FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

EEEaKK! my foundation is showing!

| Posted in Construction Techniques on May 2, 2002 02:17am

I found some Granite slabs that are 3 inches thick and about 14 inches wide.  they vary in length from 5 ft. to 3 ft.   What I want to do is drill a couple of holes in them Bolt them in place with 1/2 inch stainless steel bolts and lay them Flag style along the foundation. While there isn’t a brick ledge to support them there is foam that could be removed to provide frost heave protection.   What I want to achieve is something other than  cement block as a foundation.  Will this work?

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. MHinshaw | May 02, 2002 08:06am | #1

    If you really want to pursue this, I highly recomend that you find a marble mason to advise you.  Installing stone like those is extremely time consuming and difficult in general. 

    Moreover, if your CMU foundation is not "grouted", that is, the cores filled with concrete, you will not have much luck anchoring something such as your stone to it.

    1. fdampier | May 02, 2002 09:16pm | #6

      Luckily I'm removing the house so  I can pour concrete into the cores, but you bring up a good idea.   Rather then using lead expansion plugs I'll use bolts with largish washers and nutsand then pour the concrete into the cores.. should be more than strong enough.

        HA! you talk about time consuming!  I'm building a double timber frame house.  Every timber inside and out needs to be planed, sanded and erected.  In addition to ensure the quality of the timbers, I dried them for three years prior to the start!  In addition all of the wood used on this house was purchased rough sawn.  Roof, floor every board is planed, sanded, and milled by me.  I started with 36,000 bd.ft. of White Oak, Black walnut, Cherry, Burl,Hard Maple, Tamarck, Eastern White Pine etc.   Since then I've purchased another 4,000 bd.ft.   (I have this addiction problem)

         Putting up a few slabs of granite in the time scheme is nothing... HA! Nothing I say,  won't take but,, well just a few,  well ummmm, weeks?  Uh shoudn't I use a granite guy rather than a marble guy?  (we lack marble guys and have more than a few stone masons)

      1. MHinshaw | May 03, 2002 02:38am | #11

        If you are a union mason and set cut stone slabs like granite, you are still called a "marble mason" and that is what it says on your card.  Not all guys who can lay stone are trained in "mechanical set." Having said that, it is not brain surgery(but they will make you think that).

        1. fdampier | May 03, 2002 03:56am | #13

          Thanks! one more bit of knowledge. 

  2. tuffy | May 02, 2002 08:31am | #2

    Will this actually dress up the house, or will it just look like some dude bolted stuff to his house that obviously doesn't belong there?  I can't see it, so I don't know in your case, but the wrong material can look really out of place...

    Maybe stucco your foundation, and use the granite someplace you can really show it off--counters, fireplace mantel, flooring...

    Or better yet, let me come take it off your hands.  :-)

    1. fdampier | May 02, 2002 09:21pm | #7

      You won't see the bolts, they will be below grade once it's back filled.   The house is timberframed with Black walnut beams and brick infills.    Heck Granite isn't rare here in Minnesota,  we grow it,  all ya gotta do is pull it outa the ground and shape it the way you want. (actually it sells for $310.00 a ton milled into slabs)

  3. luvmuskoka | May 02, 2002 12:02pm | #3

    What about synthetic brick veneer. It comes in sheets, resembles hardi-plank in texture and applies with a trowled on mastic. It looks like real brick...at least from the street.

    1. fdampier | May 02, 2002 09:23pm | #8

      Son, you have no taste!

        Next you'll have me use plastic siding to cover the Black walnut beams or  rip off that copper because it's libal to turn green!

      1. luvmuskoka | May 02, 2002 10:41pm | #9

        NO TASTE!! What should be brick to grade is now kitchen counter material with lag bolts!!

        1. fdampier | May 03, 2002 01:22am | #10

          Son,

            Counters are polished, this isn't, it's flamed.giving it a rough texture like natural stone.  Didn't you read where the bolts are below grade?  What's the problem?  bricks going to grade have a habit of needing frequent tuck pointing.  In addition Many upscale homes use Granite as a foundation material rather than exposing concrete blocks.  the differance is I'm retro fitting them instead of pouring a ledger to footings.

          1. luvmuskoka | May 03, 2002 03:31am | #12

            Frenchy,

            You asked for suggestions, I mentioned one...didn't say it was the best choice...even offered a caveat...that it looked like brick...from the street. If you don't like a suggestion ignore it, don't dump on someone.

            By the way...I got your son.

          2. fdampier | May 03, 2002 04:00am | #14

            Fair enough,  I apologize if I offended you.  I'm probably overly sensitive about this since so many people I deal with have the slap-it-up-and-get-paid mind set.  I jumped at theassumtion that was what you were offering.

  4. tjcarcht | May 02, 2002 04:00pm | #4

    frenchy - 3" exceeds the 'normal' stone veneer thickness for such an application, meaning that they are going to be very heavy for their size, which is relevant.  The exposed fasteners will look funny, I think.

    T. Jeffery Clarke

    Quidvis Recte Factum Quamvis Humile Praeclarum



    Edited 5/2/2002 9:05:58 AM ET by Jeff Clarke

    1. fdampier | May 02, 2002 09:03pm | #5

      the fastners wouldn't show, only about 8 to 9 inches of the granite will be exposed. the Stainless steel bolts will be below that. They don't seem that heavy, I mean I'm not particularly strong and I held them up into place.  Granted not for long, but they would sit on the foam while I draw the bolts up tight.  Since the fastners are rated for well over 25 times the weight of the stone I fail to see where there is an issue with failure.

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools

From building boxes and fitting face frames to installing doors and drawers, these techniques could be used for lots of cabinet projects.

Featured Video

Video: Build a Fireplace, Brick by Brick

Watch mason Mike Mehaffey construct a traditional-style fireplace that burns well and meets current building codes.

Related Stories

  • Guest Suite With a Garden House
  • Podcast Episode 688: Obstructed Ridge Vent, Buying Fixer-Uppers, and Flashing Ledgers
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Finding the Right Fixer-Upper
  • Keeping It Cottage-Sized

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data