Lava rock wall

[Noel M2]

Has anyone had any experiences with building a rock wall? I'm putting up one around a home that we're building and wondering if I should insist on reinforcement bars in the core of the wall.

Most walls that I've seen constructed are held together with cement.

Let me know if you have experience or advice on this one.

Thanks in advance.

Noel

[RT]

HI Noel,

I have had some walls built. Some with rebar some without. If the walls are decorative and low then it is considered practical to delete the rebar (though rebar always increases the strength of the wall). Some walls are at risk of perhaps being hit by a car at a gate or driveway. If that is a concern I suggest that rebar will not save the wall. It might help a bit and prefvent it fom toppling over but do not expect a rock wall to hold up to a car accident.

If the wall retains earth or is otherwise backfilled and carrying a load then rebar definately should be used.

I hope this helps.

Aloha

[pslamont]

Hey RT, G R E A T information. I hadn't thought of it like that but it sure makes sense.... Mahalo.

Just another day in P A R A D I S E !!

[Hazen]

Well........

I just happened to be talking to a guy last night over a brewskie who specializes in "blue rock" walls. He says that under 3' tall he doesn't use rebar if the wall is in a stable location. Any soft spots that could be undermined require reinforcement to avoid cracking with settling. He uses a 5:1 local "sand" (i think its pulverized cinder) to portland cement mix, which seems reasonable considering the sand type. He sometimes makes cement caps for the walls. FYI he charges $13/sq ft. Extra for gates, pillars, and concrete forms and patios. I can give his info out if anyone would like it.

Hazen

[Noel M2]

Hi RT!

Thanks for the info. I'll review the site again with that advice in mind. The wall sits mainly on lava so there is no soft area to contribute to any sinking but I will have some depressions backfilled.

Hazen, the contractor is using some kind of sand and portland mix. He is also adding a cement cap on the finished wall.

Any ideas on iron gate fabricators? I'm going to install one by the drive way and need to start shopping around for one.

Thanks again for the response.

Noel

[RT]

Hi again Noel,

I had another thought. I have seen a number of people make some seerious mistakes in placing entry walls and gates. One is to make it too narrow for a container or large truck to turn in. Quite sad to see a nice wall crushed and a truck damaged.

Another is to set the gate right on the road where one has to block the roadway when they park to unlock the gate. It is best to set the gate far enough back to parkoff road when attending the gate.

Just observations.

RT

[punagirl]

We are thinking of a low rock wall with pillars every 5-6 ft. and then bamboo or something similar between the pillars. Our lot is preetty smally so it shouldn't be too expensive. I just want the wall high enough to keep my miniature dachsunds from getting out. They aren't really climbers so 2 ft for the bottom wall should be enough.

Hazen, maybe you should post the name of your wall builder. He might get a little extra buisness.

I heard that some crews throw food into the walls. Is this true? Seems gross.

Atlanta/Pahoa

[Noel M2]

RT,

I agree - I've taken those into account. I've asked for the actual wall to curve into the property so that the gates are recessed so that the road is not blocked while waiting for the gate to be opened.

Another consideration are weep holes to ensure that any excess water does can easily flow through.

Punagirl, we had a similar plan initially - 2 foot wall and a 2 foot section above that with a different material - vinyl or trex. We wanted to avoid the maintenance issues associated with corrosion by the ocean. After taking a look at the cost, it made more sense to use rock up to 4 ft.

Your plan to use bamboo would create a very tropical look. Ensure that the bamboo is treated if you do go this route.




Noel

[David M]

Hazen, Please do post the contact info. If it is archived here, I can find it again. I too hope to have some sort of a lava wall at entrance to my drive, but that is a loooong way down the priority list.

[David D]

Noel,

You might want to have a small gate next to the drive gate so that people can come onto the property without driving up to your home.
Also a nice feature is to have a gate opener. I have one that is solar powered and its great! (Mighty Mule @ Home Depot)

David D