads/landing and veneer sides risers, never gave block a thought but after watching this thinking that this may be an option. I’ll be widen existing landing a foot to right and left and depth, base is solid so thinking don’t need to remove all. Curious what you would do?
@@msk3905 Oh nice! If your footing seems solid and doesn't seem to have shifted much over the years, then yes you can build right on top of it. Just be sure it it seems solid. And yeah, I build 90% of my stone veneer steps this way you see here. ✌
I think you are assuming they are for vanity. Some people get them for vanity, some get them to commemorate lost loved ones, bible verses, biblical pictures / art. I believe they are a form of expression. Some express their evil ways through them, some express the important things in their lives with them. God will judge the heart and motives behind our decision to get tattoos. These bodies will turn to dust when we go to heaven. We will have new bodies and nobody will remember their tattoos... ✌
@The Christian Hardscaper yeah, most people have been gradually swayed into this way of thinking and forget the teachings of the Bible. Scarring or mutilation of the body for any reason, even to commemorate loved ones isn't acceptable from a Christian perspective, imagine cutting your arm because you lost a loved one or because you want to express yourself. There are so many things the Bible has taught that people are willing to throw away because "society" tells is its okay to indulge in these sins as long as we have good intentions...
@@clarkalvarez1729 I understand where you are coming from, but I disagree with you that a tattoo is mutilating your body. Cutting your arm off or other body parts.... that is mutilation. But hey, we all have our own perspectives and I certainly am not interested in arguing about tattoos, there are many other things that are better to talk about from a spiritual perspective. God Bless ✌
Let's build the block work that we will later install stone veneer onto!
If you haven't seen the previous video where we poured the concrete footing, check it out by clicking this link right here👉th-cam.com/video/coiIdU-vkM8/w-d-xo.html
I hope you or someone will answer me this question,I’m thinking of doing a stairs and small patio in my backyard,first I have to do the stairs??and then the patio??
Great video encouraging people
@@fabricioalmeida348 Yes, I always recommend building the stairs before the patio and then lay the pavers around the stairs. ✌
@@fabricioalmeida348 glad it is helpful!
@@TheChristianHardscaper thanks buddy,
This is crazy you posted this video. I just built stone veneer steps. I had a mason help me. He was laying out the lines for the block and explaining why we subtract to account for the overhang and I was so confused. I was looking for a video on this and couldn’t find any. Appreciate the video. I just started my hardscaping business last year. Been learning a lot. And seriously appreciate your videos. I’m from eastern PA, just outside philly.
Very cool, sometimes the timing is perfect. Subtracting the overhang is very important and I almost forgot because I was thinking too much about the video...🤣 Does it make sense to you know?
Congratulations on your business! Stick with it brother, it will definitely pay off. ✌
Yes it does, thank you.
And I can’t wait to see that veneer!!!! 💪🏻🧱⚒️💯
Your drainage idea is great thinking
Thanks, it should do nothing but help is what I figure… ✌🏻
Wish I lived closer. I would love working with you guys to get more experience.
I wish more people around here were interested in learning....🤣✌
I like the idea of leaving the middle of the pad open for drainage. I was wondering what that was before you mentioned it.
Does nothing but help right..? ✌🏻
Looking good brother.👍🏻🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
coming together, one more video and the steps will be done!
Many thanks!
No problem! ✌
Awesome work as always! You guys ever use metal reinforcements (wire mesh/rebar) and fiber mesh mixed into your concrete? Game changer. Helps me sleep at night 😂
Thanks man! We got rebar in the footing and geogrid in between the layers of block. I am comfortable with that on a small 3 step application. When we get into like 5 step or more applications, you will see us do a little more with reinforcement. I have never used mesh in with my concrete though, probably not a bad idea... ✌
Your laying your block upside down, there is a top side and a bottom side to a block. Like every thing you do for water control most blocks are designed to do the same thing.
The skinny groved side is always facing down and wider smooth side is up.
Keep up with the good work you do!! I'm a 32 year seasoned stone mason and it's nice to see some common sense used on a job site. Kudos to you and Benny. I like too use 14 inch treads because as you age those extra 2 inches are a life saver for the elderly and their footing walking down them.
You know, I never really know which side is the top or bottom, especially because the styles vary depending on where you get them... Thanks for the information though brother! I appreciate the feedback from a seasoned vet like you. And I hear you on the 14" treads, definitely a more comfortable step. I will keep that in mind for my future projects. ✌
Yes sash marks always go down. Endless he need to get up a little. For whatever reason it’s easier to get up a tiny bit upside down then regular side.
I’m in Montreal and been using your method of installation since last year, second season starting soon 🫡
That's awesome! How are you liking it so far?
@@TheChristianHardscaper it’s great, I’m about not having to go back so we’ll see in a few years 😂. I think the key thing is water management so definitely solidifying the soil with stone and then using clean stone makes a lot of sense. Thanks for you great videos !
I hear you on that one! 🤣 The water management is key for sure, the clean stone helps in so many ways.... Good luck this season ✌
Great attention to detail! Good video too.
Thanks! glad you enjoyed it ✌
Good info clear explained ❤
Glad it was helpful!
It's Casey Affleck!
From Demo to finished steps… how many working days did that take?
4-5 days with 2 guys
Id like to do this. I just need one step for my patio door. Instead of the granite caps can I use normal pavers?
You sure can use pavers to form the landing
Nice work, I like that geo grid. You don't think it is necessary to mortar the head joints on that block?
Thanks, that geo grid is so helpful with locking it all together. And no, mortaring the heads is not necessary in my opinion, especially for stone veneer steps. Just be sure to offset the joints on the next row, and then the block will be locked in tight. Then when we install the stone veneer, the mortar behind the veneer will seal up everything. + it saves so much time.... ✌
What is the name of the white plastics that is used to cover the ply wood
It is called (Tyvek) paper.
Can I use a PVC plastic fence instead of a geogrid?
I guess you could... It is thicker than the geogrid but it may work.
Sorry if i missed it. How thick is that concrete pad? Think i will do this for my patio door. Thanks!
No problem, the pad is 4" thick and reinforced with rebar that is lagged into the foundation of the house.
Is there an application for this kind of staircase that excludes the concrete pad on bottom? any dry install applications not involving concrete//mortar? Would be interested let me know
For any stone veneer work like this, you really need a concrete footing. You can build most concrete block steps on clean, crushed stone without a footing. Here is a link to a video I made of steps like that 👉th-cam.com/video/EVmJ6tNYb58/w-d-xo.html
Videos nice and detailed work is very professionally executed too many commercials in your videos guys
Thank you very much, sorry for the ads. But that is how I get paid so that I am able to make these videos... ✌
Awesome job Christian and Benny 👍🏻💯
Christian, have you heard of this new adhesive product called STICKYSTONE ? If so, I would like to know your input on it.
Thanks! I have heard about it, I know the adhesives have come a long way and I use them on a few things. Have not used the sticky stone yet though.... For veneer, I think any adhesive is going to have a very hard time comparing to this ardex mortar.... This stuff is crazy how good it bonds, and I still like the using mortar aspect. Makes me feel like a mason, gluing and sticking veneer just seems cheesy to me... 🤣 But I'm sure the product works well and lasts a long time. I personally just love this ardex and will most likely use it for a long time...✌
@@TheChristianHardscaper Thanks for your input. I wasn’t too crazy how they demonstrated the use of adhesive and leaving so many gaps for water to seep behind the veneers. It’s very expensive too.
I am looking forward to more of your videos.
Yea, that’s what worries me the most… mortar keeps a nice seal to keep water out, especially this specialized mortar I use. ✌🏻
What is the thought process of no mortar between the blocks?
The mortar in between the blocks just is not necessary for step applications. In my opinion, it's better than mortaring in between the blocks. It keeps the blocks touching each other, so that there is no point of failure. If you see broken down block work, the 1st point of failure is the vertical mortar joints. They crack and loosen, eventually falling out which allows the blocks themselves to shift and fail. When the block is visible, they do it for looks, measurements and for sealing it to prevent water from getting in. When you are covering the blocks with stone veneer, you do not have to worry about the water, looks or measurements. Plus it saves so much time... As long as the joints are staggered, they will never move. ✌
I am an experienced builder. Is it possible to work with you? I admire you
Why no mortor between blocks (uprights)?
It's just is not necessary when you are stone veneering on top of it. Saves time and in my opinion, it holds better. If you look at failing block work, the mortared joints in between the blocks is the 1st point of failure. So I keep them tight when building for stone veneer.
Very nice bro!!! I seen your videos awhile ago! Your out here killing it!!! I’m a stone mason from Pennsylvania I’ve been putting some videos up nothing like yours but I’ve just been starting to put up videos of my work and talking to other tradesman. Anyway I’m def gonna subscribe! Keep up the great work!!! I came over from a short from Grubb
That's awesome man, thanks for the support. I just checked out your channel, you do some sweet stone work brother. Must be plenty of that work down in Pennsylvania, so much natural stone in that state, I love it! Looking forward to seeing more of your work. TH-cam has been a blessing in my life, Hopefully it is for you as well! ✌
@@TheChristianHardscaper Thnaks brother!! Your the man! I appreciate the support! And yes there’s plenty of masonry work. Not to many guys laying solid stone anymore. But you also have to find people who want and can afford that sort of thing cause it is time consuming. We fortunately can do a lil bit of everything masonry related from stonework, pointing. Brick block. Patios. Sidewalks. Steps. Stucco. You name it we do it. But yeah bro keep up the great work your the man!!! And thanks for hitting me back!!!
@@TheChristianHardscaper and I’ll keep following your work I’m glad Grubb reminded me about your channel cause you do ace work bro! 💯🧱⚒️💰💪🏻
@@maxg9999 The masonry trade has definitely lost a ton of workers in the past 10+ years. The majority of guys in this generation can't handle the hard work. They all want cushy jobs in an office.... I love this work and can't ever imagine doing something else.
I am hoping to get more into natural stone work in the future, but as you said, it is not easy to sell. It takes a client with good taste and a big bank account.... lol But they are out there.
Thanks again man, we will stay connected. God bless!✌
@@TheChristianHardscaper hey bro it definitely has but I get it the trade has really been beaten down somewhat due to a lot of things. Alot of the masons are getting older and not too many young people getting into it. Also you can only get paid so much starting out as a laborer so it’s hard to stick with it when you can make similar money working in a warehouse. Also once you work for yourself you can only
Charge so much and still get the work. And you also have people who do some work that’s not so great that you got to compete with and a million other things I could go on and on about that make it difficult to maintain a profitable business. But me and my dad got a pretty good thing going. It’s just me and him and we do quality projects and try to have a good time while we’re doing it. You seem to have a good thing going too with your business. Hope your having a great day brother.
I'm comparing two of your videos and I'm not sure which method I should be using. Hoping you could tell me which video to follow for my situation.
I'm using Alta pro Wall Blocks to construct a 6'x6'x1' stoop to enter the house as part of a paver patio. With caps around the perimeter and pavers in the center on top of the blocks.
The "DIY(Split Faced) Concrete Block Steps" video shows the blocks being laid out directly on the gravel base while this video shows a concrete slab base.
The other difference would be filling the middle with cinder blocks vs more gravel and a layer of sand to lay the pavers on.
Appreciate your time and the videos are a huge help!!
Thank you
Thanks for reaching out and watching the videos! So when you use concrete wall blocks which are dry laid on top of each other, laying them directly on an (Open Grade) gravel base is just fine. Concrete block walls are designed to be dry laid and have the ability to shift slightly with ground movement. But when you are using block and mortar with stone veneer and granite caps that will also be mortared, a concrete footing is necessary to basically make the entire stoop, one large piece. Some people may not agree with building block steps on gravel, but it is a tested and true method. What a footing does is make the proposed install 1 piece, split faced wall block is designed to be separate from each other and allow for slight movement through freeze / thaw cycles. When I say slight movement, we are talking 1/8 - 1/4 of an inch at most. They lift when it freezes and sink back into place when it thaws. Even that is an extreme case. With a 6+ inch base of clean crushed stone, the likely hood of block steps moving in cold weather is almost non existent because the stone does not hold onto water, it drains through freely. And with the block steps covering the base material, the cold does not penetrate deep enough to freeze whatever little moisture may be in the stone. And even if the little bit of moisture does freeze, the open spaces in the stone allow for it to expand into them and prevent the material from shifting.
Now if I was building steps which would be much larger than that set of steps in the "DIY (Split Faced) Concrete Block Steps" I would most likely build them on a concrete footing. But the size of those steps and width did not require a footing in my opinion. Just as I do not believe the project you are building requires a concrete footing. If you are only going 2 steps high, a gravel base of at least 6 inches is more than sufficient. Just be sure to compact the gravel firmly, than build the stoop right on top of that and follow the steps I took in that block steps video. Geo grid is very helpful, don't forget that... Good luck! ✌
@@TheChristianHardscaper Thank you!! Really appreciate it!
No problem!
Dude I never met you but I would be able to pick out your voice out of like a thousand people lol
🤣 I have been told that before.. LOL ✌
Is this a better way than pouring solid concrete?
I wouldn't necessarily say it's better, just one of many ways to build inner steps to later apply stone veneer and caps to. Pouring sloid concrete would require a lot of concrete and may be considered overkill, especially for a 3 step stoop. This way allows for water & moisture to travel through freely.
@@TheChristianHardscaper I am planning on redoing my front steps with blue stone treads/landing and veneer sides risers, never gave block a thought but after watching this thinking that this may be an option. I’ll be widen existing landing a foot to right and left and depth, base is solid so thinking don’t need to remove all. Curious what you would do?
@@msk3905 Oh nice! If your footing seems solid and doesn't seem to have shifted much over the years, then yes you can build right on top of it. Just be sure it it seems solid. And yeah, I build 90% of my stone veneer steps this way you see here. ✌
The block with the line in the middle is a corner block
👍
Terrance Trent ……Darby
🤣👌
As a Christian, dont you believe that purposeful scarring or mutilation of your body for vanity is wrong?
If you are referring to tattoos, I don't think they are sinful per say. But depending on the tattoo, it could be sinful.
@The Christian Hardscaper it's not so much what the tatto is, it's the fact that youre harming the vessel God allowed you for purposes of vanity...
I think you are assuming they are for vanity. Some people get them for vanity, some get them to commemorate lost loved ones, bible verses, biblical pictures / art. I believe they are a form of expression. Some express their evil ways through them, some express the important things in their lives with them. God will judge the heart and motives behind our decision to get tattoos. These bodies will turn to dust when we go to heaven. We will have new bodies and nobody will remember their tattoos... ✌
@The Christian Hardscaper yeah, most people have been gradually swayed into this way of thinking and forget the teachings of the Bible. Scarring or mutilation of the body for any reason, even to commemorate loved ones isn't acceptable from a Christian perspective, imagine cutting your arm because you lost a loved one or because you want to express yourself. There are so many things the Bible has taught that people are willing to throw away because "society" tells is its okay to indulge in these sins as long as we have good intentions...
@@clarkalvarez1729 I understand where you are coming from, but I disagree with you that a tattoo is mutilating your body. Cutting your arm off or other body parts.... that is mutilation. But hey, we all have our own perspectives and I certainly am not interested in arguing about tattoos, there are many other things that are better to talk about from a spiritual perspective. God Bless ✌
Nice I like them grub mud boys too lol
Yea buddy, they got a nice channel